OPUS: Prism Peak Review – Holding On To Dear Life

OPUS: Prism Peak is a powerful photography journey that not only surprises but also delights thanks to its surreal landscapes and tender storytelling.

Life has a strange way of telling us that change is coming. It presents itself in so many situations that we might not even realize it. A new job. A breakup. A voyage. Regardless of how it happens, if we refuse to change, the consequences are severe. Being stuck in a rut means losing the will to live. While routine may be comfortable, stepping outside our comfort zones is what we should be doing often. Life is for the living, after all. OPUS: Prism Peak tells the heartfelt story of a man with a litany of regrets that, just maybe, can change the course of his life.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a journey through the subconscious. One that irreparably changes our photographer protagonist, Eugene. And hopefully, us in the process. A middle-aged man who has nothing to show for it, his remorse is insurmountable. In debt, abandoned by his partner, and recently unemployed, things could not be worse. Quite literally. Driving from the big city to his hometown, something unexpected happens. As he crosses a tunnel, he crashes. Entering what appears to be a new dimension, his adventure begins to take place.

To Let Go Is To Grow

After rescuing a young kid about to be swallowed by a red mass later known as Shade, they arrive at a dreamlike valley. OPUS: Prism Peak has a distinctive anime art style reminiscent of the 2016 epic Your Name. Not only illustration-wise, but the archetypal encounters the protagonist and his sidekick find are just as fantastical. Talking animals who have lost their way are afraid of being consumed by the shade. Their only irreparable fix is by your magical camera.

The famous myth of ancient folklore stealing people’s souls takes on a new meaning here. To progress in OPUS: Prism Peak, Eugene usually has to take a picture of disappearing side characters. In this world, losing hope or being afraid of change means you will fade away. This concept of taking pictures of everything around you with intention is beautiful. Just as Eugene is afraid of things slipping away, so does a good eye immortalize them in film.

Armed with a camera, it is expected to want to take pictures of every little thing. The surroundings themselves want to be recorded for posterity. An impressive detail is the description of pretty much everything in each area. As images develop, gorgeously detailed golden flowers inspire hope. This entices you to not only stick to the guardrails that the game asks you to. Curiosity rewards those who know where to look.

The Mysterious Dusklands

Abandoned landscapes adorned with wood carvings and cryptic murals adorn this surreal place known as the Dusklands. An imposing deer speaks with Eugene, telling him that in order to leave, he must confront his fears. Certain firebowls in each short chapter will ask for specific pictures found in the vicinity. Not only that, but an option to decode runestones with hieroglyphs exists in Eugene’s journal. OPUS: Prism Peak is just as tender as it is methodical, being purposeful in its lessons at all times.

It is not all a slow burn, though, as some set pieces amp up the tension. Some characters may die depending on your decisions. Much like life, not everything is clear-cut, and thinking outside the box helps. Then again, clues show up consistently to make sure nobody feels clueless. The young kid’s chipper attitude is a balm to Eugene’s tired soul. It is up to players’ dialogue choices whether he will be open to change or continue in his stubborn ways.

OPUS: Prism Peak was originally released on April 15. The main reason I waited this long to review it is mainly because the Nintendo Switch 2 version struggles with performance. Developer Sigono has confirmed that a more stable version is coming soon. At this time, I would recommend playing docked rather than handheld because the issues are more evident there. A PlayStation 5 version is in the works, so I imagine that is also a viable choice to experience this beautiful tale.

Verdict: OPUS: Prism Peak

Nothing exists in a vacuum. As much as we wish to ignore it, people need connection. And if possible, a reverence to nature. After all, that is where we all came from, and staring at screens all day wrecks us. OPUS: Prism Peak is a powerful journey that unflinchingly tells us to embrace change. Its surreal setting only serves to portray that none of our lives are that different. Through photography, memories, and community, its universal message of hope is one that lasts forever.