Akupara Games has announced that Whispering Willows - an upcoming adventure puzzle game - will be launching on Nintendo Switch on 27th September.
In the game, you'll be following the story of a young girl called Elena Elkhorn as she embarks on a harrowing journey to find her missing father and discover the secrets of the Willows Mansion. A unique amulet she received from her father allows her to astral project her spirit into a ghostly-realm and communicate with the dead. You must use your astral projection to solve the mansion’s tricks and puzzles, help the lingering souls, and uncover all of the secrets in Whispering Willows.
There appears to be a rather hefty emphasis on the game's use of HD Rumble here, which allows the player to feel a slow pulse that grows when close to friendly spirits, or a hurried vibration to warn you of any angry entities nearby. You can find out a little more below thanks to this handy feature list:
Game Features
- Switch HD Rumble – Feel ghostly presences through Elena's amulet with unique patterns for friendly and aggressive spirits
- Beautiful 2D Art – Immerse yourself in a beautifully hand-drawn 2D world as you traverse the Mansion grounds
- Haunting Audio – Allow the haunting music and chilling sound effects to send goosebumps across your neck
- Twisted Plot – Let the history of the Willows Mansion draw you into a plot full of twists and betrayal
- Puzzling Secrets – Explore the vast Mansion and unlock its puzzling secrets as you search for your missing Father
As mentioned above, the game launches on Switch on the 27th of this month, but pre-orders are now live on the US eShop for $9.99.
A nice starter for the upcoming Luigi's Mansion 3 main course? Let us know your thoughts on this one below.
Comments 12
Got it in a HB but haven't even had time to try it yet. Considered double-dipping on Vita (especially after Bulb Boy, whose Android version was in the same bundle, left me thankful I'd never started it on the phone), but this is preferable even by default - and HD Rumble emphasis seals the deal.
Have this on my wish list on Wii U, but was never sure about it. After watching the Switch trailer I'll probably pass, but maybe someday I'll look up some gameplay videos to get a better idea.
I don't think I've actually felt HD rumble on my Switch yet. Which games actually use it?
Played it on Android TV, makes perfect sense for an upgraded version on Switch at the right price!!
Nintendo already achieved this with Luigi mansion on GC in 2001. It's the first game that uses the controller's rumble for ghostly notifications.
@Baker1000 Lumines. It's the strongest vibes you'll ever feel from the joy-con. Mario Tennis Aces has the strongest rumble for first party game.
I completed Whispering Willows on Wii U: It reminded me of an old sidescrolling puzzle-adventure. It's spooky but not really horror. The game was pretty ok, but an inclusion of a map system would help. I had to draw my own maps for the labyrinth garden and crypt, which took me back to the old days. In hindsight the areas aren't super-complex but without a map they manage to confuse some.
I think the game Goetia (also available on Switch eShop) is very similar to this one in tone and gameplay, especially since your spirit can leave your body Ghost Trick-like.
@SKTTR I kind of like this idea. Especially since your character is Astral projecting, she wouldn't particularly be able to keep a map handy, so it sort of makes sense.. I'll keep it on my radar.
It's an alright game but it's pretty short and HD rumble isn't enough of an incentive to double dip.
The ice cubes in my Joy-Cons must’ve melted, because I’ve not yet played a game that seemed to take advantage of the HD rumble feature. Glad this game is using it, though!
yeah, looks like a flash game. pass.
@Nincompoop I have Mario Tennis and couldn't really feel it being much different to normal rumble tbh. I'm more thinking about that feeling everyone spoke about from playing the marble game in 1-2 Switch, where it's more subtle than just being a strong vibration. I can't say I've felt that yet.
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