Summary
- Release Year: 2013
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Puzzle, Simulator, Visual Novel
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: CAVYHOUSE
- Publishers: Carpe Fulgur LLC, CAVYHOUSE
This Starry Midnight We Make: A Celestial Journey Through Time and Space
Released in 2013, This Starry Midnight We Make is a unique and beautiful puzzle-simulation game that lets you create celestial objects and watch the stories of individuals tied to them unfold. Developed by Japanese studio Toybox Inc., the game features a distinctive art style and a relaxing, meditative gameplay experience.
Gameplay
The player takes on the role of a nameless protagonist who discovers a mysterious Star-seeing Basin. This basin allows the player to create a simulation of the night sky, as seen through the lens of Japan’s ancient system of onmyou divination. By placing different types of stars in the basin, the player can affect the world around them and trigger cutscenes that tell the stories of individuals tied to the basin.
The gameplay is simple but addictive. Players simply drag and drop stars into the basin and watch as they take shape. The stars come in different colors and sizes, and each one has a different effect on the world. For example, red stars can cause plants to grow, while blue stars can make water flow.
As the player progresses through the game, they will learn more about the Star-seeing Basin and the people who have used it in the past. They will also learn about the different types of stars and their effects on the world.
Story
The story of This Starry Midnight We Make is told through a series of cutscenes that are triggered by placing stars in the basin. The cutscenes are beautifully animated and feature a cast of memorable characters.
The story is about the power of the stars and the importance of human connection. It is a story about how our actions can affect the world around us, and how we are all connected to each other.
Art style
The art style of This Starry Midnight We Make is one of its most striking features. The game’s world is rendered in a soft, painterly style that is both beautiful and calming. The stars are particularly impressive, and they seem to glow with a gentle light.
The game’s art style is inspired by traditional Japanese painting and ukiyo-e prints. The characters are depicted with simple lines and muted colors, and the backgrounds are often adorned with beautiful scenery.
Music
The music of This Starry Midnight We Make is composed by Japanese musician Kenji Ito. The music is ambient and atmospheric, and it perfectly complements the game’s visuals. The music is also very relaxing, and it helps to create a sense of peace and tranquility.
Reception
This Starry Midnight We Make received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its beautiful art style, relaxing gameplay, and heartwarming story. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Seumas McNally Grand Prize at the Independent Games Festival.
Conclusion
This Starry Midnight We Make is a unique and beautiful game that offers a relaxing and meditative gameplay experience. The game’s art style, music, and story are all top-notch, and it is sure to appeal to fans of puzzle games, simulation games, and Japanese culture.
Additional Information
- Developer: Toybox Inc.
- Publisher: Aksys Games
- Release date: November 19, 2013
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Windows, OS X, Linux
- Genre: Puzzle-simulation
- ESRB rating: E for Everyone
Review
I give This Starry Midnight We Make a score of 8.5/10. The game is beautiful, relaxing, and thought-provoking. It is a must-play for fans of puzzle games, simulation games, and Japanese culture.
Review Score
8.5/10