NAIAD Review

Game: NAIAD
Genre: Adventure
System: Steam (Windows & macOS) (also available on Nintendo Switch, PS4 & PS5, Xbox series X/S)
Developers | Publishers: HiWarp
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $17.99 | UK £15.07 | EU € 17,55
Release Date: December 10th, 2024 (EU Switch release 23rd December, 2024)

A review code was used, with many thanks to Popagenda PR.

Solo developer HiWarp, based in Spain, has released his first game, NAIAD, which was shown during the Wholesome Snack digital showcase today.

While NAIAD has a short playtime, it is a very beautiful minimalist adventure that invites you to drift through a tranquil river as a water nymph with guidance from a friendly cloud. It is a masterclass in how simple mechanics, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design can create an emotionally impactful experience.

NAIAD: A Journey Without Pressure

In ancient mythology, NAIAD means to flow. So, in the game, you play as NAIAD, a water nymph that watches over and protects sources of freshwater such as rivers, springs, streams, and brooks.

You’ll learn to swim gracefully like a duck, dive swiftly like a fish, and more as you encounter charming friends along the way, uncover secret river passageways, and interact with a variety of adorable creatures like ducks, turtles, and even butterflies. You can also befriend fish, ducklings, turtles, snakes, and crocodiles and guide them to safety while dodging obstacles.

This river guardian, NAIAD, has some powers to help navigate the waters and the environment, such as Wild Heart, which allows NAIAD to push heavy obstacles out of the way by swimming harder, and Resonate Voice, which lets NAIAD break cracked rocks and bring the flora and fauna on the riverbanks to life by singing.

NAIAD Guiding fish to the river end — Guiding fish to the river end

Helping a lost fish find its way or guiding baby ducks safely down the river feels genuinely rewarding, and all the interactions with the water creatures are delightful. Each of the game’s 16 episodes introduces new environments, animals, and small challenges that will take you through beautiful and strange places like a cave, a forest, a creek, a lake and more, ensuring the experience remains fresh throughout its 3-4 hour playtime.

For me, NAIAD stands out for its relaxing, non-violent gameplay; it’s pretty easy to get sucked into the calming gameplay and forget about your worries; there are no enemies, no death, and no time limits. Instead, the game encourages exploration at your own pace.

A Subtle Yet Impactful Story

NAIAD Helping the environment heal — Helping the environment heal

While NAIAD is primarily a serene experience, it doesn’t shy away from addressing the importance of protecting nature. In later stages, you encounter human-made obstacles like pollution and dams. These moments are handled with care and emphasis on the beauty of preserving the river’s natural flow. NAIAD’s emotional climax reinforces themes of growth, harmony, and being connected with each other.

A Visual Delight

NAIAD Sing to grow the plants — Sing to grow the plants

When I started playing NAIAD, the first thing that struck me about the game was its unique art style. The vibrant, painterly visuals make every zone of the river, whether it’s a lush forest, a sunlit orchard, or a mysterious cave, feel so alive.

The dynamic lighting and fluid animations create a dreamlike atmosphere that pairs beautifully with the game’s soundtrack. The music shifts to reflect each area’s mood, while the sound design, from the soft lapping of water to the chirping of animals, immerses you completely.

NAIAD entering the Cave — entering the Cave

NAIAD is a joy to play, and the controls work smoothly. The game runs well on both Steam Deck and computer, and I didn’t encounter any frame rate issues in either format. However, some players may find the mechanics overly simple or wish for a longer runtime. These aspects align with the game’s meditative design, which values tranquillity over complexity.

NAIAD The vibrant, painterly visuals make every zone of the river — The vibrant, painterly visuals make every zone of the river

Conclusion: A Beautiful Journey

NAIAD is a refreshing escape into nature that gently reminds us of our connection to the natural world around us. Developer HiWarp should be very proud of their achievement in developing such a gorgeous game. NAIAD’s calm gameplay, stunning visuals, and heartfelt message make it a brilliant title for anyone seeking a calm, wholesome experience. Whether on PC or Steam Deck, NAIAD flows seamlessly, inviting players to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the journey.

Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up