Tiny fragments forever part of something greater

No one can say Outer Wilds isn't a unique game. The game manages to combine the vast exploration of space, one of the most intriguing mysteries I've ever experienced with a stellar soundtrack. The emphasis on un-guided exploration along with how each planet is specifically handcrafted while emphasizing the terror of the unknown and not knowing what to expect next is a rare feeling for me.

The premise of Outer Wilds is surprisingly simple: You're a new astronaut exploring a solar system with no more than a mention that you should find out about the Nomai, an ancient extinct civilization that explored your solar system long ago. There is a catch in that you're also stuck in a 22 minute time loop that resets after the duration runs out or when you perish so death is never really punishing in this aspect. The tools you have which consist of a scout robot which lets you take pictures at a slideshow pace and your suit which comes with a jetpack enhances this as well. The soundtrack also emphasizes the loneliness of traversing while still having a tinge of dread with not knowing what is around the corner. It's sort of hard to explain the game in all of its intricacies because there is a bit to the overall experience and sometimes it's best not to say much as the game relies on your experience with this game as the game's extremely open-ended nature makes every playthrough unique in the sense of the sequences you will experiment things but sometimes to a fault.

I wasn't lying when the game doesn't really steer you into any direction. As soon as you get the launch codes, you can go anywhere and explore at your own pace granted with the loop but this is mostly a blessing but rarely a curse. You might explore an area and you might not have a single clue how to enter or progress in it without some obscure clue or log for a different planet which can leave you stuck sometimes and the puzzles can be pretty obtuse to the point that you might want to consult a guide to solve one. The game gives you the info but it doesn't really account for every scenario at points but this is an inevitability with how the game is designed so I can't even fault it too much here other than it being a bit frustrating at points.

I feel like if I was more into the exploratory segments this game offered then it would probably be one of my favorite games but even with the personal genre clash I have with this game, the game was pretty enjoyable just for the concept, the sights, the journey and the ending that surprisingly hits pretty hard for a game like this. I don't really see as a masterpiece of anything other than open-ended exploration but I think it's still worth playing of the concept interests you because you'll likely enjoy it.

I'm glad you remembered me.