I finished @gate.itch.io's Derelict Star last night. The entire game is such a delight, do yourself a favour and check it out. store.steampowered.com/app/3641010/...
![Screenshot of my Steam review. Slightly shortened to fit in this alt text:
I'm pencilling this in as my GOTY. This game is pushing the boundaries of what a platformer can be. In fact, I would consider this primarily a systemic puzzle game, it's just that the core mechanic isn't pushing boxes or colouring a grid, it's momentum-based precision platforming. And even then, the platforming is generally very slow and methodical, so that the challenges are more about gaining a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and knowing what to do than they are about having quick reflexes. (Which isn't to say that there aren't tough platforming challenges... there are some truly diabolical Kaizo-type platforming sections, though they are largely optional.)
The game's world is huge and every corner of it is designed with a lot of care and filled with delightful ideas. I still found new areas more than 30 hours into the game. Speaking of playtime, it took me around 11 hours to "beat" the game, which requires 9 of the 13 main collectibles, and another 6 hours to get the remaining 4, and I think either of those would be perfectly satisfying stopping points. However, aside from these 13, the entire map is filled with a couple hundred optional collectibles you can obtain by completing extra challenges, and getting all of them took another 35 hours (as per the in-game timer). [...]
I would strongly recommend this to anyone who likes either puzzle games or platformers (and see if you enjoy the other half of the formula... you might be surprised!) and it's basically a must-play for anyone who likes both. If you do struggle with the platforming, there are a bunch of assist settings and if you struggle with puzzling out the game mechanics' nuances, there is a detailed hint menu/manual that lets you read exactly as much or as little as you need.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:rrma4ppncn46kf5ruroxseyu/bafkreig643xe4kqroi2i7ap5p7ymqpqugnsrgj7e2zfq73ghicjpggymlm)
Menderbug
@m-enderbug.bsky.social
142 followers 69 following 48 posts
I make logic puzzles and puzzle games. Working for Lunarch Studios. We just released the Artisan of Glimmith: store.steampowered.com/app/4160210/…
