Review: Pathless Switch - heading in the correct direction

Our Verdict

The Pathless remains a solid game from its engaging story and pretty setting to the enjoyable gameplay, though it can get repetitive at times. Still, a solid performance on Switch means we highly recommend you pick it up on the hybrid console

The Pathless debuted for iOS, Android, PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on November 12, 2020. I was immediately drawn to this game, and because I was among the fortunate few who received a PS5 on launch day, I felt compelled to purchase Annapurna Interactive's offering. Heck, the publisher's reputation should say it all.

The Pathless is fantastic. It's a mysterious and amazing journey in a place that's a true joy to explore. But no matter how long I use it, one question has persisted in my mind: why isn't this treasure available on the Nintendo Switch? Fortunately for me and other hybrid platform enthusiasts, The Pathless is now playable on the Nintendo Switch. Even better, I have a duplicate just in case.

In summary, I am utterly thrilled with this port. However, I think you would like this review more if it were longer, so let's get started.

The absence of a map in this game is one of my favourite features. As an avid fan of role-playing games, I generally have a soft spot for maps. However, in a place like The Pathless, I like the absence of direction. Rather, the game employs a technique called spirit vision that compels you to notice the environment around you and appreciate its elegance, mystery, and beauty.

To shed further light on the feature, soon after you go to the island, you find a spirit mask, which opens the door to learning the mysteries of the planet. When a game looks for novel methods to lead players instead of depending only on a straightforward map that shows you how to move from point A to point B, it's inventive in my opinion. Eagle Mother, your game-long companion, is introduced to you shortly after you find the mask.

This is where the real narrative starts, with a curse threatening to take her life. To the horror of the Godslayer, an evil force behind the heinous acts in these regions, you succeed in purifying her. Eagle Mother, whose four children are also affected by the Godslayer's curse, pleads with you to rescue them when he departs.

If you don't assist this helpless mother in her hour of need, that horrible monster will fulfil his desire to destroy the planet, and it will end. Fortunately, you're prepared to visit these regions in order to heal Eagle Mother's offspring. The once-powerful spirit reincarnates as an ordinary eagle to aid you in your journey. She aids in your guidance in this world, thus I would strongly advise you to pay extra attention to your surroundings. You may enhance her powers by gathering gems.

You deserve it since, as The Hunter, you're a skilled archer who is attuned to your bow—trust me, it can save lives. In addition, The Pathless has a tonne of riddles, and the majority of the time, the solution to the issue at hand is found in your bow. I can definitely appreciate the difference in pace that The Pathless gives you as you pursue your goals from a gameplay standpoint.

I must add, however, that treating Eagle Mother's children may get monotonous since you have to repeat the same procedures in every location. After gathering lightstones, you may battle the cursed spirits by activating obelisks. It's true that having some variety in the puzzles—from moving items to navigating some challenging platforming—is good, but ultimately, it doesn't lessen how monotonous things can become.

Without a doubt, I still like this universe and strongly advise you to explore it—especially on the Nintendo Switch. I could go on and on about how smooth the motions feel and how well the controls work, but as the game is already older than two years, you probably already know all of that. Nevertheless, I would comment that everything seems seamless and the button arrangement is excellent. The pleasure of using the bow and arrow is enjoyable.

Now for the response to your more urgent query: does The Pathless work smoothly on Switch? Yes, The Pathless works nicely on the hybrid console, except from a few frame rate glitches. Does it seem as gorgeous as it did on the PS5? Naturally, this does not justify playing it on Switch in the first place.

It's really the mobility that makes it worthwhile to buy and play on a commute, especially since the game functions nicely in portable form. All in all, I still heartily suggest the game to everyone since it has an amazing plot and is situated in a gorgeous setting with breathtaking graphics. All you have to do is be prepared to give up the next generation consoles' superior visuals and fluidity. It seems worthwhile to me.

If you'd like to know what other adventures are available, you can check out our list of thebest Switch RPGs.