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Factsheet

Description

Carto is a charming adventure game wrapped around a unique, world-altering puzzle mechanic. Use this power to explore mysterious lands, help a quirky cast of characters, and guide Carto on her journey back to her family.

History

Carto was developed in Taiwan by a core team of four, with a couple of remote contractors. The project started in September 2016 and the game was released on October 27, 2020.

Features

  • Employ a unique puzzle and exploration mechanic: rearrange pieces of your map, and watch the world change around you!
  • Chill out and explore peaceful-yet-mysterious lands across a 5-7 hour story
  • Meet a colorful cast of characters and learn about their unique cultures
  • Bask in lush, hand-drawn visuals across a variety of biomes
  • Experience a beautiful soundtrack with over 30 original tracks to accompany you on your adventure

Videos

Launch Trailer
Release Date Trailer
Announcement Trailer

Images

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Awards & Recognition

  • IGF - Excellence in Visual Art Finalist (2021)
  • IGF - Seumas McNally Grand Prize Honorable Mention (2021)
  • IGF - Excellence in Design Honorable Mention (2019)
  • Experimental Gameplay Workshop - Official Selection (2019)
  • BitSummit - Visual Excellence Award (2018)
  • Indieplay Awards - Excellence in Game Design (2020)
  • Indieplay Awards - Best Game Grand Prize Nominee (2020)
  • Indieplay Awards - Best Narrative Nominee (2020)
  • Anifilm Festival - Best Computer Game for Children (2021)
  • The Webby Awards - Games: Family & Kids - Nominee (2021)
  • Day of the Devs: GDC Edition - Official Selection (2019)
  • Day of the Devs - Official Selection (2018)
  • GDC Indie MEGABOOTH Showcase - Official Selection (2018)
  • Tokyo Game Show - Official Selection (2018)
  • Taipei Game Show - Official Selection (2018)
  • The MIX Indie Showcase At TGDF - Official Selection (2018)
  • TGDF Indie Space - Official Selection (2018)

Selected Articles

If Goldilocks sought a puzzle game, she’d end up playing Carto

Ari Notis , Kotaku

It’s the ideal game for sitting curled up in 20 blankets and drinking tea while solving some map puzzles

Julia Lee , Polygon

The mechanic is so clever I'm surprised it's never been quite done like this

Papa Niero , Destructoid

Carto is a unique masterpiece that is the epitome of charm

Alex Harding , Switchaboo

It just really makes for a feel-good experience overall, with everything about Carto’s world coming together nicely to put a big smile on player’s faces

Sam , Use A Potion!

Carto delivers a certain flavor of indie game that’s thoroughly pleasant

Graham Russell , Siliconera

Carto Credits