One of the things I like about Goldilock One: The Mists of Jakaira at the moment is not the funny name, but how patchy it is. Wow, a patchy game doesn’t sound like much of a recommendation; however, when I say patchy, I refer to the skin of the NPCs and their apparent vitiligo. A real-life human with the condition, I was pleased to see how common it was, and it made me feel less of a freak. Either they have vitiligo, or my settings are off.
…and on to game-related content…
Goldilock One: The Mists of Jakaira, from Shed of Ideas, does have a bit of a funny name. My daughter also pointed this out, making some appalling bear jokes in the process. Alas, there’s no porridge or bed complaints here, and instead a very cool third-person open-worlder. In all truth, I forgot what this game was and having looked at the thumbnail again, assumed an RTS or rogue-like. I was pleasantly reminded it wasn’t.
The game very much feels like a Dreamcast title. While the visuals are sharp enough and would never run on the best console that ever lived, the presentation and style of play won’t knock you out of your seat, but it will warm your soul like a good bowl of chicken soup. Stay with me on this.
You play as Urian, an amnesiac giant that has a bit of a Guts (Berserk) vibe. After a very cool cinematic detailing their rise to power through gladiator-like battles, they wake and find themselves exiled to the aforementioned Goldilock One location, freezing their nuts off, though warmed up by the relatively welcoming kindness of the other exiles that populate it.
This introduction serves as a tutorial to the game and explains the simple mechanics. Don’t mistake this comparison with a Dreamcast game or simplicity as a bad thing, as that’s what makes Goldilock One: The Mists of Jakaira moreish. After a couple of quick side quests fetching bits and bobs for NPCs, which also explain how the game works, you quickly venture out into an icy land of scallywags and beasts, with plenty of resources to scavenge and hustle.
One of the core parts of gameplay is the combat, and unfortunately, in its current state, it’s a little monotonous. A simulation boasts a series of waves to fight enemies, and this turned into a sluggish button-mashing affair with awkward key bindings when on the Steam Deck (it’s much smoother with better gear). Quick and heavy attacks exist, as well as slots to augment with elemental damage and protection, plus relevant armour to protect you, though this part was quite… meh.
While the combat doesn’t change, having the freedom to encounter the wilderness is much better, as you’re not bound to the same enemies or a circular wall of play. Instead, you can step out of your comfort zone and explore, interact with the locals, complete multiple quests, and restore your memories as to why you have been exiled in the first place.
Apart from that cool cinematic, the dialogue in the game is surprisingly good. Sometimes these interactions can be very generic, and while there are the associated archetypes you’ll encounter as you should, conversations are good and don’t overstay their welcome, leaving you to have a decent chinwag yet being able to walk away without another Assassin’s Creed-like cutscene of people being verbose, and instead, do as you please.
Goldilock One: The Mists of Jakaira will be released in Early Access from 20th January 2026, and these comments are based on a preview build that is quite big as it is. At the time of writing, the 20th is a little way off, so posting this info now so you can go check it out, wishlist it, and decide whether you’re more an axe man, or would rather run the gauntlet. With a shield.
