The first time I played Heavenly Bodies, I was confused because it was nothing like the other video games I was used to. That confusion turned into comedy and frustration before going back to comedy. The key element of this game is zero gravity, and your understanding of physics mechanics is very important.

It is not a scientific game but a highly intuitive and enjoyable game. The developers at 2Pt Interactive have outdone themselves with this game because it is such a great gaming experience. This game is available on PlayStation 4 & 5 and Windows PC, and it costs $19.99, but the experience is worth it.

So you know, there are no villains or celestial monsters to battle with; this is not that kind of game. It is much more than a puzzle game.

Elevated Puzzle Gameplay

The gameplay is simple. Your character is a cosmonaut out in space and is tasked with certain onboard activities. You are provided with a reference manual with detailed directions and illustrations on what to do. The tricky part is controlling these bodies in zero gravity with the control scheme. There are seven scenarios with distinct settings and optional challenges to complete.

One time, you may be mining asteroids away from your 1970s space station; another time, you are building a telescope or going through dark pathways connecting the circuitry of the spacecraft. Each level takes about 45 minutes, depending on how quickly you get the hang of the game, totalling about five hours of playtime. The game supports the use of a mouse and keyboard, but I recommend the controller. It gave me the best control experience. I was stuck so many times, but I could not let go, which shows the great game design by the developers.

It Is All About The Game Control

Like I said earlier, controlling your character is not so straightforward. You control each side of their body, including the limbs, with the left and right sides of the controller. The controller’s shoulder triggers control and lets you grab on things while the bumpers pull your legs in, keeping you from floating away. Analogue sticks control the direction your arms face. It takes a well-timed combination of these movements that enable you to move smoothly through the space and achieve your tasks.

To be in control of this game, you need active thinking. If your mind drifts and you forget to grip on time or move in the wrong direction, you may find yourself drifting away into the abyss. I like how the game progresses from pulling simple levers to clicking on buttons to winding cranks and pulling cables. This ensures you never get too comfortable because you have to actually grip these mechanical structures for them to work.

Minimalistics Yet Impressive Graphics

This game is as stimulating as a space exploration game can be. It has a children’s book graphics to it which is both functional and minimalistic. It helps you to focus on the task without being distracted by big flashes of graphic elements. Despite this minimalistic approach to the graphics, there are very immersive shots with a thorough, polished feel.

Sometimes you float past planets, satellites, and asteroids, and they have a very realistic texture to them. You can tell that the developers took their time to make sure that the world was thoroughly rendered. The design of the machinery and spacecraft is very thorough and realistic also.

The Couch Co-Op Mode For Multiple Players

This is the perfect opportunity to complete the game with a close friend. I say close friends because they need to be close for this to work. This helps to minimize the loneliness you experience in space and frustration. I got my pal over, and we laughed and teased each other when one person got stuck, or we bumped into each other. It is great to have someone to laugh with when you are lost in the universe.

This also improves the mission because you have someone to share an understanding of the task with. They are also there to grab you when you are about to float away. The drawback to this mode is that you are both limited to a single screen which means you cannot divide the task. It also greatly increases the likelihood that you would bump into each other when going through the narrow confines of the spacecraft. Completing the game with your friend remotely is preferable.

Spacey Soundtrack That Works Perfectly

Just like the graphics, Heavenly Bodies takes a minimalistic approach. This makes sense as the game is set in space, which is quiet and usually still. The game reflects this, with a silent spacey sound playing in the background that keeps you focused on the task. A rock band playing in the background would have been out of place for a game that requires such high mental commitment.

The only other noise occurs when you operate machinery or open locks, which keeps you immersed in the actions you are carrying out. Since the game does not have a climax or anticlimax and depends on your control over the player, there is no need for an over-the-top score. For future versions, I would recommend minimalist lo-fi music for the score.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Heavenly Bodies is a really interactive game that combines puzzle-solving with adventure and physics in the best ways possible. There is a learning curve to this that many people don’t have the patience for. Although intuitive, there is a level of detail the game brings that requires good attention, which is why you have unlimited access to the manual.

I also like that there are collectables to be gathered throughout the game to take back to either the starting or finishing point. If you did not get them, you might have worked for nothing, which frustrates you the more. Nevertheless, it is an exciting and addictive frustration.