[Nintendo Switch] Review of Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island

Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, a delightful adventure crafted by Whitethorn Games and Polygon Treehouse, invites players to explore an enchanting mythical realm. Let’s dive into what makes this game a cozy and unique experience.

Imagine stepping into the world of Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island. You play as Alex, a seasoned traveler, who stumbles upon an unexpected journey when her relaxing vacation takes a mythological twist. Stranded in a land where ancient Greek gods roam freely, Alex wasn’t planning to swap modernity for myth, yet fate had other plans. Her peaceful retreat suffers a turbulent start when her ship meets with an unfortunate accident.

Interestingly, these divine beings from Greek legends haven’t disappeared from Earth; they’ve merely taken a lengthy break. However, there’s a twist—the gods have somehow forgotten who they are. This sets the stage for a non-linear narrative where your mission is to recover their lost memories by finding special items called mementos. As you wander the scenic Ambrosia Island, don’t forget to occasionally take a break, and save your progress using one of the many benches scattered across this mystical landscape.

Your journey kicks off with Alex moving about using the left analog stick. You can interact with the environment and others by pressing the A button. To make discovery easier, you can tap the stick to highlight active areas around you. Want to pick up the pace? Holding the Y button lets you sprint. While your mobile phone might have perished in the boat accident, you’ll soon receive the invaluable Ambrosidex, thanks to Ora, a talking statue known as the Oracle, who helps you navigate this mysterious world.

Navigating the Ambrosidex is simple. Open it by hitting the X button, switch categories with L and R, and sift through subcategories using ZL and ZR. You can also access a map, zooming in and out for a better view with the right analog stick. Keep an eye out for glowing orange spots indicating Memento Heat, signaling where to find these crucial items.

Exploration requires patience, especially in areas showing Memento Heat. Just because you’re in the right spot doesn’t mean every memento is immediately accessible. Stay vigilant for Ambrosia Fruit, which not only acts as currency to purchase winged keys from Hermes for fast travel but also encourages the search for elusive mementos through revisits. These fast travel opportunities are hidden within peculiar doors you’ve previously stumbled upon.

Trading Ambrosia Fruit is another aspect to delve into once your friendship levels rise with the island inhabitants. Build these relationships by engaging in conversations, assisting in the recovery of mementos, and fulfilling various side quests. Your first quest is courtesy of Hermes, who wants you to feed shrimp to the gulls. Completing these tasks earns Friend Points, boosting your friendship levels as you gather their mementos.

Each islander follows a routine. After befriending an islander, their schedule becomes accessible via the Ambrosidex. This aspect is vital early on, especially when trying to meet Hermes, who won’t entertain visitors after dark. If night falls, rest at Alex’s base in the lighthouse until dawn, or later, use benches to fast-forward time to your convenience.

For those gamers who aim for full completion, Mythwrecked offers a collection challenge. With 32 Pin Badges to collect, you engage in a diverse range of activities: picking Ambrosia Fruit, uncovering lost mementos, visiting islander homes, collecting mixtapes, decorating your home base, uncovering treasures, unlocking fast travel doors, deciphering ancient lore, fixing wind turbines, feeding all gulls, restoring mosaics, and finally escaping the island.

In summary, Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island delivers a captivating journey through an ancient myth intertwined with modern sensibilities. As Alex, you’re immersed in a land where Greek gods on vacation have lost their past, and it’s your task to help them remember. With its tactful blend of myth and exploration, Mythwrecked promises an engaging experience. Debuting tomorrow on Nintendo Switch for $24.99, it’s an adventure worth embarking on.

Note: A Nintendo Switch review code for Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island was kindly provided by Whitethorn Games for this review.