Anyone that has played Saga of the North Wind, even read it's descriptions, knows that I'm going to immediately draw parallels between this 'game' and Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books. But, really, what is the point. If you know what a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book is, you don't need to be caught up because they had such a spastic existence - constantly fading in and out of the public eye. If you don't, to experience on is simple - just download this 'game' from the app store and be prepared to experience three amazing chapters for free. And, no, I've not been paid for this review - I just really enjoyed my experience with this title. Tom Knights has clearly fulfilled some kind of dual ambition, to both write and create videos games, as he's flawlessly combined the pair. Saga of the North Wind is a CYOA, almost a text-adventure game, but not only that - it is a evolution that neither managed to make during their brief popularity. Behind all the interesting choices, some delightfully gray or leading to events you would not expect, there are subsystems at play that track and allow you to manage your character's personality and favoritism with certain Gods. Every choice changes your character's traits, who you can customize through clever in-game interactions, and favoring certain gods throughout the story will drastically change your relationship with others. To add more depth, and risk, to the game, Tom Knights has even included a damage system that can, as far as I know, ultimately result in the death of your character. Now, you must be wondering - have I completely lost my mind and resorted to reviewing some video game as opposed to books? No. I do play video games, but I do not review them. You see, if there is one thing Saga of the North Wind boasts about, besides the length, it that it includes no graphics whatsoever. There is no actual game-play, just reading and manipulating the game through choices. Yes, when I say this is a CYOA, it genuinely is. You won't be doing much besides interacting with a very well written novel - as well, probably the only place where I'll find the 'present-tense' narrative acceptable. If you're up all night, looking for something to dive into, take a chance with Saga of the North Wind. I discovered it by chance and I absolutely have no regretted the hours I've put into this experience. It is great to have a 'game' that can genuinely appeal to readers and lovers of old, oh so very old, Choose-Your-Own-Adventure books. -L. BROOKS
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