Atuel for Windows

Showcase of Argentina's Atuel River Valley

Atuel is a free simulation game for PC by indie developer Matajuegos. It's an interactive showcase and documentary experience of the landscape and animal life inside the Atuel River Valley in the southern province of Mendoza, Argentina. In it, players control a shapeshifting animal as they witness the world around them change and evolve.

Similar to What Remains of Edith Fitch or The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, Atuel transports players to a surreal open world waiting to be explored. What makes it stand out is that it drew inspiration from a real-world location for its design, making it more realistic.

Atuel like never before

The Atuel River is the longest river in the province of Mendoza, Argentina, and was turned into a 96-square-kilometer water reservoir by the El Nihuil Dam. The similarly named Atuel is a video game that was developed to serve as an audiovisual experience that aims to showcase the beauty of the valley as it has been shaped by the passing of time.

Atuel was designed based on the actual topography of the valley along with the various wildlife. The gameplay is described as a contemplative experience, wherein you control an animal that dynamically shapeshifts to reflect the ecosystem of the land and those that inhabit it. Being a video game, the presentation takes on a much more surreal, almost dream-like quality to it.

What's more, you will be able to listen to the river's history as narrated by historians, biologists, geologists, and other experts on the subject. You also get a glimpse of what the future holds given the rapid changes in the Earth's climate. Everything is contained within a half-hour experience that may be short, but is quite eye-opening, to say the least.

Impactful and illuminating

Atuel is a prime example of what video games can achieve outside of thrills and entertainment ends. It skillfully interweaves grounded storytelling with engrossing visuals that will hold your attention from start to finish. This is not your typical action game, but it is truly a memorable experience and something that you should have at least once. An easy recommendation and a must-play.