Discover the emotional journey and puzzles of The Star Named EOS Review on Nintendo Switch.
Table of Contents
The Star Named EOS Review : A Starry-Eyed Journey
Photos capture moments in time with full objectivity, often defying our versions of events and settling debates about what truly happened. This concept forms the premise of The Star Named EOS, a game developed by Silver Lining Studio and published by PLAYISM. This puzzler, built into an emotional narrative, is like a photograph itself: a brief snapshot that manages to tell an in-depth story.
Introduction
The Star Named EOS is an adventure puzzle game where players control Dei, a young man exploring his memories to uncover the mysteries surrounding his mother’s disappearance. The game is structured in chapters, each set in a different location, from Dei’s childhood bedroom to a train, to a café. Each chapter starts with a letter from his mother, setting the stage for the emotional journey ahead.
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Story and Themes
The narrative of The Star Named EOS is deeply emotional and thought-provoking. The game delves into themes of memory, trauma, and belonging, wrapped in an astrologically-themed storyline. Dei’s journey through his memories is guided by his mother’s voice, reading out letters filled with sweet sentiments tinged with sadness. These letters often contain poignant lines such as “[stars] do not fade away just because you close your eyes,” highlighting the game’s overarching theme of enduring love and memories.
The game masterfully evokes nostalgia, despite players having never been to these locations before. Dei’s childhood bedroom is filled with peeling posters and well-loved picture books, while the café is home to half-sipped coffee and chairs askew. Each scene feels lived-in and tells a story of its own. The relationship between Dei and his mother is at the heart of the narrative, and it is portrayed with warmth and authenticity. The love between mother and son is palpable, and at the apex of the plot, players may find themselves with tears, and stars, in their eyes.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In The Star Named EOS, the primary gameplay mechanic revolves around photography. Dei’s mother was a photographer, and she passed down her old Polaroid camera to him. Players use this camera to recreate his mother’s photos, which serves as the main objective in each chapter. The game does not hold the player’s hand, instead opting to decorate the space with clues. Players must explore the environment, find objects, and piece together puzzles to recreate the photos accurately.
The puzzles in The Star Named EOS are varied and engaging. They include mazes, jigsaws, and sliding puzzles that interact with their surroundings. The game makes effective use of the in-game camera, with mechanics that play with gravity and movement. Each puzzle provides just enough information to piece together the events of each photograph without overexposing anything, creating a satisfying feeling when the pieces align.
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Players will need to use maths, logic, memory, and deductive skills throughout the game. It’s helpful to keep a pen and paper handy to document the many symbols and clues scattered about. While some puzzles may seem challenging, they never reach a point of frustration. In fact, players might find themselves wanting to replay the game to understand how they solved certain puzzles and uncover any missed details.
Environmental Interactivity and Rewards
The game encourages curiosity and exploration. Clues and items found early in the game can be used later, creating a sense of connectedness throughout the different chapters. For example, a clue found in Dei’s childhood bedroom can be used in the café later on. Players are also rewarded for capturing interesting objects outside the main story, with special borders for photos that provide additional narrative snippets.
Visuals and Atmosphere
The Star Named EOS is visually stunning. The hand-drawn art style, soft textures, and warm lighting create a cosy atmosphere that feels inviting and comforting. Each scene is meticulously detailed, and the art direction enhances the emotional impact of the story. The game’s visuals sparkle with a homey charm that invites players to linger and take in the aesthetic beauty of each chapter.
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Sound and Music
The audio experience in The Star Named EOS is just as impressive as its visuals. The poignant, acoustic music and slow tempos harmonize perfectly with the game’s soothing vibe. Players are prompted to wear headphones for a more intimate experience, akin to receiving a personal letter. However, the sound design is excellent even through speakers, whether from a TV or the Switch itself in handheld mode.
Controls and Performance
While the game’s mechanics can be a bit tricky on the Switch, it is clear that the game was designed with PC in mind. The amount of click-and-drag required can be cumbersome when using the Switch’s joystick. Items snap to certain positions, but not always precisely, making it a bit frustrating at times. The touchscreen capability helps but is less responsive than expected. Unfortunately, the game does not utilize the Switch’s gyroscope function, which could have enhanced the point-of-view exploration.
Conclusion
The Star Named EOS is a fleeting moment in time, much like a photograph. Despite its short runtime, the game offers a rich and emotional experience filled with beautiful art, engaging puzzles, and a compelling mother-son narrative. The game’s tricksy teasers and visual storytelling create a desire to replay and uncover every detail. While puzzle games often lack replay value, the depth of The Star Named EOS’s story and the satisfaction of solving its puzzles make it a delightful exception.
Strengths
- Beautiful art style
- Fun puzzles with just-right difficulty
- Emotional and compelling story
- Engaging visual storytelling
Weaknesses
- Short playtime
- Slightly fidgety controls on Switch
FAQs
1. What is The Star Named EOS?
The Star Named EOS is an adventure puzzle game developed by Silver Lining Studio and published by PLAYISM. The game follows Dei, a young man exploring his memories to uncover the mysteries surrounding his mother’s disappearance.
2. What platforms is The Star Named EOS available on?
The game is available on the Nintendo Switch eShop and PC.
3. How long is The Star Named EOS?
The game has a runtime of approximately seven hours, depending on how quickly players solve the puzzles.
4. What are the main gameplay mechanics in The Star Named EOS?
The primary gameplay mechanic revolves around photography. Players use an in-game camera to recreate photos and solve various puzzles that interact with their surroundings.
5. Is The Star Named EOS suitable for all ages?
Yes, the game is suitable for all ages. Its emotional narrative and puzzles can be enjoyed by both younger and older players.
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6. Are there any accessibility features in The Star Named EOS?
The game includes visual clues and a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to a wide audience. However, the controls may be slightly challenging on the Switch compared to PC.
7. Can you replay The Star Named EOS?
Yes, the game can be replayed. The depth of the story and the satisfaction of solving puzzles make it enjoyable to revisit and uncover missed details.
8. How is the art style in The Star Named EOS?
The game features a beautiful hand-drawn art style with soft textures and warm lighting, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
9. What is the audio experience like in The Star Named EOS?
The audio experience is excellent, with poignant, acoustic music and slow tempos that harmonize with the game’s soothing vibe. The game is best enjoyed with headphones for an intimate experience.
10. Are there any technical issues in The Star Named EOS?
The game performs well overall, but the controls on the Switch can be a bit tricky due to the click-and-drag mechanics. The touchscreen capability is less responsive than expected, and the game does not use the Switch’s gyroscope function.
Final Thoughts
The Star Named EOS stands out as a beautifully crafted adventure puzzle game that offers an emotional and immersive experience. Despite its short playtime, the game’s compelling story, engaging puzzles, and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or someone looking for a heartfelt narrative, The Star Named EOS delivers a memorable journey that captures the essence of love, memory, and belonging.