Newly released, Sunless Skies by Failbetter Games is a great game to look at, and a story to really sink your teeth into. Compared to their previous game Sunless Seas, the battle now goes to the stars in a game thatis very well done.
With a Lovecraftian vibe, Sunless Skies takes players on a journey through the skies with a locomotive as the only way of travel. The Empress of London has taken her people to the Heavens and now a group called the Heath (compared to the Unmentionables) are trying to rise out into the skies to escape their situation and get to a better life by getting to the Sun.
Players will face many enemies in this Gothic-style fantasy top-down game. Around every turn in the galaxy and through every new place there will be something either unsettling or unique to find. Most times players will be battling some type of monster but there will also be times where you can pause time and explore a new area and have a cup of tea and a lovely relaxing adventure. Sometimes these graphics seem crowded but you will get through it!
Sunless Skies tries to keep the game play simple with their standard inventory screen and health monitors. Players are able to choose their crew for the locomotive which all have odd descriptions that can change the course of the game. None of the descriptions seem very happy to say the least but we all just work with what we’ve got. The crew is subject to death just like you, the captain of the voyage. The actual steering and firing of weapons is pretty simple but the game doesn’t have controller support. It’s best to play using the standard WASD keys. This is frustrating when you add in that firing at enemies can only be done from the front of the locomotive as well. Over time this becomes somewhat easier, but only if you keep at it.
Overall, Sunless Skies is much like Sunless Seas and it’s possible to play the games in either order since they both exist in the same universe. The environment is very nice to look at and the story is still well done. The game only really fails at the inability to add controller support. Otherwise, this sequel is top of the line and should be given a look, especially if you’ve already played Sunless Seas. This plot alone is worth the play.
9/10
Available on: PC
