GamesAdventureI can finally finish Naiad two years after I played through its demo thanks to it shadow dropping during the Wholesome Snack showcaseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

GamesAdventureI can finally finish Naiad two years after I played through its demo thanks to it shadow dropping during the Wholesome Snack showcaseWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: HiWarp)

Naiad on a river in Naiad with a bird overhead

I played a demo ofNaiadback in 2022, so it’s no wonder that I feel like it’s been a long time since I’ve had an update on where this gorgeous minimalist adventure will take us next. But, to my utter surprise and slight disbelief, the game has finally been released during theWholesome Snack showcase. At long last, I’ll be able to finish my journey along the river, and frankly I’m stoked to know I didn’t just make this game up during a feverish haze.

The story of Naiad puts you in the role of the guardian of a river, and your main aim is to protect your surroundings from the humans who try to take advantage of it. I feel like this theme has been referenced across a lot of ‘cozy’ games lately, or at least some sort of reiteration of the importance of saving the natural world.

Naiad - Launch Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games - YouTubeWatch On

Naiad - Launch Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games - YouTube

Naiad - Launch Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games - YouTube

Naiad - Launch Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games - YouTube

Naiad does a great job of translating this message in a way that stays with you long after you’ve left it, which I can say from experience given this game has sat in the back of my mind for two years now. This is mostly because such a heavy message is approached in quite a subtle way and it’s a story that develops as you float along the game, rather than being thrown at you straight off the bat and then leaving you to pick up the pieces afterwards.

Despite the game taking pride in its ‘minimalist’ appearance, I can’t help but feel as if it’s a lot more detailed than it lets on. I already know it’s the type of game I’ll play through in no time at all, but then go back to discover whatever secrets I missed the first time around. And finally, I’ll be able to finish what I started so many moons ago.

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