Order of the Sinking Star, Jonathan Blow's latest puzzle game, presents an intriguing blend of familiar mechanics and a unique narrative twist. The game's opening menu prompt, with its AI-generated voiceovers, sets the tone for a meta-textual journey, reflecting Blow's history of controversial statements. The game's premise, set on a chain of islands with hundreds of puzzles, initially evokes memories of Sokoban-style challenges, but the gameplay quickly diverges, offering a fresh take on puzzle-solving.
The game introduces a trio of heroes with distinct abilities, each contributing to a dynamic puzzle-solving experience. The Mirror Isles, in particular, introduce a magical looking glass with versatile functions, adding a layer of complexity and creativity to the gameplay. As the difficulty increases, the game demands innovative thinking, showcasing the relationship between the player's actions, the exit points, and the large rocks that need to be moved.
However, the review highlights a concern about the game's narrative approach. The primary avatar's quest to uncover the Order of the Sinking Star's secrets feels forced, with dialogue that disrupts the flow of the puzzle-solving experience. The use of AI placeholders, despite being a common industry practice, adds an unnecessary layer of frustration, especially when the game's narrative elements are already complex. The comparison to The Witness is drawn, noting the game's potential for self-referential and self-aggrandizing meta-ending, which may overshadow the puzzle-solving experience.
In conclusion, Order of the Sinking Star shows promise in its puzzle mechanics and unique setting, but the narrative approach and AI placeholders could be refined to create a more seamless and engaging gameplay experience. The game's potential for meta-textual storytelling, inspired by Blow's past statements, adds an intriguing layer to the overall experience, leaving players with a sense of anticipation for the game's full release.
