Naiad may be the most relaxing game I’ve ever played. It’s a visually stunning adventure with a gentle soundtrack that tells the tale of a kind-hearted water spirit. Developer Hiwarp takes a minimalist approach to gameplay, asking players to do little more than float in a river, vibe with relaxing music, and, if they’re up to it, help out a duckling or two.
Born from the tears of a tiny cloud, and only moments before the story begins, players are introduced to the eponymous Naiad as she floats in the headwaters of a mighty river. After guiding some butterflies to a patch of flowers, the river opens, and Naiad is instructed by the little cloud to embark on a journey that will take her to the river’s end. The only advice given for the adventure ahead is to be fearless and flow.
With the little cloud’s guidance and encouragement, Naiad explores the river, uncovering secrets hidden in the nooks of its brooks while offering nature a helping hand as she floats by.
The narrative is divided into 16 chapters that follow Naiad over the course of her life and along the length of the river. Each chapter consists of a series of themed streams connected by waterfalls. It’s possible to complete each chapter by simply flowing from one waterfall to the next, but to get the full experience, Naiad must do some good deeds along the way.
“Naiad may be the most relaxing game I’ve ever played.”
The river is full of lost ducklings that need to be escorted back to their mothers, frogs that need lilypads, and fish that just need some company. To assist the animals, Naiad sings to them until they start to follow her lead. Once in tow, the creatures can be guided in the right direction. At times, the ducklings’ pathfinding will get them stuck behind rocks and logs, but for the most part, the parade of creatures does a good job of keeping pace with Naiad.
For her efforts, Naiad is rewarded with new paths to explore, little poems to read, and the chance to change the colour of her hair. Aside from acquiring the occasional new skill, tasks mostly amount to little more than flavour. But in a game built on atmosphere, unlocking the opportunity to float alongside a dragon or glide with an owl is all the recompense one could possibly ask for.
In a literal sense, the adventure is mostly sunshine and rainbows, but the journey isn’t without troubled waters. Not every spirit is as benevolent as our little nymph, and not all creatures treat the water with the respect it deserves. While there may not be any enemies to fight in Naiad, there is a very clear antagonist—and bad news: it’s us.
As the river progresses, we pass through forests, caves, rapids, lakes, and more. Eventually, however, Naiad must traverse the stagnant and polluted canals of a bustling city. After spending ample time basking and playing in the vibrant pastels of the forest, getting trapped in the greyness of civilization is absolutely heart-wrenching. It’s hard not to feel for Naiad as she trudges through plumes of toxic sludge, painfully gasping for air. The transition is harsh, and through visual cues alone, the gameplay conveys a feeling of desperation and urgency.
The story’s emphasis on flow is reflected in the controls as well. Moving Naiad through the waters is effortless and smooth. There’s a minimalist approach to gameplay that only requires players to sing, push, wave hello, and dash around the river. While there may not be many options for actions, there’s a wonderful variety in how and when they can be applied. It’s a simple enough setup that the entire game can be played using only the mouse, leaving your other hand free to use however you’d like. I’d recommend using it to sip hot chocolate or pet a goose.
HiWarp, Naiad’s developer, aptly describes the game as a wholesome snack. But with so much eye candy baked into each frame and a persistently soothing atmosphere, you could also call Naiad a sweet treat. The overly sentimental poetry makes this snack a little saccharine at times, but overall, Naiad is a savoury little adventure that’s sure to warm your heart and satiate your inner mermaid.
