Oh man, League of Legends is a treasure trove of captivating lore hidden in the nooks and crannies of the game—buried in character bios, short stories, and the occasional cinematic. Enter Riot Forge, an initiative at Riot Games that has, for the most part, successfully explored and expanded upon narrow slices of this vast world through various genre frameworks, all bearing the subtitle “A League of Legends Story.” Enter Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, a shining example of how Riot Forge games breathe life into League in previously impossible ways.
Preview
Before diving into the review of Song of Nunu, you can check the Gamescom Preview by Lander right here!
Preview: Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story – Gamescom 2023
The birth of Nunu
To grasp the triumphs of Song of Nunu, let’s rewind to the characters’ roots in League of Legends. Nunu and Willump, an early addition to the League lineup, embody a simple concept—a snowball-flinging kid bundled up in a parka, riding shotgun on the back of a fearsome yeti. A 2018 art and lore update transformed them into an adorable storybook duo. Just a glance at their in-game splash art sparks visions of embarking on a whimsical adventure.
Hailing from the icy realm of the Freljord, a land of brutal winters and ancient magics, Nunu and Willump’s backstory unfolds in a harsh environment where matriarchal warbands and raiding parties vie for scarce resources. The ancient Ice Witch Lissandra manipulates events, hinting at something ominous beneath the ice, and it appears she needs Nunu and Willump, even if they’re unaware of the purpose. This narrative has simmered for nearly a decade, and Song of Nunu finally tips those narrative dominos. It’s a treat for those who’ve been following these plotlines. But what about newcomers stepping into Song of Nunu for the first time?
Song of Nunu
In Song of Nunu, we take the reins of Nunu, Willump, and the dynamic duo in action. Willump, a force of nature, can freeze ice floes, tackle feral animals, and handle other threats with his four arms. Nunu, on the flip side, is the pint-sized hero. He can squeeze into tight spots, toss snowballs to clear obstacles, and play his enchanting flute. Nunu and Willump steal the spotlight, and developer Tequila Works masterfully showcases their bond—evident, heartwarming, and utterly endearing. Whether Nunu is running alongside Willump or Willump is indulging in antics like swiping at butterflies or scrambling up ice sheets like a hefty house cat on a scratching post, their camaraderie is a constant delight. It felt like a brighter version of Cereza and the Lost Demon.
While battles and obstacles appear, Song of Nunu leans heavily into platforming. I did encounter some typical genre frustrations—occasionally, the camera clings too close behind Nunu, obstructing my view, and mistimed jumps triggered dramatic resets with cinematic flair. Yet, these are minor gripes; enjoyable environmental puzzles balance the occasionally irksome platforming. Nunu’s magical flute plays notes corresponding to runes in the environment, allowing the duo to open doors, raise platforms, or unveil new paths. Nunu’s single notes and combinations form a clever system, ensuring both boy and yeti feel crucial to puzzle-solving. I always had the tools to crack any puzzle, even if executing the solution took a bit of trial and error.
Surroundings
The Freljord, far from a mere tundra, boasts captivating landscapes. From navigating flash-frozen invader ships to exploring an icy cave along a mountain’s flank with sporadic breaks for sunlight to filter through, Song of Nunu transcends the stereotypical snowy expanse. It made me long for more of these games, exploring the backgrounds of some of my favorite League characters without loading up the MOBA itself and back into the toxic environment that particular game engulfs.
Conclusion
So, to conclude! Song of Nunu charmed me. I formed a connection with the characters in a way League of Legends couldn’t provide within its competitive confines. Riot Forge has proven itself a stellar avenue for exploring discrete fragments of this expansive universe, granting individual champions the attention and affection they deserve. Nunu and Willump, no longer confined to the competitive chaos of League, revel in their freedom, and it’s pure joy to witness this dynamic duo dance across their very own stage.
