A Collectible Quest for Childhood Wonder
Each of us plays video games in our own distinct way. Part of what makes them so great is the ability to pander your game and experience to yourself, having a unique take on whatever art you may have consumed. Part of this comes in the divide between those that play for the story, and those few, dedicated gamers who will devote, sometimes, hundreds of hours into a game to collect everything…
They’re called completionists. Their aim when playing a title is to get each and every collectible, and experience everything the game has to offer. It’s here where Pilo and the Holobook comes in – a game all about collecting, be it stickers, secrets and so much more.
An Apprentice’s Journey
Pilo and the Holobook is an exploration-based adventure game set in a colourful galaxy where you guide Pilo, an apprentice explorer, on a journey to document the universe’s wonders and solve mysteries. Using the Holobook, a powerful encyclopedia-like tool, Pilo collects stickers to record his discoveries and uncover the story behind a mysterious dark force known as the Tar.
It may sound simple, and yes it can be, given it’s a game aimed towards the younger gamer, but many will find much to enjoy with Pilo’s adventure. It’s not a story about grand scale politics, an epic violent war, or any other form of expansive story, it’s simply a tale about childhood, the imagination and craving of exploration we all, or at least at one part in our lives, have, and finally, the innocence of youth. A lot is told with a little, and whilst the children may only see the surface level story, there are many themes and plot points in the subtext that the older players will appreciate.
A Refreshing Approach to Gameplay
One of the distinct aspects of Pilo and the Holobook is the lack of combat. Stories and games usually drive themselves through the standpoint of some huge evil that we must defeat to prevent something, a motivating factor that gives us the urgency to act swiftly, Pilo however, doesn’t rely on this. The game instead favours a style more like that of a child’s brain, using exploration and creativity to provide an incentive to continue, as well as having an overarching goal of completing your Holobook. Something that could’ve been detrimental to the game’s quality, instead works in the favour of Pilo and the Holobook, making it a refreshing entry into an industry filled with an over abundance of titles relying on combat.
Scanning the Cosmos: The Holobook and Sticker System
Expanding upon the gameplay, it revolves around two distinct items: the Holobook the Professor gives you, and the scanner. You must scan things and turn them into stickers, filling your Holobook with the various creatures, items and environments you see in this world. In the words of the professor, he invented space travel to fill the Holobook, and you’re the one who will do so. Whilst it may sound gimmicky at first, and many may think that scanning certain things would be tedious and boring, the main quirk to the gameplay makes it all worth it, as everything is able to be scanned. Whether it be the plants you see, the tables, chairs, pillows or even people, you can scan anything.
After scanning things, they will become stickers that you can place into the Holobook, and granted you find enough, you’ll even obtain a planetary sticker for that location/planet which goes onto another page you must fill up with planetary stickers. Without spoiling anything else, I’ll simply say this, those who explore and try to find every sticker and collectible they can, will be rewarded.
A Symphony of Senses
There are still various aspects of Pilo and the Holobook I haven’t even touched upon yet, most of which will elevate your experience, such as a soundtrack even Mozart and his various symphonies couldn’t have thought up. Hyperbole aside, the soundtrack is a standout part to Pilo’s journey, slotting into the several area’s aesthetics like a final piece to the jigsaw. It really makes everything come together, cementing in that final piece of youthful innocence that is so crucial to feel in a game like this.
To heighten this feeling, each environment has been delicately handcrafted with care and attention to evoke several various moods, emotions and feelings whilst playing, through the use of an art style reminiscent of Skyward Sword’s oil painting style. For instance, the professor’s house feels safe with a nature heavy environment and soft mellow music, whilst the grandeur of space is filled with striking visuals and expansive music.
The most accurate example I can think Pilo of to compare Pilo to would be a Studio Ghibli film. The feelings many get when watching a film such as Totoro (the safety yet desire to adventure) is replicated here to the highest level, whether intentional or not. The expert use of each and every aspect of locations, be it music or visuals, leaves Pilo’s areas having an impact on you during your playthrough.
Despite all the praise I can give to Pilo and its many fundamental achievements, there is one main issue I have. Even though I loved the main gameplay loop, it did get tiresome after a while due to the lack of expansion or change. Had new mechanics consistently been introduced, or was there something meaningful to do with these stickers, even a minigame, it would have made Pilo’s main gameplay cycle hold a lot more gravitas.
A Charming and Immersive Exploration Adventure
Looking over this however, Pilo and the Holobook is an amazing adventure, one that transported me back to being a child and making my own world and stories out of anything I could find. These imaginary stories and adventurousness from our youth is personified perfectly through Pilo and the Holobook and makes a minor flaw worth looking over.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing adventure to immerse yourself into, or simply want to revitalise those dormant feelings of mystery and curiosity from your childhood, Pilo and the Holobook exceeds in both and so much more, providing a refreshing experience through its unique gameplay cycle.
Document the Cosmos with the Charming Pilo and the Holobook – https://www.thexboxhub.com/document-the-cosmos-with-the-charming-pilo-and-the-holobook/
Buy Pilo and the Holobook on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/pilo-and-the-holobook/9NPV76JLZZP1/0010
