Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is a landmark open-world action-adventure video game developed by Himalayan Game Studios, an Indian game development firm based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and published by Daman Games – one of India's leading gaming publishers with a strong foothold in both regional and international markets. Released on 15th March 2024 across multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Android, and iOS, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has quickly emerged as one of the most successful homegrown Indian video games, breaking records for pre-orders and day-one sales in the Indian gaming market.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Himalayan highlands – spanning the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Jammu & Kashmir – Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey weaves together elements of traditional Indian mythology, particularly Garhwali and Kumaoni folklore, with modern action-adventure gameplay mechanics. The game's development took over four years, with a team of over 150 developers, artists, and cultural consultants working to ensure authentic representation of Himalayan culture, languages, and traditions.
What sets Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey apart from other open-world games is its deep integration of Indian cultural elements – from the music (composed by renowned Uttarakhandi folk musicians) to the combat system (inspired by traditional Himalayan martial arts like Thang-ta and Kalaripayattu) and the narrative (rooted in local legends of mountain deities and heroic warriors). In its first month of release, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey sold over 2 million copies worldwide, with 65% of sales coming from within India – a significant milestone for Indian game development, which has traditionally struggled to compete with Western and Japanese titles.
In India, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has been praised for its realistic portrayal of Himalayan landscapes – from the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi to the lush green valleys of the Garhwal region – and its commitment to cultural authenticity. The game features voice acting from local Himalayan artists, traditional folk music, and even includes mini-games based on regional sports like kabaddi, kho-kho, and langdi, making it a truly Indian gaming experience that resonates with players across the country.
Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey offers an expansive open-world experience set in a 100-square-kilometer map of the Indian Himalayas, designed to scale with real-world geography while incorporating mythological elements that add a magical dimension to the gameplay. The core gameplay loop revolves around exploration, combat, puzzle-solving, and quest completion, with a strong emphasis on player choice and consequence – a feature that has been widely appreciated by both critics and players in India and abroad.
The open world of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is divided into five distinct regions, each inspired by real Himalayan locations: Garhwal Valley, Kullu Manali, Ladakh Plateau, Kangra Valley, and the sacred Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Each region features unique environmental challenges – from blizzards in the higher altitudes to dense forests in the lower valleys – and requires players to adapt their gameplay style accordingly. For instance, players must use traditional Himalayan gear like pherans (woolen robes) and khocha (snow boots) to survive in the colder regions, adding a layer of realism rarely seen in Indian-developed games.
Exploration is rewarded with hidden treasures, ancient temples, and side quests that delve deeper into the game's lore and Himalayan culture. Players can traverse the world on foot, on horseback (using the iconic Himalayan zanskari horses), or using traditional transport like dandi (palanquins) and jhoolas (rope bridges) – all of which have been meticulously recreated based on historical and cultural research. The game's day-night cycle and dynamic weather system further enhance the immersive experience, with weather conditions like monsoons, snowstorms, and fog affecting visibility, combat, and navigation.
The combat system in Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey draws heavily from traditional Indian martial arts, with a focus on fluid, acrobatic movements inspired by Kalaripayattu (from Kerala) and Thang-ta (from Manipur), adapted to suit the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas. Players can choose from three main combat styles:
What makes the combat in Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey truly unique is its integration with the environment – players can use the mountainous terrain to their advantage, sliding down snow slopes to attack enemies, using rope bridges to gain high ground, or triggering avalanches to take down groups of foes. The game also features a "Karma System" that rewards players for using non-violent solutions where possible, reflecting the Indian philosophical concept of ahimsa (non-violence) – a rare feature in action-adventure games.
The quest system in Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is divided into three categories: Main Quests (which drive the central narrative), Side Quests (which explore the game's lore and characters), and Cultural Quests (which focus on Himalayan traditions and customs). The main questline follows the journey of the protagonist, a young Himalayan villager named Arjun, who must embark on a heroic odyssey to save his village from an ancient evil that has been awakened by climate change and human greed – a narrative that resonates strongly with contemporary environmental concerns in the Indian Himalayas.
Side quests range from helping local villagers with everyday problems (like finding lost livestock or resolving disputes) to uncovering ancient secrets hidden in mountain caves and temples. Cultural quests are particularly noteworthy, as they task players with participating in traditional Himalayan festivals (like Harela and Phool Dei), learning folk songs and dances, and even preparing local dishes like aaloo ke gutke and chainsoo – all of which have been recreated with input from local cultural experts to ensure authenticity.
Unlike many open-world games, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey does not use a traditional quest marker system. Instead, players must rely on talking to NPCs (non-playable characters), reading local signs (in both Devanagari and English), and following environmental clues to find quests – a design choice that encourages players to engage more deeply with the game world and its inhabitants.
The progression system in Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is based on three core attributes: Strength (Bala), Agility (Chalana), and Wisdom (Gyana) – all of which are rooted in Sanskrit terminology, adding to the game's Indian identity. Players can upgrade these attributes by completing quests, defeating enemies, and discovering hidden shrines dedicated to Himalayan deities like Nanda Devi, Badrinath, and Kedarnath.
Instead of a traditional skill tree, the game uses a "Guru System" where players learn new abilities from wise old characters (gurus) scattered throughout the world. Each guru specializes in a different skill – from combat techniques to survival skills like mountaineering and herbal medicine – and requires players to complete a specific task (such as retrieving a rare herb or defeating a powerful enemy) before imparting their knowledge. This system not only adds depth to the gameplay but also reinforces the Indian cultural value of respect for elders and teachers.
| Attribute | Effects | How to Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Bala (Strength) | Increases melee damage, carrying capacity, and resistance to cold | Defeat powerful enemies, complete physical challenges |
| Chalana (Agility) | Increases movement speed, jump height, and stealth capabilities | Complete parkour challenges, stealth missions, and explore hard-to-reach areas |
| Gyana (Wisdom) | Unlocks new dialogue options, improves puzzle-solving abilities, and increases rewards from quests | Discover ancient texts, complete cultural quests, and meditate at sacred sites |
The lore of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is deeply rooted in Garhwali and Kumaoni mythology, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and animist traditions that are unique to the Himalayan region. The game's narrative draws from local legends of the devbhoomi (land of the gods) and the concept of pahari (mountain) deities that protect the Himalayas and their inhabitants – a rich tapestry of folklore that has been passed down through generations in the region.
The story of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey begins in the small Himalayan village of Munsyari, where the protagonist Arjun lives with his grandmother and works as a shepherd. The village has long been protected by the blessings of the local mountain deity, Nanda Devi, but when a group of greedy mining corporations attempt to extract resources from the sacred Nanda Devi Sanctuary, they awaken an ancient evil known as Jaalraat – a malevolent spirit that feeds on human greed and environmental destruction.
As the Jaalraat spreads its influence across the Himalayas, it corrupts the local wildlife, poisons rivers and streams, and turns villagers against each other. Arjun, who has always felt a special connection to the mountains, is chosen by the spirit of Nanda Devi to embark on a heroic odyssey to restore balance to the Himalayas. His journey takes him across five distinct regions of the Indian Himalayas, where he must learn the ways of the mountain warriors, gain the trust of local communities, and ultimately face the Jaalraat in a final showdown at the sacred Nanda Devi peak.
What makes the narrative of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey particularly compelling is its blend of traditional mythology with contemporary issues facing the Indian Himalayas – including climate change, deforestation, mining, and the displacement of indigenous communities. The game does not shy away from addressing these real-world problems, using its fantasy setting to comment on the importance of environmental conservation and respect for traditional ways of life – a message that has struck a chord with Indian players, particularly those from mountainous regions.
Arjun is a 22-year-old shepherd from the village of Munsyari in Uttarakhand, voiced by local Garhwali actor Ankit Bisht. Raised by his grandmother after his parents died in a landslide, Arjun has a deep love and respect for the Himalayas and their traditions. Though initially reluctant to take on the role of hero, he is driven by his sense of duty to protect his village and the mountains he calls home. Arjun's character arc in Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is one of growth – from a simple shepherd to a wise warrior who understands the delicate balance between human needs and environmental preservation.
What makes Arjun a relatable protagonist for Indian players is his humility, his respect for elders, and his connection to his cultural roots. Unlike the stereotypical "action hero" seen in Western games, Arjun is not a muscle-bound warrior but a regular young man who draws strength from his cultural identity and his love for his homeland – a portrayal that has been widely praised for its authenticity and representation of modern Indian youth.
Arjun's grandmother, voiced by veteran Uttarakhandi folk artist Kamla Pant, is the moral compass of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey and a repository of traditional knowledge and wisdom. She teaches Arjun about Himalayan folklore, herbal medicine, and the importance of living in harmony with nature – lessons that prove crucial to his journey. Though she remains in the village throughout the game, she communicates with Arjun through dreams and visions, guiding him when he faces difficult choices.
The character of Dadi is a tribute to the role of elderly women in preserving Himalayan culture and traditions, and her dialogue is filled with local proverbs and sayings in Garhwali – adding a layer of authenticity that has been deeply appreciated by players from the region.
Mahavatar Baba is a wise old hermit who lives in a cave near the Badrinath temple, voiced by renowned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah (in the Hindi version) and local Himalayan ascetic Swami Ramdev (in the Garhwali version). He serves as Arjun's mentor in Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey, teaching him the ancient martial arts and spiritual practices needed to defeat the Jaalraat. Mahavatar Baba is based on the real-life Himalayan saints and yogis who have long been a part of Himalayan culture, and his character embodies the Indian philosophical concept of gyan (wisdom) and tapasyā (meditation).
Zara is a young environmental scientist from Delhi who comes to the Himalayas to study the effects of climate change on the region, voiced by Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt (in the Hindi version) and local actress Priya Sharma (in the English version). Initially skeptical of Arjun's spiritual beliefs, she gradually comes to understand the importance of traditional knowledge in environmental conservation, and becomes his ally in the fight against the mining corporation and the Jaalraat. Her character represents the meeting of modern science and traditional wisdom – a central theme in Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey and a reflection of contemporary India's struggle to balance progress with cultural preservation.
The Jaalraat is the primary antagonist of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey – a malevolent spirit born from the negative energy of human greed and environmental destruction. Unlike typical video game villains, the Jaalraat is not a physical being but a force of corruption that manifests in different forms throughout the game – from possessed animals to corrupted villagers and even natural disasters like landslides and floods. Defeating the Jaalraat does not involve a simple boss fight but requires Arjun to heal the damage done to the Himalayas and restore the balance between humans and nature – a unique approach to the final confrontation that aligns with Indian philosophical concepts of dharma (duty) and balance.
Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey draws from a rich variety of Indian mythological traditions, with particular emphasis on the unique folklore of the Himalayan region. Some of the key mythological elements in the game include:
The development of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey began in early 2020, when a group of Indian game developers from Himalayan Game Studios (HGS) – a startup founded by IIT Roorkee graduates – decided to create a game that would showcase the beauty and culture of the Indian Himalayas to a global audience. The initial concept was inspired by their own experiences growing up in Uttarakhand and seeing the rich cultural heritage of the region go largely unrepresented in mainstream video games.
The core development team for Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey consisted of over 150 people, including game designers, programmers, artists, writers, and cultural consultants. What made the team unique was its diversity – over 60% of the developers were from Himalayan regions, and the team included experts in Garhwali and Kumaoni folklore, traditional Himalayan martial arts, environmental science, and linguistics. This diversity was crucial to ensuring the game's cultural authenticity and avoiding the stereotypes that often plague representations of India in Western media.
The development process for Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey was divided into four main phases:
Developing Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey presented numerous technical challenges, particularly in recreating the unique environment of the Indian Himalayas. Some of the key technical innovations in the game include:
The music of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is one of its most acclaimed features, composed by renowned Uttarakhandi folk musician Narendra Singh Negi and his team of local artists. The soundtrack blends traditional Himalayan instruments like the dhol, damau, masak baja, and ranasingha with modern orchestral elements, creating a unique sound that captures the spirit of the Himalayas.
The sound design for the game is equally impressive, with the team recording over 500 hours of ambient sounds from the Himalayas – including the wind blowing through pine trees, rivers flowing through valleys, and the calls of local birds and animals. This attention to detail in sound design has been praised by critics for creating an immersive audio experience that transports players to the Himalayas.
One of the key goals of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey's development team was to make the game accessible to players across India and the world. The game is available in eight languages – English, Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali – with plans to add more regional languages in future updates. The localization process involved working with native speakers to ensure accurate translations of dialogue, menus, and quest text, with special attention paid to preserving the nuances of regional dialects and cultural references.
The game also includes a range of accessibility features, including adjustable difficulty levels, text-to-speech functionality, colorblind modes, and controller support for players with physical disabilities. These features have made the game accessible to a wider audience, including players with disabilities who often struggle to find Indian games that meet their needs.
Since its release in March 2024, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has had a significant cultural impact in India, both within the gaming community and beyond. The game has been praised for its authentic representation of Himalayan culture and its positive portrayal of Indian traditions, challenging the stereotypes that often dominate Western representations of India in video games and other media.
In India, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has been met with widespread acclaim from both critics and players. The game has received perfect scores from major Indian gaming publications like GamingBharat and TechGuru, with reviewers praising its cultural authenticity, immersive open world, and engaging narrative. On Indian gaming platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store, the game has a user rating of 4.8/5, with over 90% of reviews being positive.
What makes the game's reception particularly notable is its popularity across different age groups and regions of India. While most Indian-developed games tend to appeal primarily to young male players in urban areas, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has found fans among women, older players, and people from rural and semi-rural areas – a testament to its broad appeal and cultural resonance.
The game has also been praised by cultural experts and environmentalists in India for its accurate portrayal of Himalayan culture and its positive message about environmental conservation. In Uttarakhand, the game has been used in schools and colleges to teach students about the region's folklore and environmental challenges, with the state government even announcing plans to collaborate with Himalayan Game Studios on educational content based on the game.
Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has also received positive reviews from international gaming publications, including IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon – a rare achievement for an Indian-developed game. International reviewers have praised the game's unique setting (a welcome change from the typical fantasy or sci-fi worlds of most open-world games), its engaging combat system, and its thoughtful narrative that addresses important environmental issues.
While some international players have noted minor cultural barriers (such as unfamiliarity with Himalayan traditions and languages), most have appreciated the game's cultural authenticity and have praised the developers for creating a game that offers a window into Indian culture that goes beyond the usual stereotypes of Bollywood and curry.
As of August 2024, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has sold over 3 million copies worldwide, with sales in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia growing steadily. The game's success has helped put Indian game development on the global map, with several international publishers now looking to partner with Indian studios to create more culturally authentic games.
Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has received numerous awards and nominations since its release, including:
The game's developers have also been recognized for their work, with Himalayan Game Studios receiving the "Innovation in Game Development" award from the Indian government's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) – a significant honor that highlights the growing importance of the Indian gaming industry.
The success of Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has had a transformative impact on the Indian gaming industry, which has traditionally focused on mobile games and casual gaming rather than high-budget, narrative-driven titles. The game has shown that Indian studios can create high-quality, culturally authentic games that appeal to both domestic and international audiences, leading to increased investment in the Indian gaming sector from both local and international investors.
Since the game's release, several new Indian game development studios have been founded, with a focus on creating games that draw from Indian culture and mythology. Major international publishers like Sony Interactive Entertainment and Microsoft Game Studios have also announced partnerships with Indian studios, signaling a shift in the global gaming industry's perception of India from a market to a source of creative talent.
Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has also inspired a new generation of Indian game developers, with enrollment in game development courses at Indian universities increasing by over 40% since the game's release. This growing interest in game development as a career option is helping to build a sustainable ecosystem for Indian game development, with more young Indians choosing to pursue careers in the gaming industry.
Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and players, with its cultural authenticity, immersive open world, and engaging gameplay being the most commonly praised features. Below is a selection of reviews from major gaming publications and user feedback from Indian players:
GamingBharat (India) – 5/5: "Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is a landmark achievement for Indian game development – a beautifully crafted open-world game that celebrates Himalayan culture while delivering a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay. This is the Indian game we've been waiting for, and it exceeds all expectations."
IGN – 9/10: "Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey offers a fresh and authentic perspective on the open-world genre, with a stunning Himalayan setting that sets it apart from other games in the genre. The combat system is fluid and satisfying, the narrative is thought-provoking, and the attention to cultural detail is impressive. A must-play for fans of action-adventure games."
TechCrunch – 4.5/5: "Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey proves that Indian game developers can compete with the best in the world, delivering a polished, immersive experience that combines breathtaking visuals with meaningful gameplay. The game's environmental message is timely and well-integrated into the narrative, making it both entertaining and educational."
GameSpot – 8.5/10: "While Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has some minor technical issues (common in open-world games), its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The game's cultural authenticity is its greatest asset, offering players a window into Himalayan culture that is both respectful and engaging. The combat system is innovative, and the open world is a joy to explore."
Rajesh from Dehradun: "As someone who grew up in Uttarakhand, playing Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey feels like coming home. The game perfectly captures the beauty of the Himalayas and the warmth of Himalayan people. I especially love the Garhwali dialogue and the traditional music – it brings back so many memories of my childhood."
Priya from Mumbai: "I've never been to the Himalayas, but playing Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has made me want to visit. The game is not just entertaining – it's educational, teaching me about Himalayan culture and environmental issues I never knew about. The gameplay is fun, and the story is really touching."
Amit from Bangalore: "Finally, an Indian game that doesn't try to copy Western games! Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is uniquely Indian, with its own identity and cultural flavor. The combat system is challenging but fair, and the open world is absolutely stunning. I've put over 50 hours into this game and still haven't explored everything."
Sneha from Kolkata: "As a female gamer, I appreciate that Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey has strong female characters who are not just love interests but important allies in the protagonist's journey. The game's environmental message is also very important, and I think it's great that a popular game is raising awareness about climate change in the Himalayas."
While the majority of reviews for Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey have been positive, some critics and players have pointed out a few areas for improvement:
Despite these minor criticisms, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey remains one of the most critically acclaimed Indian games of all time, with its cultural impact and technical achievements far outweighing its flaws.
In response to the game's overwhelming success, Himalayan Game Studios has announced several future updates and expansions for Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey, designed to build on the game's core experience and add new content for players to enjoy.
The developers have committed to releasing regular free updates for Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey, including:
Himalayan Game Studios has also announced two paid expansions for Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey, scheduled for release in late 2024 and early 2025:
The developers have also hinted at spin-off games set in the Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey universe, including a mobile game focused on Himalayan wildlife conservation and a VR (virtual reality) experience that will allow players to explore the game's open world in immersive 3D. These spin-offs will aim to reach a wider audience and further expand the game's cultural and environmental message.
Himalayan Game Studios has announced partnerships with several Indian universities and environmental organizations to develop educational content based on Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey. This content will include interactive lessons on Himalayan culture, environmental science, and traditional Indian knowledge systems, designed to be used in schools and colleges across India.
The developers have also expressed interest in working with the Indian government to create a version of the game for rural schools, using low-bandwidth mobile technology to reach students in remote Himalayan regions who may not have access to traditional educational resources.
As India's leading gaming publisher, Daman Games is proud to present Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey – a game that represents the best of Indian game development. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and deep cultural roots, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is more than just a game – it's a celebration of Indian culture and a testament to the talent of Indian game developers.
At Daman Games, we are committed to supporting homegrown Indian games and bringing authentic Indian stories to the global gaming community. Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey is just the beginning – we have several more Indian-themed games in development, each designed to showcase different aspects of India's rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes.
Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, Highland Hero Heroic Odyssey offers an experience like no other – a chance to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Indian Himalayas, learn about Himalayan culture and traditions, and embark on a heroic journey that will stay with you long after you finish the game.