Sunset Hills is a delightful adventure that takes inspiration from classic point-and-click games like Monkey Island and Broken Sword. It’s one of those instances where the visual appeal truly draws you in. The game’s warm colors and inviting art style exude a comforting, familiar vibe—almost like a friendly hug at sunset.
The story centers on Nico, a charming dog who turned to writing after his military service, during which he forged bonds with various characters we meet as we journey through the game’s unique settings. These locations have a distinctly European feel, especially the first area, which appears to be inspired by Lisbon, characterized by its vibrant houses, staircases with many steps, and even the light that is so recognizable not only to its inhabitants but also to the tourists who visit its streets.
Artistically, Sunset Hills is a treat, presented with a mix of 2D characters and 3D environments. It is also a very cinematic game, with quite interesting points of view and cutscenes that help the player get immersed in the plot. Adding to all this, it features one of the most interesting main menus I’ve ever seen, designed like a diary that Nico carries with him during his train journeys.
The plot focuses on Nico’s efforts to reconnect with his old military friends, now spread across different cities. However, reaching them requires solving various puzzles and unraveling mysteries. Unfortunately, the primary storyline seems to take a backseat to these secondary activities, leaving the narrative feeling somewhat disjointed. I couldn’t help but feel a bit let down by the lack of focus and depth in the story.
Gameplay-wise, Sunset Hills demands a lot of exploration to solve its puzzles, which can often be frustratingly blocked by the need to first discover something unrelated in another area. This can lead to unnecessary frustration, and the addition of hints would have been helpful. The two chapters provided by Cotton Games took me 11 hours to complete, with more to come in future releases. I was left with that “it wasn’t enough” feeling, having invested so much time only to be left waiting for the story’s conclusion.
Despite these drawbacks, Sunset Hills offers a compelling experience, guiding players on a scenic train journey around the world.
