There’s no denying it: Kuro Games surpasses itself with each new update. Not only from a gameplay, character designs, or scenery perspective. But I remember that, although the story was emotional and captivating in version 1.1, Thaw of Eons, it suffered a bit from pacing. Yet, each time, the story immerses us in the joys and sorrows of each character. Now, with Wuthering Waves version 3.1, For You Who Walk in Snow, we continue with a theme similar to Lynae’s: students searching for their destiny in a world that is falling apart. However, Solaris and the people in this universe offer more than can be seen or felt.
Make Hay While the Sun Shines
After all their adventures with Lynae and discovering the corruption in Mornye in version 3.0, the Rovers can finally attend classes. However, in their first class, the Rovers encounter the same girl who helped them against the Threnodian at the portal to the academy, Aemeath. The problem is that no one else can see her, and according to her, it is because she synchronized with the Exostrider and her body disintegrated. Although Rover can only see her after having been in contact with the Heliogyre during the mission with Mornye. The main point of the mission becomes helping Aemeath recover her memories to see if she can regain her body and reconnect with the Exostrider.
The truth is that this mission is quite bittersweet and even heartbreaking. I will focus more on Aemeath because she was the main focus of this patch. As soon as she appears, it is easy to see that she is an optimistic person who gives herself all, whether at the academy, in her hobbies, or with her friends, even after becoming a ghost and spending 10 years in solitude. Yet, as the story progresses, you can see that Aemeath is a much more complex character. Aemeath wants the Rovers not to worry, but in reality, she carries a greater responsibility that only makes her feel more alone in the universe.
Luuk plays an important role in the main story, but he becomes more relevant afterwards, where his relationship with the Rovers becomes clearer. However, that is already spoiler territory.
Overall, I would say that this version is a step up in the narrative, and something I didn’t think would be possible after how well the Rinascita arc ended and the superb 3.0 update. Yet, as I said before, this just shows how Kuro games aim to raise the bar higher with every version.
Try Fine-tuning It
The gameplay remains similar to the previous update, with no noticeable improvements to combat, which is already in good shape. What stands out is that Lahai-Roi has expanded with the new map: Roya Frostlands, where we can now explore the snowy mountain. Beyond the incredible scenes you’ll witness in this frozen paradise, the best part is that there are more motorcycle tracks, and, thanks to an upgrade Luuk makes to the bike, it becomes all-terrain, allowing you to drive on water.
Where this section really stands out is in using the new Resonators against the new Echos. Starting with Luuk, he has fast, dynamic combat and certainly doesn’t seem like a Gauntlet user. Personally, the fact that Luuk is a doctor and they made that his “whole personality” is what makes him great for me, with his flashy scalpel attacks. Which, for some reason, turns into a double scythe, hopefully sterilized, to split the Echos in two with surgical precision.
Sadly and logically, Luuk pales in comparison to Aemeath, because Kuro Game does have favorites. Aemeath is not only beautiful as an idol, but her attacks combine the feminine and artistic side of her idol persona with her more tenacious side linked to the Exostrider that turns her into a mecha. So even though Aemeath suffers a lot in the story, Wuthering Waves version 3.1 made sure to let her shine in the combat-oriented parts.
Striking the Right Note
Wuthering Waves version 3.1 is only on the second patch of its newest expansion, and the story is just getting started. The only caveat for me is that the gameplay needs to improve at the same pace as everything else. This doesn’t mean I consider it bad or boring, but Wuthering Waves needs to raise the bar in this regard, because there hasn’t been a significant change, and I’m not just referring to updates but to the shift between versions 2.x and 3.x.
That said, the story unfolds in a way that feels conclusive, yet leaves just the right amount of mystery and issues, suggesting one of the best outcomes compared to the existing nations so far. However, what I find difficult for developers to surpass is Aemeath’s design and gameplay, at least until a new region is introduced, though I hope I’m wrong. Nothing excites me more than seeing future characters.
