A Clunky Yet Charming Adventure for Aspiring Robot Reporters
I recently had the chance to dive into the demo of Times and Galaxy for Nintendo Switch, and I have some thoughts to share. This game offers an intriguing mix of customization and narrative choice but is hampered by some frustrating mechanics and uninspired design.
What I Liked:
• Customization Galore: Right off the bat, Times and Galaxy impressed me with its extensive customization options. You can tweak your robot’s colors, body shape, and even pronouns. It’s always a plus when a game lets you personalize your character to such a degree.
• Choices Matter: The game’s biggest strength lies in its branching narrative. Your choices genuinely impact the story, leading to different outcomes and ensuring no two playthroughs are alike. This adds significant replay value and makes your decisions feel meaningful.
• Unique Concept: Playing as a robot reporter tasked with writing articles is a fresh and exciting concept. You get to choose your writing style, whether sensational or informative, which in turn affects your readership and reputation. It’s a neat twist that adds depth to the gameplay.
• Investigative Elements: The investigative and puzzle-solving aspects are engaging. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you piece together clues and uncover new stories.
What I Disliked:
• Clunky Controls: Unfortunately, the controls are a major downside. Moving around feels slow and awkward, and you often have to line up just right to interact with objects or characters. This can be incredibly frustrating and breaks the immersion.
• Navigation Woes: The clunky controls extend to navigating the game world. It’s all too easy to get stuck on objects or walls, which further detracts from the overall experience.
• Lackluster Story and Characters: While the concept is intriguing, the story and characters themselves are not very compelling. They lack depth and fail to draw you in, making it hard to stay invested.
• Amateur Art Style: The art style leaves much to be desired. Thick lines and strange character designs give the game an amateurish look that doesn’t do its unique concept any favors.
Overall Thoughts
Times and Galaxy has a lot of potential with its innovative customization and story-driven gameplay. However, the clunky controls and unremarkable story and characters hold it back. If you enjoy games by Kairosoft or Jackbox, you might find some elements to appreciate here. Despite its flaws, the game’s unique approach makes it worth keeping an eye on, especially if it goes on sale.
Basic Info
• Developer: Imaginary Softworks
• Publisher: Pixel Prism Games
• Genre: Adventure, Simulation
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch
• Release Date: 06/21/2024
If you’re a fan of narrative-driven games with a high degree of customization, Times and Galaxy might just be worth a try. Just be prepared for some clunky controls and an art style that might not be to everyone’s taste.
