Shu (2016)

"Shu (2016)" plunges players into a world ravaged by a cataclysmic Storm, where the titular protagonist, Shu, must undertake a perilous journey to survive and rescue their stranded villagers. This charming indie platformer weaves a narrative of hope and cooperation, as Shu encounters a cast of unique survivors, each bestowing special abilities that are crucial for navigating the treacherous, beautifully realized environments. With 21 expansive levels across 5 distinct lands, including the atmospheric "Caverns of the Nightjars," and a wealth of collectibles and secrets to uncover, "Shu" offers a deeply engaging experience for players who enjoy exploration and thoughtful gameplay. The ability to recruit 10 distinct characters, each with their own powers, adds a layer of strategic depth, encouraging players to experiment with different abilities to overcome obstacles. Furthermore, the competitive time trial mode adds significant replayability, fostering a community around speedrunning and challenging friends. "Shu (2016)" is a standout title in Coatsink's impressive portfolio due to its masterful blend of accessible yet challenging platforming, a compelling narrative about teamwork and resilience, and its sheer artistic beauty. The game's vibrant art style, coupled with an incredible original soundtrack, creates an immersive and emotionally resonant experience that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of what makes a game truly special. Coatsink's knack for developing games that are both mechanically sound and thematically rich is on full display here. "Shu" exemplifies their commitment to crafting memorable adventures that resonate with players long after they've put down the controller, making it a prime example of why the game rightly deserves its place among the best games developed by Coatsink.