True Crime On Horseback? Equinox: Homecoming Rides Off The Beaten Path

If someone had predicted a year ago that I’d willingly spend my leisure time immersed in a horse game, I likely would have chuckled. However, Equinox: Homecoming came along, offering a comfortable equine adventure set in an expansive multiplayer world with a captivating, enigmatic mystery to solve. The concept was so peculiar, it piqued my curiosity, and I just had to explore it.

Well, wouldn’t you know it – I wasn’t let down at all! The initial moments reminded me of playing Life is Strange, but instead, I was on a horse and joined by friends. Plus, we’re still in the early stages of the game.

A World To Get Lost In – And Lose Yourself

The realm of Equinox is expansive, filled with atmosphere, and intricately designed with care. It boasts dense woodlands, winding seafront paths, a lighthouse perfect for dramatic turns in the plot, and much more. It’s especially eerie: deserted mines, a solitary mansion, and even a mortuary right in the heart of the town. For now, most of it is merely decorative, but it piques curiosity – I can’t help but wonder about the secrets hidden within these locations.

Horse Poop And High-Stakes Mystery: The Story

The tale is undeniably the most thrilling aspect of this game. In retrospect scenes, it’s revealed that our mother was apprehensive about something and seemed to be readying us for a danger. Initially, the details are hazy. However, we’ve learned that she’s deceased, along with her horse. A corpse of a young woman has been discovered in the forest, and somewhere out in the wilderness, predatorial deer roam. This isn’t a figure of speech.

This spot has a captivating yet unsettling charm that really resonates with me. I can’t help but feel intrigued about its mysteries, and I truly hope the narrative lives up to the expectations it sets.

Galloping Together – Multiplayer With Potential

The multiplayer experience is subtly seamless, allowing you to effortlessly join a server with your friends, discover new worlds together, compete in races, or undertake quests side by side. Each player encounters the narrative independently – there are no interruptions for shared cinematic scenes, no need for synchronization, and minimal hassle. Although group features have been planned, they are currently not accessible.

For those who love roleplaying, there are delightful features such as dressage arenas and an enclosed equestrian center. Moreover, a horse merchant is present, albeit not operational yet – but you can sense that change is in the air, hinting at exciting developments to come.

A special acknowledgement goes out to the unique way this game handles horse maintenance. You’re free to brush, feed, and trim hooves if you wish, but there’s no requirement for daily barn work. Instead, the emphasis is on adventure, storytelling, and shared moments – not on simulated stable tasks like cleaning stalls.

Early Access With Open Reins And Technical Hiccups

The game is currently in its initial phases, as evidenced by the generic character models, an interface reminiscent of 2008, and the opening chapter serving more as a tutorial than a thrilling experience. For now, the quests are relatively simple: tasks such as retrieving items, delivering messages, and competing in races. Rewards consist mainly of money for new saddles, clothing, and reputation points – ideal if you appreciate a laid-back grinding process.

In the captivating realm of Equinox: Homecoming, it devours performance with an unrelenting appetite, much like a thoroughbred racing off course. As my premium gaming setup began to labor, I can’t help but ponder how this might sit with the game’s intended audience – the comfortable gamers, whose hardware isn’t quite top-tier.

Conclusion: Between Stable Vibes And Small-Town Horror

Equinox: Homecoming is a unique, intriguing title – and it’s this very uniqueness that keeps us engaged. Yes, it may be incomplete, and there are raw, unpolished aspects that even the finest leather can’t smooth out. However, what sets it apart is its innovative concept: a comforting equine game that isn’t afraid to delve into the ominous. It suggests enigmas rather than explicitly revealing them, and leaves you with a mix of curiosity and a shiver down your spine.

I’m staying in the saddle – eagerly waiting for the next chapter.

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2025-05-22 17:40