Europa felt like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom reimagined in a stunning Studio Ghibli world, and I loved every second of it

GamesAdventureEuropaEuropa felt like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom reimagined in a stunning Studio Ghibli world, and I loved every second of itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. GamesAdventureEuropaEuropa felt like Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom reimagined in a stunning Studio Ghibli world, and I loved every second of itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Future Friends Games) There’s just something about Europa that drew me in instantly - perhaps it was the gameplay reminiscent ofTears of the Kingdom, or maybe the breathtaking visuals that look as though they were plucked straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. Whatever it was, I’m so happy that it did as this indie gem proved to be everything it appeared to be and so much more. I’ve left the game with just one wish - that it somehow could’ve been longer. Everything from Europa’s emotional story to its unique take on the 3D platformer genre has stuck with me since I finished playing, and will probably continue to do so until the end of time. It’s such a simple and serene game, yet it manages to carry so much depth within itself. The vibrant aesthetic is almost misleading in a way, honestly - Europa offers a far greater experience than just a pretty playthrough, and it does so nearly seamlessly. One lonely planet (Image credit: Future Friends Games) Beneath Europa’s stunning Ghibli-like world is one very lonely planet, a moon that served as a home to many at one point, but now carries nothing but the sounds of buzzing gardeners and rushing rivers. Gardeners, the game’s robot-ish creatures that stand as the setting’s bugs and wildlife, remind me of Breath of the Wild’s own Guardians in a way - they exist as a reminder of both the past and what eventually came of it. Indie Spotlight(Image credit: Serenity Forge)This turn-based cyberpunk rhythm JRPG set in a world where music was outlawed is brutal and beautiful Indie Spotlight (Image credit: Serenity Forge)This turn-based cyberpunk rhythm JRPG set in a world where music was outlawed is brutal and beautiful (Image credit: Serenity Forge) This turn-based cyberpunk rhythm JRPG set in a world where music was outlawed is brutal and beautiful Every little letter I read told me as much, and boy did reading them hurt. I felt a plethora of emotions - I put myself into Zee’s shoes and felt the heavy pain of knowing everyone around me is gone, including the one who loved me the most, but I was also reminded of my own home here on Earth and how fragile it really is. After all, the game’s story isn’t so far-fetched - climate change is very real, and we won’t have the luxury of ignoring it forever. A truly touching tale (Image credit: Future Friends Games) “Between the brilliant storytelling and the relaxing gameplay, I truly think that Europa is one indie game you simply shouldn’t miss this year” “Between the brilliant storytelling and the relaxing gameplay, I truly think that Europa is one indie game you simply shouldn’t miss this year” As I soared through the sky using Zee’s Zephyr, this fact stuck with me - my world is just as fragile as his father’s was. Europa presents players with a very important tale, then, of life and love and how easily we can allow both to slip from our fingers should we remain selfish. It’s a story I’d argue we all very much need right now, and it’s so well-structured in terms of how it fits into the game that it never feels overwhelming. That’s likely due in part to its unique gameplay loop - passive combat, platforming, puzzles, and plenty of collecting. Whether it’s glittery emeralds, hard-to-reach chests, or new notes to better understand Europa’s story, there’s plenty for Zee to collect atop the moon. It all adds a fun, rewarding layer to an otherwise emotional adventure - and it somehow never takes away from the overarching serenity of the game, either. Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more Between the brilliant storytelling and the relaxing gameplay, I truly think that Europa is one indie game you simply shouldn’t miss this year. It’s short in length, but massive in impact - and that’s something I feel I seldom say about most titles nowadays. I won’t spoil anything here, but I promise that if you do play, you probably won’t be able to stop searching for notes to uncover more of Europa and Zee’s cryptic past - and when you do, bring tissues. Europa is out now on PC and Switch. For more check out these otherupcoming indie games, or head on over to ourIndie Spotlightseries. 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heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”