Handheld gaming has come a long way in recent years. With powerful hardware packed into portable form factors, current generation handhelds like the ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go can deliver close to console-quality gaming experiences on the go.
Upcoming shared-world survival crafting game Nightingale from Inflexion Games is slated to launch in Early Access on February 21. When it does, it will be available on both desktop platforms as well as handheld gaming devices. As an avid handheld gamer, there are a few key things about Nightingale that have me very excited to play it on my ROG Ally.
While the game can technically be played on the Steam Deck, the developers said that they cannot yet fully provide full support on Steam Deck. However, in a developer digest posted by the team, they welcome players to play their game on their beloved Steam Deck and other Linux based systems.
1. Seamless Co-Op Play
Nightingale is designed as a co-op first experience. It brings all the classic survival and crafting mechanics that the genre is known for, but with a shared open world where you can build homesteads and thriving communities with friends.
The game supports seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op multiplayer for up to 6 players simultaneously with no barriers. This means I can directly join my friend’s realm from my handheld device for adventuring together. The portable form factor combined with flexible co-op makes it perfect for quick gaming sessions with friends while on the go, provided that I have decent internet connection.
2. Deep Crafting Mechanics
Crafting is one of the key pillars of Nightingale. It boasts a rich crafting system that lets you craft weapons like guns, swords, staves etc. along with vanity items, structures to build estates, cook meals and more. The crafting progression is deep and highly customizable as well.
Having such deep crafting mechanics on a handheld device that I can play anytime is a boon. I can make progress on crafting new weapons and structures during my daily commute or lunch break at work. It really opens up a whole new avenue of gameplay.
3. Stunning Next-Gen Visuals
Built using the cutting edge Unreal Engine 5, Nightingale is an absolute visual stunner. From the gothic architecture of the realms modeled with Nanite technology to the photorealistic natural landscapes powered by Lumen, every environment looks jaw-droppingly gorgeous.
Modern handhelds like the ROG Ally and Legion Go come equipped with high resolution displays perfect for showcasing Nightingale’s beauty. The vibrant landscapes filled with particle effects and intricate details will truly standout on the handheld displays. Of course, I will be devoting some time testing the game on these devices in the next few weeks.
4. Accessibility Options
Nightingale offers many accessibility options like arachnophobia mode, FOV sliders, third-person camera etc out of the box. Such a thoughtful selection of accessibility features makes the game experience inclusive for gamers irrespective of their abilities or disabilities.
By supporting these features on handhelds as well, Inflexion Games is underscoring that handheld gaming is for everyone. Irrespective of my situation or abilities, I can boot up Nightingale on my ROG Ally during my commute back home and enjoy it like everyone else.x
5. Ever-Changing Procedural Worlds
As a Realmwalker in Nightingale, I am excited to traverse through fantastical procedurally generated worlds called Realms connected by portal networks. Since the Realms are procedurally generated, each playthrough promises new regions and realms to explore and survive in.
Combining the infinite possibilities of procedural generation with the pick up and play nature of handheld gaming is an ace up Nightingale’s sleeves. I can easily log into Nightingale on my ROG Ally, explore the new realms generated for a bit and log off just as easily. It really enables a jump in and jump out style of play.
Nightingale is coming, Plus Twitch Drops
The new trailer provides a sneak peek at some of the key features players can expect in Nightingale including extensive character customization, building and crafting systems, a variety of weapons and combat options, exploration using Realm Cards to traverse procedurally generated worlds, dangerous Apex creatures, challenging dungeons and multiplayer features.
The latter includes showcasing The Watch, which acts as a central social hub where Realmwalkers can meet up, put together groups, take on quests and jump into grup dungeons together.
Inflexion Games has also confirmed that a Twitch Drops campaign will be available at launch, running from February 21 to the 28th. By watching select Twitch channels playing Nightingale during this period, players can unlock an exclusive, unique and Victorian-stylish teckel dog pet companion that will join them on their adventures in the Fae Realms.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
