Unto the Aurora

Well, I don't know. Maybe I played it "wrong", but this was not a "60-90 minute" game for me with "Realistic Sailing" or "Exploration". Maybe because I followed the logbook and only sailed North? I guess if you sail in any other direction then there is "exploration" and maybe even something to find, but it feels pointless if the only clear goal of the game is to escape North, so that's what I did. Aside from a ghost ship, a few whales, a fever dream (only way I can describe it) and a red storm, it was a constant loop of (a) eating a fish, (b) ducking near the oven and (c) correcting the course. It's not hard. It has atmosphere, but it leads nowhere and the ending just happens (literally, I was just crouching near the oven when the epilogue logo appeared). If this were a free game, I would give this a thumbs up for its "artsiness", but for 5€ I expect a lot more game than what is given here.

short. simple. atmostpheric. interesting.

Phenomenal idea and atmosphere; close-ish to my ideal sailing game, too. Unfortunately, the boat got stuck in the middle of part two, ceasing to move further north, making for a disappointment that effectively cannot be finished.

enchanting

A short, but haunting experience that stuck with me for a while after. I'd rather not spoil the turns the game takes in my review, but I will say that each chapter sinks you further into a journey that becomes actively hostile that you must push through for. An easy recommendation for anything looking for an equally harsh yet beautiful game. Also you can fish. My only suggestions would be to include a 'push off' function for the boat when close to terrain, make it more clear when the boat is moving, and include a 'escape to menu' function. I was stuck twice against invisible walls and turning the boat slowly, then being unsure if I was actually unstuck or if the waves were just moving was a problem in Level 2. I ended up having to restart the game to be able to properly unstuck myself and restart the chapter. I don't see this is a major problem with the game and more of quality of life suggestions. As a side note for this review -- is there a place where the game's music and more are uploaded to? A Bandcamp or similar service? I very much enjoyed it and would like to support where I can.

[table] [tr] [th]WHEN[/th] [td] The night before you’re set to burn [/td] [/tr] [tr] [th]WHERE[/th] [td] Adrift in the cold seas north of Scotland [/td] [/tr] [tr] [th]WHO ARE YOU[/th] [td] Someone fleeing certain death in hopes of a new life [/td] [/tr] [tr] [th]WHAT DO YOU DO[/th] [td] There are tales of lands further north where you can live out your days in peace. An angry, bitterly cold sea stands between you and a new start. You must sail it alone, at the will of the wind. [/td] [/tr] [tr] [th]WHY IT'S WORTH PLAYING[/th] [td] Steeped in a time and place that is simple and stark. There is a serene beauty to sailing this sea, despite its many hardships along the way. [/td] [/tr] [/table]