Firmament, the latest puzzle-adventure game from Cyan Worlds Inc, the legendary studio behind Myst and Riven, promises players another captivating journey through a beautifully crafted world. With its deep storytelling, immersive gameplay mechanics, and stunning steampunk aesthetic, Firmament captures the essence of Cyan Worlds’ legacy while delivering a unique and captivating experience. However, it’s not without its flaws – some of which feel like “legacy flaws”. It’s out now for PCs – we reviewed it on Steam.
Firmament excels in creating a visually stunning world with its remarkable steampunk aesthetic. The attention to detail and the vibrant environments immerse players in a fantastical setting, though exploring everything and seeing the gorgeous artwork and world designs will take a while. The environments in Firmament are undeniably one of its highlights, with vast snowy mountains, overgrown hillside vaults, and botanical garden systems that exude beauty and attention to detail.
As you navigate through the Realms of Firmament, you are armed with an “Adjunct,” a device that serves as your interface to interact with the various devices and challenges encountered along the way. Firmament’s puzzles are intricate and challenging, offering a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts – especially those who loved Cyan’s previous work. However, some puzzles suffer from a lack of clear instructions, leading to possible confusion and frustration. The game would benefit from providing clearer hints or guidance to ensure players don’t get stuck for extended periods. Additionally, the Adjunct device, while innovative, can occasionally feel a tad clunky, impacting the fluidity of gameplay as you strive to uncover the secrets that this mysterious world holds.
The narrative in Firmament unfolds gradually, enticing players with its mysteries. Alongside your exploration, you are accompanied by a mysterious apparition, who adds an intriguing layer to the story. The three distinct Realms you encounter are filled with secrets waiting to be discovered, and each realm serves a purpose that slowly becomes clear. However, the pacing of the storytelling can be uneven at times, resulting in moments where the narrative loses its momentum. More consistent pacing and a stronger focus on character development could have enhanced the emotional impact of the story. Nonetheless, the atmospheric world-building and the enigmatic apparition accompanying the player create a captivating atmosphere.
Firmament offers both VR and 2D experiences, catering to different play styles. The VR mode provides immersive gameplay, allowing players to feel fully immersed in the world of Firmament. It also offers the option for both Free Roam and Teleport modes, supporting various VR devices. However, the VR experience is quite demanding, so you’ll need a powerful rig to run it with good performance. With the right setup, Firmament is VR is amazing, and offers a level of depth and immersion you can’t get in 2D – though interactions with the environment are relatively limited.
At the end of the day, Firmament offers a visually stunning puzzle-adventure that showcases Cyan Worlds’ expertise in creating immersive worlds. But while it captivates with its original steampunk aesthetic, deep storytelling, and challenging puzzles, its sometimes vague puzzles aren’t going to impress those who never really connected with Myst. But for fans of Cyan Worlds’ brand of audiovisual storytelling, Firmament offers an engaging and stunning experience worth exploring.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 