Interestingly, the composer uses a different main solo instrument for each of the different parts of the game world, each culminating in a big action sequence (the first being “Cernos”). This is followed by the first big action track, “Cernos”, and while it features the sort of exciting string and brass writing you might expect from action music, alongside what sounds like an army of percussionists, it’s really quite striking how Wintory somehow manages to still make it sound so personal (as all of his best music is). There is frequently a really meditative quality to the score – “From the Antlers” a prime example, which essentially invites you to sit back and drift off somewhere in your imagination, as the best film (and indeed game) music does.

The brass and percussion when they come add what feels like an ancient energy – the sound has elements of the composer’s very popular The Banner Saga in certain ways, and it’s intriguing to hear him mixing the two up. The singing is courtesy of The Alash Ensemble, who also perform on traditional Tuvan instruments, and appear alongside a number of other soloists (many of whom also play exotic string and winds) and an orchestra There are some other additions to the mix too, including the Tuvan throat singing heard in the opening “None have returned” – which immediately presents the score’s earthy, at times almost medieval feel. She takes the mask, and discovers it to be a useful tool for her journey.While certainly sharing some aural elements in common with them, The Pathless has a slightly different feel – there is a slightly greater focus on action this time, which impressively Wintory is able to add to the palette without sacrificing the plaintive beauty. Guided by the Eagle Mother at Landing, the Hunter enters a tomb and finds the body of a priest wearing a Spirit Mask. Certain talismans will appear while using the mask.Small statues are a notable indicator for use of the Spirit Mask. Certain objects of interest will be colored gold while using the mask.Objects marked in purple will disappear while using the mask, allowing traversal through what would otherwise be a solid barrier.Lighstones can bee seen through terrain while nearby.Ĭertain objects will appear and disappear while using the mask.

Uncleared obelisks can be seen through terrain.Hunter cannot sprint or aim while using the mask, attempting to do so will automatically unequip the mask.Obelisks and Storms are prominently colored.Completed Crystal locations will be marked with an indicator.A ping will intermittently emit from her, revealing points of interest cloaked in either red or white fog depending on whether the location's puzzle has been completed. While equipped, time slows down by 25% and the Hunter can see a heatmap overlaying the environment that indicates where she has trekked. The Spirit Mask can be equipped on and off with the hotkey. It also reveals powerful points of interest such as the obelisks that scatter the lands. The Spirit Mask is a tool that enables entry into the spirit world, and grants ability to commune with a dead corpse to glean a few of their thoughts.

The pathless cernos