The game has a really good atmosphere, standing on great sound and visual design.
The puzzles are not very challenging, but remain nevertheless engaging, with overall a lot of polish to this simple but effective gameplay.
As others have noted the game is short, but for me this is not necessarily a drawback. It could have been a little longer perhaps, but for what it is, it was a very nice experience for my evening after work.
Make no mistakes, Far: Lone Sails is an amazing game. That is if you are fine with a laid back game made for taking in the atmosphere providaded by the environment around you.
Pros:
- Great Art
- Good Soundtrack
- Lack of an actual story is complemented by the world around you (The end actually touched my heart, I don't know why)
- Nice little puzzles
- Responsive controllers
Cons:
- Achievements are buggy as hell (that's also on GOG Galaxy itself)
- It's very short, about 4h in a laid back pace (although the lenght didn't bother me, as I think it's quite fitting in the end)
I've played Gris, Aer and Abzu before starting with FAR. FAR fits nicely in with the other titles but only when I finished this one did I really long for more. I was actually sad that it was over. It was a great journey.
You'll see short, short and short in the other reviews. I played this just after Aer and this gave me almost double the playtime (finished in about 3 hours) so I'm not complaining!
The world is beautiful without being too artsy fartsy (Gris) and the music is just brilliant! I'm a sucker for saxophone so when that joined the score as well I was delighted. The music changes with your actions and it's really well done.
There are a few puzzles along the way, nothing requiring a 200 IQ but always fair and logical, not game designer logical if you know what I mean. Without giving too much away, you pilot your vessel with a series of buttons. You can do this as casual as you want or you can jump all over the shop and go for the most efficient experience, up to you. Only near the end will you need to actually get everything a little streamlined but you'll be a pro by then.
If you're looking for a casual puzzle experience with a great atmosphere, look no further!
The game at first lured me with its unique setting and look. There was little in the way of contemplating whether or not I should buy it. That bell had struck immediately. I was eager to discover what this game was about. The music is pleasant and truly sets the tone for the lovely brush painted environment, drawing your attention to the background numerous times. It is dark and moody, yet hopeful at the same time as you make your journey across a vast destroyed world in an engaging Steam Engine. Your only goal is forward. And, as you embark on this solemn adventure, you discover new locations while gathering fuel to push on. Obstacles will hamper your way until you figure out a way around them. Weather will crush you under its weight. Along the way, you begin to realise what may have caused the gloomy destruction of the world you are blazing through. But most impactful is the absolute love I felt running that Steam Engine to the bitter-sweet end.
I enjoy playing the game in my off-time as well as during work hours. It is short and sweet, fun and beautiful to look at. I am very excited for the second one coming soon and will most definitely endeavour to purchase that one as well.
