Note: The entirety of the game was played on the Steam Deck; this review reflects my opinion on this platform - playing it on PC might be a different experience.


I know I have a tendency to use big words in my reviews, and some of my claims may sound completely exaggerated. On most occasions, I feel like I’m unable to adequately describe the range of sensations and emotions I experienced when playing a game I found particularly enjoyable.
However, Mutazione taught me about the many facets of life: the wide variety of human feelings, the deep secrets that lie deep within everyone, the joy of giving, and the importance of strong bonds.
Even if I never learn from my past mistakes, I’m certain that this game is one of the most moving and enriching experiences I've ever encountered, and I think everyone should experience it at least once in their life.


A meteorite named Moon Dragon smashed into the island of Mutazione over 100 years ago. Once a bustling tourist destination, the holiday resort has almost entirely vanished, along with most of its population, and a mysterious mutation has started to spread. The island's vegetation and wildlife have undergone radical changes, and the descendants of those who refused to leave the island are now only human in their hearts.

Our heroine, Kai, is a 15-year-old girl who receives a letter from her grandfather's friend urging her to travel to the island immediately. Nonno, the grandfather she has never met, has been terminally ill for months, and he is desperate to meet his granddaughter for the first and maybe final time.
Even though Kai's mom has strong objections to the plan, she realizes she can't prevent her daughter from going - and with this, the journey of a lifetime begins!

The story is told in a deliberate and cryptic fashion, during which you will spend the vast majority of your time listening to the conversations and exchanges of other characters. The fact that the game advertises itself as a "mutant soap opera" is by no means a coincidence. Most of the plot's information regarding the past, as well as long-kept secrets, profound emotions, and even just simple, happy moments are disclosed during the course of the conversations.

While some visuals and video sequences may give the impression that Mutazione is an adventure or a platformer title, the game is less concerned with traditional gameplay and more interested in the player's experience of the odd village, the people who live there, and the rhythms of rural life.
Because people only visit the island to research and examine its inhabitants, everyone who lives there is intimately acquainted with the pain of isolation.
Kai is the first human visitor to the island in over 20 years, and the islanders feel relieved because she isn't terrified of them.
On the surface, it appears that their everyday lives are routine with no place for drama; nonetheless, there are numerous scars left inside everyone, as well as unspoken feelings.
Infidelity. An urge to flee. Unrequited love. The never-ending agony of a parent who has lost a child. Some of them erupt with the ferocity of burning metal, while others try to forgive and forget, sometimes not in the most acceptable way.

The central storyline mainly focuses on Nonno and the little errands he gives Kai; however, most of the time I’ve found myself just wandering around and talking with the locals. These sympathetic characters are not there to provide impetus and context for Kai's heroic journey; rather, their stories and secrets are the reward for the player who loves to explore. Neither their problems nor their solutions can be accomplished with a few button presses, as the typical central character would. These moments may not be as rewarding in the traditional sense as, for example, a never-ending supply of experience points, but that may be precisely why they are so meaningful. Of course, this can only work if the dialogue is well written and the situations are engaging - and thankfully Mutazione is.

Visually, Mutazione is a work of art. The hand-drawn graphics have a special charm, with brilliant colors and intricate settings that bring the mutant-infested planet to life. The accompanying evocative soundtrack wonderfully compliments the pictures, setting the tone and heightening the emotional effect of the narrative.


Exploration and gardening serve as the primary gameplay elements.


Mutazione's tranquil and breathtaking landscapes are at your disposal thanks to the exploration mechanics. Every action you perform in the game, from exploring new areas to finding new mysteries to having meaningful talks with the mutants, furthers the game's theme of human connection and development.

Tending your garden serves as a metaphor for the characters' and their emotions' interconnectedness.
You indirectly influence the emotional states of the characters as you cultivate your garden, planting and caring for a range of exotic plants. Gardening becomes a healing activity, creating a palpable sense of development and restoration in the community.
There's also a touch of magic in this mechanism. Each garden needs to have a distinct atmosphere, which is accomplished by planting multiple plants of the same type. Kai early on receives a magical drum from his grandfather, on which, if she drums the right melody, the plants will grow rapidly.


Mutazione is a stellar game with a narrative that isn’t afraid to delve into harder topics. It's a must-play for everyone looking for an original and introspective adventure thanks to its charming characters, compelling story, and breathtaking visuals.

Follow our Curator page, Summit Reviews, to see more high quality reviews regularly.

[h2]“Let us cultivate our garden.” - Voltaire[/h2] [i]Note: The entirety of the game was played on the Steam Deck; this review reflects my opinion on this platform - playing it on PC might be a different experience.[/i] [h3]Preface[/h3] I know I have a tendency to use big words in my reviews, and some of my claims may sound completely exaggerated. On most occasions, I feel like I’m unable to adequately describe the range of sensations and emotions I experienced when playing a game I found particularly enjoyable. However, Mutazione taught me about the many facets of life: the wide variety of human feelings, the deep secrets that lie deep within everyone, the joy of giving, and the importance of strong bonds. Even if I never learn from my past mistakes, I’m certain that this game is one of the most moving and enriching experiences I've ever encountered, and I think everyone should experience it at least once in their life. [h3]The Land Of Mutazione[/h3] A meteorite named Moon Dragon smashed into the island of Mutazione over 100 years ago. Once a bustling tourist destination, the holiday resort has almost entirely vanished, along with most of its population, and a mysterious mutation has started to spread. The island's vegetation and wildlife have undergone radical changes, and the descendants of those who refused to leave the island are now only human in their hearts. Our heroine, Kai, is a 15-year-old girl who receives a letter from her grandfather's friend urging her to travel to the island immediately. Nonno, the grandfather she has never met, has been terminally ill for months, and he is desperate to meet his granddaughter for the first and maybe final time. Even though Kai's mom has strong objections to the plan, she realizes she can't prevent her daughter from going - and with this, the journey of a lifetime begins! The story is told in a deliberate and cryptic fashion, during which you will spend the vast majority of your time listening to the conversations and exchanges of other characters. The fact that the game advertises itself as a "mutant soap opera" is by no means a coincidence. Most of the plot's information regarding the past, as well as long-kept secrets, profound emotions, and even just simple, happy moments are disclosed during the course of the conversations. While some visuals and video sequences may give the impression that Mutazione is an adventure or a platformer title, the game is less concerned with traditional gameplay and more interested in the player's experience of the odd village, the people who live there, and the rhythms of rural life. Because people only visit the island to research and examine its inhabitants, everyone who lives there is intimately acquainted with the pain of isolation. Kai is the first human visitor to the island in over 20 years, and the islanders feel relieved because she isn't terrified of them. On the surface, it appears that their everyday lives are routine with no place for drama; nonetheless, there are numerous scars left inside everyone, as well as unspoken feelings. Infidelity. An urge to flee. Unrequited love. The never-ending agony of a parent who has lost a child. Some of them erupt with the ferocity of burning metal, while others try to forgive and forget, sometimes not in the most acceptable way. The central storyline mainly focuses on Nonno and the little errands he gives Kai; however, most of the time I’ve found myself just wandering around and talking with the locals. These sympathetic characters are not there to provide impetus and context for Kai's heroic journey; rather, their stories and secrets are the reward for the player who loves to explore. Neither their problems nor their solutions can be accomplished with a few button presses, as the typical central character would. These moments may not be as rewarding in the traditional sense as, for example, a never-ending supply of experience points, but that may be precisely why they are so meaningful. Of course, this can only work if the dialogue is well written and the situations are engaging - and thankfully Mutazione is. Visually, Mutazione is a work of art. The hand-drawn graphics have a special charm, with brilliant colors and intricate settings that bring the mutant-infested planet to life. The accompanying evocative soundtrack wonderfully compliments the pictures, setting the tone and heightening the emotional effect of the narrative. [h3]The Influence of Giving[/h3] Exploration and gardening serve as the primary gameplay elements. Mutazione's tranquil and breathtaking landscapes are at your disposal thanks to the exploration mechanics. Every action you perform in the game, from exploring new areas to finding new mysteries to having meaningful talks with the mutants, furthers the game's theme of human connection and development. Tending your garden serves as a metaphor for the characters' and their emotions' interconnectedness. You indirectly influence the emotional states of the characters as you cultivate your garden, planting and caring for a range of exotic plants. Gardening becomes a healing activity, creating a palpable sense of development and restoration in the community. There's also a touch of magic in this mechanism. Each garden needs to have a distinct atmosphere, which is accomplished by planting multiple plants of the same type. Kai early on receives a magical drum from his grandfather, on which, if she drums the right melody, the plants will grow rapidly. [h3]Final Conclusion[/h3] Mutazione is a stellar game with a narrative that isn’t afraid to delve into harder topics. It's a must-play for everyone looking for an original and introspective adventure thanks to its charming characters, compelling story, and breathtaking visuals. [quote]Follow our Curator page, [url=https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/curator/41449676/]Summit Reviews[/url], to see more high quality reviews regularly.[/quote]