Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Strategy First
- Publishers: Strategy First
Orb (2014) Review
Orb is a space exploration game developed by Thomas Altenburger and released in 2014. The game is set in the Aldus system, where two orphaned races slowly evolved on two separate planets. Both races believed that they were unique and alone in the universe.
The player takes on the role of a young pilot who is tasked with exploring the Aldus system and uncovering the secrets of the past. The game features a large and open-ended world, with a variety of planets and moons to explore. The player can fly their spaceship anywhere in the system, and land on any planet or moon that they choose.
Once on a planet or moon, the player can explore the environment, interact with the local inhabitants, and complete quests. The game features a variety of different quests, ranging from simple fetch quests to more complex puzzles. The player can also choose to engage in combat with the game’s many enemies, or they can simply avoid combat and focus on exploration.
Orb is a beautiful game, with stunning graphics and a haunting soundtrack. The game’s world is full of detail, and the player can spend hours exploring the different planets and moons. The game’s story is also well-written, and the player will be drawn into the mystery of the Aldus system.
However, Orb is not without its flaws. The game’s combat system is somewhat simplistic, and the player may find themselves avoiding combat altogether. The game’s world is also somewhat empty, and the player may find themselves wishing for more things to do.
Overall, Orb is a solid space exploration game with a lot to offer. The game’s beautiful graphics, haunting soundtrack, and well-written story will keep the player entertained for hours on end. However, the game’s simplistic combat system and somewhat empty world may leave the player wanting more.
Score: 7.5/10
Gameplay
Orb is a space exploration game with a strong focus on exploration and discovery. The player takes on the role of a young pilot who is tasked with exploring the Aldus system and uncovering the secrets of the past.
The game features a large and open-ended world, with a variety of planets and moons to explore. The player can fly their spaceship anywhere in the system, and land on any planet or moon that they choose.
Once on a planet or moon, the player can explore the environment, interact with the local inhabitants, and complete quests. The game features a variety of different quests, ranging from simple fetch quests to more complex puzzles. The player can also choose to engage in combat with the game’s many enemies, or they can simply avoid combat and focus on exploration.
The player’s spaceship is equipped with a variety of tools and weapons that can be used to explore the game’s world. The player can use their spaceship’s scanner to identify objects and enemies, and they can use their spaceship’s weapons to defend themselves from attack. The player can also use their spaceship to transport cargo and passengers.
Setting
Orb is set in the Aldus system, a star system located in a distant corner of the galaxy. The system is home to two planets, Gaia and Luna, and a variety of moons. Gaia is a lush and verdant planet, while Luna is a barren and desolate wasteland.
The Aldus system was once home to a powerful empire, but the empire collapsed long ago after a long and brutal war. The two races that now inhabit the system, the Gaians and the Lunarians, are the descendants of the empire’s survivors.
The Gaians are a peaceful and technologically advanced people. They live in harmony with nature, and they have a deep respect for the environment. The Lunarians, on the other hand, are a warlike and nomadic people. They are constantly fighting for resources, and they have no regard for the environment.
The Gaians and the Lunarians have a long and bitter history. The two races have fought many wars over the centuries, and they have never been able to find a lasting peace.
Story
The story of Orb follows the journey of a young pilot named Amaya. Amaya is a member of the Gaians, and she is tasked with exploring the Aldus system and uncovering the secrets of the past.
Amaya’s journey takes her to all corners of the Aldus system. She meets a variety of different people and creatures, and she learns about the complex history of the system. Amaya also discovers that the Aldus system is not as empty as it seems. There are ancient ruins scattered throughout the system, and these ruins hold the key to the past.
As Amaya explores the Aldus system, she begins to unravel the mystery of the empire’s collapse. She learns that the empire was destroyed by a powerful weapon known as the Orb. The Orb was a weapon of mass destruction, and it was used by the empire to destroy its enemies.
Amaya also learns that the Orb is still active. The Orb is hidden somewhere in the Aldus system, and it is a threat to all life in the system. Amaya must find the Orb and destroy it before it can be used again.
Characters
- Amaya: The protagonist of the game. Amaya is a young pilot who is tasked with exploring the Aldus system and uncovering the secrets of the past.
- Gaia: The leader of the Gaians. Gaia is a wise and benevolent leader who is committed to peace and harmony.
- Luna: The leader of the Lunarians. Luna is a ruthless and ambitious leader who is constantly seeking power.
Reception
Orb received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its beautiful graphics, haunting soundtrack, and well-written story. However, the game’s simplistic combat system and somewhat empty world were criticized by some reviewers.
Overall, Orb is a solid space exploration game with a lot to offer. The game’s beautiful graphics, haunting soundtrack, and well-written story will keep the player entertained for hours on end. However, the game’s simplistic combat system and somewhat empty world may leave the player wanting more.
Review Score
7.5/10