Live out your rock climbing fantasy with this ‘cozy’ game
In a feat of athletic endurance, madness, and brand-risk all-in-one, Alex Honnold climbed Taipei 101, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. At 40 years old, the American rock climber scaled the 101-story tower without any ropes, and with millions watching through Netflix’s “Skyscraper Live.”
But as commendable as this achievement was, one can’t help but think: Why even go through it? Why put yourself at such risk where a single slip or misstep could mean the end of it? Even going beyond the Taipei 101 climb, clips of cave and cliff divers scattered throughout the internet have onlookers in awe, yet assured that they would never try such a thing.
The best thing about rock climbing and any other extreme sport is that it is optional. But if you’re at the very least curious about it, you can get a taste of it—without all the necessary risk and training—through the newly-released “Cairn.”
Redefining video game climbing
Running, climbing, hiking, sailing, and flying are traversal mechanics that have always been present in games. However, they are largely relegated to the side as a means of getting from point A to point B—a tool used in your typical roleplay game (RPG) or open-world title.
Recent games have flipped this narrative, instead building whole worlds and experiences on these mundane activities. “Death Stranding” by Hideo Kojima, the man behind the “Metal Gear” franchise, is essentially a walking simulator, where players deliver packages to far-flung destinations. Meanwhile, there are other games such as “PowerWash Simulator” and “Euro Truck Simulator” whose titles speak for themselves. So much for video games being an escape from reality.
“Cairn” is the latest in this growing genre of “cozy” but all-too-real games. Players follow pro-climber Aava, who seeks to scale Mount Kami and become the first person to conquer its peak.
The climb itself is the challenge: controls are simple and intuitive, yet each step and hold must be intentional and planned ahead of time. Aava is a professional, not superhuman, and players must also be wary of her stamina when climbing.
“Cairn” features breathtaking visuals and a story by comic-book artist Mathieu Bablet, and music and sound design behind games such as “Limbo,” “Inside,” and “Control.” But behind that natural beauty is also a gruelling survival mechanic: resources such as pitons, chalk, and finger tape have to be carefully managed.
Not to mention, Aava also needs to frequently stock up on food, water, and medicine to survive the long climb.
A physical and spiritual journey
As previously established, no one would embark on such a perilous journey for just the sake of doing so. And while “Cairn” heavily emphasizes the climb, so too does it slowly unveil both the history of Mount Kami and the deeply personal reasons behind Aava’s choice to scale the mountain.
This review by Will Borger for IGN puts it best: “The quest for the summit may drive her, but she’s running away from a world on the ground as much as she’s climbing towards Kami’s peak. For everyone else, there’s a life at the bottom of the mountain. All they have to do is give up and come down. For Aava, the climb is all there is.”
