The Star Named EOS, developed by Silver Lining Studios and published by Playism, features a blend of narrative-driven gameplay and intricate puzzles set against a hand-drawn background. The story follows Dei, a young photographer on a quest to unravel the mystery surrounding his absent mother, as you get drawn into a touching story, brought to life on all major platforms – we’re checking it out on a PlayStation 5.
The game’s premise is both heartfelt and intriguing. As Dei, players start off on a journey inspired by letters and photographs that his mother sent during her travels. The narrative unfolds as Dei recreates these old photos, slowly uncovering long-forgotten truths about his past and his mother’s mysterious disappearance. It’s a very personal story, told through excellent voice acting that breathes life into the characters and makes the emotional stakes feel tangible.
Gameplay in The Star Named EOS revolves around exploring hand-drawn environments while solving the puzzles that have been embedded in them. The puzzles are thoughtfully designed, striking a fine balance between being challenging and accessible. Each puzzle feels like a natural part of the environment as well, encouraging players to interact with the world in and, with a few exceptions, never breaking the immersion. However, some puzzles are more difficult than others, with certain examples feeling too straightforward while others are more complex.
The controls are straightforward and easy to pick up, allowing for smooth navigation and interaction with the game’s various elements. This works well given the game’s focus on environmental storytelling and exploration, letting you keep your focus there. The panoramic scenes are highly detailed and reward exploration, making it a joy to uncover every secret and solve each puzzle. The only minor gripe in this sense is that the gamepad controls can feel a bit imprecise when interacting with smaller objects in the environment.
Visually, The Star Named EOS is extremely easy on the eyes. The art style is full of warmth and character, bringing the game’s world to life in a way that feels inviting and charming. Each scene is well crafted, making exploration and the discovery of new areas visually rewarding. The game’s sound design complements these visuals well, with a soothing soundtrack that enhances the emotional depth of the story and immersive sound effects that make the world feel lived-in.
The pacing of the story can occasionally feel slow though, particularly during the middle sections of the story where the narrative momentum dips slightly. Additionally, while the puzzles are generally well-integrated into the story, there are moments where the connection between the puzzles and the narrative feels too tenuous, making the gameplay experience feel somewhat disjointed.
In conclusion, The Star Named EOS on PlayStation 5 is a beautifully made game that combines a touching narrative with engaging puzzles and hand-drawn visuals. Its emotional story, well-voiced characters, and immersive environments make it an easy recommendation for fans of narrative-driven adventures and puzzle games. While it may have some pacing issues and a sometimes uneven puzzle difficulty, the overall experience that Silver Lining Studios has crafted is rewarding and memorable.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 