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We're trying out A Highland Song, the latest release from Inkle Studios! Moira McKinnon is running away from home, having a received a letter from her uncle Hamish telling her to come to his lighthouse as fast as she can. Her journey takes her through the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands, all set to a soundtrack featuring royalty from the Scottish festival scene. It won't be easy, though, as the hills and peaks are treacherous for the unprepared and unwary. Can Moira get to her uncle in time for Beltane?

I didn't expect to be back with A Highland Song so soon, but here we are. The devs released the Harmony update recently, adding some helpful new mechanics, extra story elements, and five new tracks from Talisk and Fourth Moon. The VOD actually starts at the end game because we didn't start a new run last time we played, so spoilers up front for those concerned. The fresh run starts at 12:45. Unlike our first two runs, this time we take the righthand path around the loch, looking for new loot and story beats. This includes a stop at The Queen's Throne and a late-night chat with a mysterious voice -- perhaps Queen Morag herself (40:00) -- and a surprise encounter with a sandals-wearing spelunker who is rude but easily bribed with an old bottle of whisky (53:30).

Our new path also takes us to Moonspike, where some fool left a telescope bolted to the rock for any old wanderer to use (1:15:30). We then move on to Beacon Hill, which we've seen before and which tells us we're about midway through the run. We also find a path I've never seen before, though, and that puts us right at the foot of the Eagle's Nest. Moira finds a giant quartz rock near the peak and leaves it at the summit, which evidently pleased the local eagles so much they give her a lift (1:39:00). See how easy that was, Mr. Frodo? The eagle drops Moira off slightly farther west than hoped but still in the home stretch, and our push to the finish is accelerated by finding a path that takes us from the Lion's Back to the Sea Wall (2:12:30), the penultimate stop on our journey. We end up getting to the lighthouse two days before Beltane -- a new personal best, and no deaths to boot -- and "Uncle" Hamish has some more details about our family history. Games like A Highland Song are why I love the indie space: short, sweet, heartfelt, and fun to return to. Strongest of recommends. From the May 17, 2024, stream at   / trooperbari  .

Moira McKinnon is running away. A wild adventure through the Scottish Highlands, with open platforming and dynamic storytelling, maps and music. From the creators of Heaven's Vault and 80 Days. https://store.steampowered.com/app/12...