Celestial Return

Unfortunately, I don't think I can recommend this game. There is a lot of passion in it, and I can see what they were going for, but the systems just detract too much from it, making it a frustrating mess. First of all the game is very short. It took me about 2 hours to reach an ending. I have no issues with that, but it is something that you have to keep in mind. The art of the game is beautiful, it's a sort of abstract cyberpunk vibe with beautiful illustrations. This is really the best part of the game, and it almost carries it in and of itself. It was the main reason why I wanted to buy this game on release. The other reason was the dice system. It honestly looked very interesting, and I enjoyed the die based choices you had to make in Citizen Sleeper, so I imagined that this other new take on it, might also be enjoyable. I was wrong. So how it works is, throughout the game you get dice, that function as the basis of the game's RPG systems. They act as currency and as the main way to pass the skillchecks of the game by spending them. Unfortunately there are very few ways of getting more dice and a lot of ways of spending them. So you will always feel die-starved. Very often I…

Celestial Return is an unconventional narrative-driven role-playing game that combines cyberpunk detective fiction, supernatural horror, and tabletop-inspired mechanics into a distinctive adventure. Developed by Metaphor Games and published by Shoreline Games, it emphasizes investigation, character development, dialogue, and strategic decision-making rather than traditional combat. Its unusual combination of philosophical storytelling and unpredictable gameplay creates an intriguing experience for players who appreciate experimental RPGs. The game stands out through its willingness to explore darker themes while incorporating absurd humor and imaginative mechanics. The story follows Detective Howard, a troubled investigator attempting to uncover the truth behind a mysterious series of suicides in Netherveil City. This dystopian metropolis is dominated by corporate corruption, supernatural disturbances, and widespread social decay. What begins as a seemingly ordinary investigation gradually develops into a disturbing journey involving existential questions and forces beyond human understanding. Howard's unusual possessions, including a sentient rose, a detective badge, and a collec…

Honestly, I didn't expect much from this game but I've been pleasantly surprised. It's a short game though, if you wish to pour a ton of hours into a game, this isn't the one. But I've just finished my first playthrough and the overall experience was at least 2-3x more fun than Citizen Sleeper 2, which is the only other similar game I've played. There's people complaining about the dice economy, but it's actually just a matter of curiosity (I've never, during my whole playthrough, faced a lack of dices) and luck, since you can find a very decent amount here and there in random encounters the whole time. Honestly, a total non-issue, unless you find a way to mismanage your dices and have very bad luck. The only slightly negative point I have to mention is that I didn't realize I had points (earned through unique outcomes) I could put into my characteristics to better my rolls' odds until half-way through. Maybe I didn't pay proper attention but I feel like there was not enough emphasis on it. Would've maybe saved a roll or two though, nothing dramatic. Story is great, there's just the right amount of side "quests" so you don't get lost/overwhelmed but still have a couple to …

An amazing cyberpunk experience. Really gushing with both the corporate nihilism - way, way beyond pretty much any cyberpunk game in recent memory - but also with the "punk" part, being part of a random street concert was a surprisingly moving experience. All this with the extra paranormal/SCP layer of the "Altereds" makes for a world I'd be interested in visiting. Maybe because of the MC's design, but I've been getting strong Hellblazer vibes throughout. The dice system is quite interesting and involving. The storyline doesn't overstay it's welcome, but works well for what it does. The music is great, so is the art direction. The only thing is, the game is a bit short, you can finish it in about 3-4 hours, but for the price, it's well worth it. Btw. I'm quite amazed by how many people claim, that they don't have enough dice. The game is actually extremly generous with the dice it gives you, as well as with the inbuilt bonuses which make a lot of tests autopasses. (The only thing lacking is that even if you have a +5 for a difficulty 2 test, you still need to spend at least one die.) I've finished books 1 & 2 with well over a dozen dice, including the most powerful ones like the …

TL;DR: There is a great game in here that, despite its shortcomings, I want to help bring out. Here is a really important lesson about games. Most of us will forgive imperfect mechanics if the vibe is cool. Think of all the games you have loved over the span of your life. Do you honestly carry them in your heart because of an impeccably designed mechanic or because you got lost in their world and didn't want to come out of it? Obviously we all want both. Those are the best games. But if I had to choose, I would choose cool vibes every day of the week and twice on Sundays. There is a reason why the concept of the Rule of Cool exists. Celestial Return has that in spades. It is made by people who know good art when they see it. It has a powerful aesthetic profile that cannot be ignored. The art is amazing, the music is awesome and the narrative, even though not exactly breaking new ground, hits all the right spots. It's Cyberpunk, it's New Weird, it's Metal. It's not for everyone for sure but it's not trying or pretending to be for everyone. It's certainly not for jaded customers of game products. This game has heart. I mean how often do you get a mixed media game that is also a…

We neeeeeeed Chinese!!! It's a good novel,a good story,but it feels bad to enjoy it by translator