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MONSTER

Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story
Item: Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableNov 1, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperTequila Works

Overview

In this single-player adventure, venture into the idyllic but treacherous world of the Freljord as Nunu, a young boy on a quest to find his lost mother. Unearth the secrets, myths, and legends buried deep in the frozen tundra alongside your best friend, a wise and playful yeti named Willump, and unfold an inspiring story one puzzle at a time. Developed by Tequila Works, the studio behind RiME, Song of Nunu: A League of Legends StoryTM invites players old and new to experience the League of Legends universe from a fresh lens.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics praise Song of Nunu for its heartfelt, childlike storytelling and emotional bond between Nunu and Willump, calling it a touching, accessible entry in the League of Legends universe—but some call it predictable, simplistic, and overly reliant on nostalgia, with one-dimensional characters and safe tropes. The narrative’s warmth and charm outweigh its flaws for many, though not all.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

25%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praise Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story for its heartfelt storytelling, emotional depth, and focus on the bond between its protagonists, Nunu and Willump. Many highlight the game’s ability to evoke warmth through its narrative, emphasizing themes of friendship, family, and perseverance. IGN Italia and Gameblog.fr commend the story’s accessibility, noting it serves as an engaging introduction to League of Legends lore while maintaining a charming, childlike tone. Critics like Digital Chumps and Nintendo Life laud the "heartfelt" and "wholesome" relationship between Nunu and Willump, with the latter describing their dynamic as "powerful and compelling." The narrative’s focus on personal growth and emotional resonance is frequently cited as a standout feature, with reviewers such as Adventure Game Hotspot and But Why Tho? appreciating its balance of lightheartedness and poignant moments. Additionally, the game’s integration of League of Legends lore, including cameos from characters like Braum and Lissandra, adds layers to the Freljord setting, as noted by Nintenderos and ZTGD. However, several critics critique the story for its predictability, lack of depth, and one-dimensional character development. CGMagazine and DualShockers describe the narrative as "predictable" and "straightforward," with characters that feel like "caricatures" rather than fully realized individuals. Tech-Gaming and God is a Geek also point to the story’s simplicity, noting it leans heavily on familiar tropes and lacks the complexity expected from a League of Legends spin-off. While some reviewers acknowledge moments of emotional impact, others argue that the plot fails to reach meaningful highs, with Digital Trends and GameGrin mentioning that the story occasionally feels "too safe" or overly reliant on nostalgia. Additionally, Multiplayer.it critiques the game’s narrative as "devalued by unmemorable gameplay," suggesting that while the story is pleasant, it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential to leave a lasting impression. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans heavily toward appreciation for Song of Nunu’s emotional core and accessibility. While some reviewers, like CGMagazine and DualShockers, express reservations about its simplicity, many others, including IGN Italia, Gameblog.fr, and Digital Chumps, celebrate its ability to connect with players through its focus on friendship and personal journey. The game’s narrative is frequently described as "touching," "charming," and "heartwarming," with a strong emphasis on the bond between Nunu and Willump that resonates across different platforms and audiences. While not without flaws, the story’s strengths—particularly its emotional authenticity and appeal to both newcomers and League of Legends fans—seem to outweigh its shortcomings, making it a standout entry in the franchise’s storytelling repertoire.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Song of Nunu shines with inventive flute-based puzzles, smooth platforming, and a charming narrative, but its repetitive combat, clunky stealth, and monotonous mechanics drag down an otherwise delightful adventure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story receives praise for its creative puzzle mechanics, accessible design, and charming narrative-driven approach. Many reviewers highlight the unique use of Nunu’s magical flute as a central puzzle-solving tool, with Noisy Pixel noting how the Svellsongur “becomes much more natural” after initial frustration. The game’s focus on teamwork between Nunu and Willump is also celebrated, with Meristation praising its family-friendly accessibility and COGconnected applauding the “fantastic” implementation of flute-based puzzles. Additionally, the platforming elements are often described as smooth and engaging, with GamingTrend stating the game features “smooth platforming and great puzzles,” while TheXboxHub appreciates the seamless character transitions. The narrative-driven structure, emphasized by Nintendo Life and ZTGD, further enhances the experience, offering a tightly-paced adventure that balances exploration with environmental storytelling. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay, particularly in combat mechanics and repetition. CGMagazine and PCGamesN criticize the combat as “repetitive,” “bland,” and “unengaging,” with Gamereactor UK noting its “stiff and sluggish” feel. The game’s stealth sections also draw criticism, with CGMagazine calling them “poorly implemented” and Digital Trends highlighting “instant-fail stealth sections” that frustrate players. Additionally, many reviewers, including GameGrin and Multiplayer.it, note that the puzzles and platforming can become monotonous, with repetitive mechanics and a lack of depth. The combat’s simplicity is further critiqued by IGN Portugal and God is a Geek, who argue it lacks challenge and diversity, while GGRecon points to “unpolished” overall execution. These issues create a sense of unevenness, as the game’s strengths in puzzles and exploration are often overshadowed by its shortcomings in other areas. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Song of Nunu is an enjoyable, if imperfect, adventure game with a strong focus on puzzle-solving and narrative. While many praise its creative mechanics, accessibility, and charming design—particularly the flute-based puzzles (Noisy Pixel, COGconnected) and linear storytelling (Nintendo Life)—others feel it falls short in combat depth and variety (CGMagazine, PCGamesN). The game’s mix of platforming, exploration, and puzzle-solving is seen as a highlight by several reviewers (GamingTrend, ZTGD), but its repetitive elements and technical issues (e.g., stiff controls, frustrating stealth) prevent it from being a standout experience. Despite these flaws, the majority agree that Song of Nunu offers a satisfying, if occasionally uneven, journey for fans of 3D adventure games.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Stunning visuals and whimsical art steal the show, but technical hiccups and repetitive environments drag down an otherwise charming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of reviewers praise Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story for its vibrant, stylized visuals and charming art direction. Critics like App Trigger highlight the "stunning landscapes" and "meticulous details," while COGconnected compares the design to a "Pixar-esque" aesthetic, emphasizing its cozy and whimsical appeal. The game’s Freljord setting is frequently lauded for its breathtaking snowy environments, with Nintendo Life noting the "stylized visuals that are a great fit for the lighthearted tone," and XboxEra praising the "gorgeously detailed environments" and fluid 120fps performance on PC. GamingTrend and GGRecon commend the "adorable art style" and "bursts of color," while Pocket Tactics and SpazioGames highlight the "stunning" and "evocative" landscapes, respectively. The character designs also receive acclaim, with Hobby Consolas noting their "vibrant and appealing" nature and Gaming Age praising the "adorable" Willump. However, several critics point to technical and creative limitations. Checkpoint Gaming notes "occasional pixelation issues and framerate drops" on the Nintendo Switch, while Everyeye.it criticizes the "lack of diversity" in environments and "overall attention to detail." Gamereactor UK and The Games Machine describe the visual design as "basic" or "predictable," with God is a Geek calling the graphics "not the best in its genre" and IGN Portugal stating that the visuals "fall short of Riot Games’ usual standards." Performance issues are also mentioned, particularly on PC, where Meristation notes "performance issues" and XboxEra acknowledges "scale and structure" challenges. Additionally, some reviewers, like LevelUp, point to a lack of environmental variety, as the game predominantly features snowy landscapes. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with most critics appreciating the game’s artistic charm and immersive world-building despite technical shortcomings. While App Trigger and COGconnected celebrate the "breathtaking" and "cozy" visuals, others like Everyeye.it and God is a Geek express disappointment in the lack of innovation or polish. The game’s art style is widely seen as a strength, with XboxAddict calling Freljord "a gorgeous world" and Shacknews noting its "beautiful visual adaptation" of the League of Legends universe. However, the recurring critiques about technical flaws and creative limitations suggest that while Song of Nunu succeeds in creating an appealing aesthetic, it falls short of pushing graphical or design boundaries. The mixed feedback reflects a game that is visually endearing but not without its compromises.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Stunning visuals and whimsical art steal the show, but technical hiccups and repetitive environments drag down an otherwise charming experience.

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Song of Nunu’s sound design and music dazzle with an orchestral score by the Budapest Philharmonic, flute-based gameplay that’s both unique and narrative-driven, and atmospheric themes that elevate its whimsical world—though minor issues like abrupt transitions and repetition slightly dim an otherwise stellar audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story received widespread acclaim, with critics highlighting their immersive and emotive qualities. The orchestral score, performed by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, was frequently praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the game’s atmosphere, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and NintendoWorldReport. The flute-based mechanics, central to the gameplay, were celebrated for their uniqueness and integration into puzzles, with IGN Spain emphasizing Nunu’s flute, Svellsongur, as a crucial narrative and interactive element. Reviewers like GamersRD and KeenGamer highlighted the charming, tranquil instrumental themes that complemented exploration, while Pocket Tactics and Vandal praised the soundtrack’s enjoyability and its role in creating a magical world. The use of music to solve puzzles and drive storytelling was a recurring highlight, with PlayStation Universe and Adventure Game Hotspot noting how the score deepened emotional engagement. While the majority lauded the audio design, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings. Shacknews noted that musical transitions and cuts felt abrupt, potentially disrupting immersion, while Everyeye.it suggested the audiovisual experience could have been more polished and diverse. WellPlayed observed that the soundtrack, though solid, might not leave a lasting impression outside the game’s context. Additionally, a few reviews mentioned the repetitive nature of certain musical elements, though this was not a widespread concern. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment remained positive, with most agreeing that the sound design and music were integral to the game’s charm and narrative depth. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly favorable, with the sound design and music being a standout aspect of Song of Nunu. The flute mechanics, orchestral score, and atmospheric audio all contributed to a cohesive and engaging experience, as emphasized by IGN Spain, GameGrin, and Multiplayer.it. While some reviewers pointed to minor flaws in polish or variety, these were overshadowed by the general praise for the soundtrack’s creativity and emotional resonance. The game’s ability to weave music into its core gameplay and storytelling—whether through puzzle-solving or environmental ambiance—was universally recognized as a strength. As Checkpoint Gaming and XboxAddict noted, the audio elements not only enhanced immersion but also reinforced the game’s whimsical and magical tone, making them a defining feature of the experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics raved about Song of Nunu’s voice acting, calling it emotionally resonant, authentic, and pivotal to its storytelling. Standouts included Adrian Raio’s heartfelt performance as Nunu and familiar League of Legends voices that boosted authenticity. Multilingual dubs (Spanish, Turkish, etc.) were praised for quality and accessibility, with only minor complaints about Nunu’s voice style—hardly detracting from an otherwise glowing reception.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story has been widely praised for its emotional depth, authenticity, and integration with the game’s narrative. Critics consistently highlighted the performances of key characters, particularly Nunu, whose voice work was lauded for conveying a wide range of emotions. Adventure Game Hotspot emphasized the “superb” performance by child actor Adrian Raio, who brought “authenticity” to the role, while LevelUp specifically commended Leo Garduza’s portrayal of Nunu for its charm and emotional resonance. The use of familiar voices from League of Legends also added depth, as noted by Hobby Consolas and Meristation, who appreciated the continuity and authenticity they provided. Additionally, the game’s multilingual dubs—ranging from Italian to Spanish, Latin American Spanish, and even Turkish—were praised for enhancing accessibility without compromising quality. For instance, Vandal highlighted the “very good” Spanish voice acting, while XboxEra singled out the Turkish dub as a standout. These elements collectively created a rich auditory experience that deepened player engagement with the story and characters. While the majority of reviews celebrated the voice acting, a few critics noted minor reservations. Screen Rant mentioned that some players might find the “feisty children voice performances” grating, particularly in Nunu’s relentless chatter, though they acknowledged it as “generally good company.” This critique was an outlier, as most reviewers focused on the strengths of the vocal work rather than its drawbacks. Additionally, PlayStation Universe and GameGrin mentioned that specific details about voice acting quality were not extensively explored, but these omissions did not detract from the overall positive reception. The consensus remained that any potential issues were negligible compared to the game’s broader successes in this area. The overwhelming consensus among critics was that Song of Nunu’s voice acting was a standout feature, significantly contributing to its storytelling and emotional impact. Multiple reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming, Hey Poor Player, and WellPlayed, emphasized how the performances brought characters to life, with “expressive” and “top-tier” deliveries that enhanced the narrative. The use of original League of Legends voice actors, as highlighted by Eurogamer Germany and Gameblog.fr, added a layer of familiarity and authenticity that resonated with fans. Even in regions where the game was localized into different languages—such as Italian, Spanish, or French—the quality remained consistent, as noted by Everyeye.it and GamersRD. While there were occasional mentions of niche preferences (like Screen Rant’s comment on Nunu’s voice), these did not overshadow the general acclaim. Overall, the voice acting was seen as a critical component of the game’s success, enriching its charm and emotional depth in ways that aligned with the League of Legends universe.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Stuttering on Switch, stable on Xbox/PC: Song of Nunu’s tech woes highlight platform divides, with glitches, crashes, and frame drops undermining polish—especially on Nintendo’s hybrid system, where charm can’t fully mask flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story varies across platforms, with notable strengths on certain systems. On Nintendo Switch, while several critics like CGMagazine and GGRecon highlighted frequent crashes, frame dips, and bugs, others such as Vandal and Nintendo Life noted smooth gameplay with only minor issues. The Xbox Series X version received strong praise for stability and consistent frame rates, as emphasized by Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub, who reported no technical hiccups. On PC, reviewers like XboxEra praised the game’s high frame rates (up to 120 FPS on desktops) and overall performance, while others such as Meristation and PCGamesN mentioned occasional frame drops and camera issues. Meanwhile, PS5 users experienced mixed results: The Games Machine acknowledged minor loading delays, but PlayStation Universe noted clunky gameplay mechanics rather than outright technical failures. However, the game’s technical shortcomings were more pronounced on certain platforms. On Nintendo Switch, multiple critics—including CGMagazine, GGRecon, and Pocket Tactics—reported significant bugs, stuttering, and even a game-breaking bug requiring restarts. The Switch version also faced criticism for texture pop-in (COGconnected) and audio issues (Hobby Consolas). On PC, while some reviewers like XboxEra celebrated high performance, others such as Meristation and PCGamesN cited frame rate drops and camera problems. The PS5 version had its own challenges, with The Games Machine noting imprecise command responses and loading delays, and PlayStation Universe pointing to clunky mechanics. Additionally, the lack of a borderless windowed mode on PC (XboxEra) and occasional geometry issues (Press Start Australia) further highlighted platform-specific quirks. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Song of Nunu is technically sound on Xbox Series X and PC, with most issues being minor or context-dependent. The Nintendo Switch version, however, faced more frequent performance problems, though some reviewers like Vandal and Nintendo Life downplayed these as tolerable. While the game’s charm and design often overshadowed its technical flaws—particularly on better-optimized platforms—the need for further optimization remained evident, especially for Switch users. Critics like GGRecon and Pocket Tactics emphasized that while the core experience was enjoyable, persistent bugs and frame rate inconsistencies detracted from the overall polish, leaving room for improvement in future updates.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Mixed reception: Song of Nunu offers brief, accessible charm with collectibles and exploration but suffers from a sub-six-hour runtime, linear design, and shallow mechanics, making it a fleeting experience best suited for casual fans rather than deep replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

78%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story highlights some positive aspects, particularly its collectibles, exploration incentives, and accessibility. Critics like Nintenderos praised the game’s “good duration without becoming repetitive,” while Nintendo Life noted hidden side paths and collectibles that encourage exploration. Similarly, Vandal acknowledged 10 hours of gameplay with optional challenges and collectibles, suggesting a moderate level of replayability for fans of the League of Legends universe. Adventure Game Hotspot and Noisy Pixel also pointed to the ability to replay chapters and uncover lore, which could appeal to completionists or those interested in the game’s world-building. These elements indicate that while the core experience is brief, the game offers enough variety to extend playtime for some players. However, the negatives dominate the critique, with many reviewers emphasizing the game’s short length, linear structure, and lack of depth. Checkpoint Gaming and GamersRD both noted the game’s sub-six-hour runtime, which limits its replay value for those seeking longer experiences. Eurogamer Germany described the 10-hour playtime as “something high” for the price but still questioned its longevity, while Multiplayer.it and Generación Xbox criticized the linear design and minimal deviations from the main path. Gamereactor UK and LevelUp highlighted dull collectibles and a lack of complexity, suggesting that the game may not satisfy experienced players. Additionally, TheXboxHub and Hey Poor Player pointed to limited variability in gameplay, with only minor incentives like achievements or hidden items to encourage multiple playthroughs. Despite these mixed reviews, the overall consensus among critics leans toward a moderate assessment of replay value. While some praise the game’s accessibility, collectibles, and lore exploration (as noted by Nintenderos, Noisy Pixel, and Screen Rant), the majority agree that its short runtime, linear structure, and lack of meaningful mechanics restrict its appeal for repeated play. The game seems to cater more to casual players or League of Legends fans seeking a quick, nostalgic experience rather than a deep, replayable adventure. Critics like Vandal and IGN Italia acknowledge some value in exploration, but the broader sentiment suggests that Song of Nunu is best enjoyed as a one-time playthrough, with limited incentives for returning to its world.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is largely positive, particularly for its heartfelt narrative, charming presentation, and accessibility. Many reviewers praised its emotional storytelling, highlighting the bond between Nunu and Willump as a central strength. For instance, IGN Spain noted moments of "emotional depth and engaging gameplay mechanics," while XboxAddict described it as an "enjoyable adventure with charming characters and a delightful story." The game’s visuals and music also received acclaim, with TheXboxHub calling it a "delightful experience" and Digital Chumps praising its "beautiful presentation" and "masterclass in storytelling." Additionally, Vandal and Nintenderos appreciated its nostalgic appeal and accessible gameplay, framing it as a cozy, stress-free adventure that resonates with fans of the League of Legends universe. The game’s ability to expand Runeterra’s lore and deliver a "heartwarming story" (as noted by Nintenderos) further underscores its strengths for targeted audiences. However, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings, particularly in gameplay depth, originality, and technical execution. CGMagazine was harsh, stating the game "fails to deliver a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and suffers from technical issues," while Tech-Gaming called it an "average spin-off" that lacks challenge and innovation. Repetitive platforming, unoriginal puzzles, and monotonous stealth sections were frequently cited as drawbacks, with Multiplayer.it noting the game’s "predictable" nature and God is a Geek criticizing its "generic" feel. Technical issues also emerged, such as performance problems on the Nintendo Switch (Pocket Tactics) and a lack of polish (GGRecon). Additionally, many reviewers felt the game prioritized accessibility over complexity, with Meristation and Gamereactor UK pointing out its "lack of depth" and "flat" experience for seasoned players. These critiques highlight a recurring theme of missed potential in gameplay mechanics and innovation. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for Song of Nunu as a niche but worthwhile experience, particularly for fans of League of Legends and adventure games. While Digital Trends and But Why Tho? lauded its "triumph of fun, wonder, and heart-warming storytelling," others like Checkpoint Gaming and Adventure Game Hotspot acknowledged its charm despite technical flaws. The game’s appeal seems to hinge on audience expectations: it excels as a cozy, story-driven adventure for newcomers and enthusiasts (XboxEra, GameGrin) but falls short for those seeking innovation or depth (CGMagazine, God is a Geek). Ultimately, the reviews reflect a split—celebrating its emotional resonance and accessibility while acknowledging its limitations in gameplay and originality. The game’s ability to "expand the League of Legends universe" (Press Start Australia) and deliver a "wholesome story" (Pocket Tactics) ensures it remains a memorable entry for its target demographic, even if it doesn’t revolutionize the genre.

TL;DR

Song of Nunu delivers a heartfelt, charm-filled adventure with emotional storytelling and nostalgic appeal for League of Legends fans, but its repetitive gameplay, lackluster mechanics, and technical flaws hold it back from greatness—celebrated as a cozy treat for newcomers, criticized as a hollow spin-off for veterans.

MONSTER

Reviews

85 reviews found

But Why Tho?

Oct 29, 2023