Exographer

Exographer is a science-fiction puzzle platformer developed by SciFunGames and published by Abylight Studios. While many games borrow scientific terminology simply to create a futuristic atmosphere, Exographer builds its entire identity around genuine scientific curiosity. Combining exploration, environmental puzzles, and Metroidvania-inspired progression, the game invites players to investigate a mysterious alien world where every discovery feels meaningful. It is an experience driven not by combat or spectacle, but by the joy of understanding how a strange world functions and gradually uncovering the secrets hidden within it. Players take control of InI, an explorer sent on a mission to investigate a stranded planetoid. Upon arrival, they discover traces of a vanished civilization and evidence of a mysterious force that has transformed the environment. The narrative unfolds through exploration rather than lengthy dialogue sequences, encouraging players to piece together the story through observation and investigation. This approach works particularly well because it allows the world itself to become the primary storyteller. Ancient structures, forgotten technology, and environme…

I loved this game. it definitely deserves more attention. A bit on the short side, but it's just about the length it needs to be. It's sort of an MV-lite: The levels are more straightforward than a typical MV as far as their layout, but they look good and traversing them is pretty fun; Backtracking with new abilities is pretty much just to find secrets. There's also no combat, just puzzles and exploration (which is a plus to me). The puzzles (platforming or otherwise) weren't too easy nor too hard, and I enjoyed them. The story/lore was engaging, particularly if you have any interest in particle physics. The decision to change some of the particle names does feel like a bit of a missed opportunity to use this as an educational tool. My only other issue is that I wish there was a full map with all the areas. Overall, it's a nice, chill puzzle game that also plays great on Steam Deck.

Fantastic Metroidbrainia.

This was a cute little game. Puzzles were not too challenging, but there were some fun brainteasers here. Maybe the puzzle mechanic of matching the energy rays of the different pixules could have been explored a bit more- it gets expanded upon by introducing new types of filters and lenses to look at these energy rays, but at their core, these puzzles are still mostly match-type puzzles where you have to match the given patterns to what you see on the screen. There's not a lot of complexity involved here. My main critique would be that the mechanics of the different gadgets you use are interesting, but I have to admit I got my wires crossed more than once. The platforming puzzles often require you to carefully mix and juggle different gadget functions at once (i.e., activate a shield to climb, then create a new block, disable your shield, then turn on the magnet boots), but some platforming puzzles require you to use multiple gadgets in a timespan of less than a second. This felt a bit finicky (i.e. in my case I sometimes couldn't consistently get the magnet boots to stick to a surface), and oftentimes caused me to activate the wrong gadget (thus sending me tumbling down).

Very pleasant game. It deliberately focuses on exploration, puzzles and platforming, giving combat the lowest priority possible, which is refreshing to see in the genre. If you know this beforehand and adjust your expectations accordingly, you will certainly have fun with it. Also, art direction and soundtrack are just beautiful. Looking forward to seeing more from the developers in the future.

A great little metroidvania that really makes you feel like a scientist. It also has an Outer Wilds-like quality to it where you discover the story through exploration, which makes exploration truly enjoyable. Some disclaimers to make sure you don't come to this game seeking something it won't provide: - There is no combat. - The default controls are very poorly planned, but you can re-map the important ones, and you can use your mouse in place of the (un-changeable) k and m keys. - It is very linear for a metroidvania, and the map system could stand to be improved. - The puzzles are pretty simple, and the main puzzle mechanic is largely just matching things up according to their qualities. Come for the exploration, the story, and atmosphere. If you're looking for a traditional metroidvania or puzzle game, don't bother.