Nominated as a IGF Seamus McNally Finalist, NightSky is an ambient action-puzzle game that offers a gameplay experience unlike any other—cerebral challenges fill uniquely designed picturesque worlds. The player must maneuver a sphere by using realistic physics to advance; each of these worlds is broken into different areas. The original soundtrack by experimental jazz musician, Chris Schlarb will further heighten the surreal experience.
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What it lacks in spectacle, it makes up for in coziness. Coming back to it over a decade later, I actually remembered some of the simplistic, silhouetted levels fairly vividly. Its visuals aren't anything remarkable, but they linger like a warm, comforting memory— which, it often has been for me over the years.
Truthfully, much of this game isn't particularly remarkable: the physics puzzles are fine if fiddly, the movement is a little slippery yet satisfying enough, the gimmicks are cute and enjoyable (if not occasionally frustrating later on). It's the singularly gentle vibe that persists, underscored greatly by Chris Schlarb's soundtrack, where the guitars, strings, synths, and occasional horns hardly ever become more than a whisper. The game's intentions never seem to aspire above wanting to be simply fun and cozy, but in those regards, it succeeds beautifully.
Truthfully, much of this game isn't particularly remarkable: the physics puzzles are fine if fiddly, the movement is a little slippery yet satisfying enough, the gimmicks are cute and enjoyable (if not occasionally frustrating later on). It's the singularly gentle vibe that persists, underscored greatly by Chris Schlarb's soundtrack, where the guitars, strings, synths, and occasional horns hardly ever become more than a whisper. The game's intentions never seem to aspire above wanting to be simply fun and cozy, but in those regards, it succeeds beautifully.
Sometimes you happen upon a game that's just the perfect salve to a downbeat mood. NightSky is a special kind of relaxing, one where you find yourself talking to... yourself as you puzzle out the many ball-focused physics puzzles. It's a special kind of frustrating, too, but never aggressively so. Even the worst, most-difficult screens were ones that I laughed off as I eventually figured them out. It's probably the chill-ass vibes this game brings.