Milkmaid of the Milky Way

A short but sweet point and click puzzle adventure that takes you from dairy farming in Norway out to the stars and beyond. Godspeed, Ruth, you were a joy.

91%Game Brain Score

story, music

replayability, character development

95% User Score Based on 390 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 3 reviews

Platforms

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About

Milkmaid of the Milky Way is a single player casual puzzle game with fantasy and science fiction themes. It was developed by machineboy and was released on January 4, 2017. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Milkmaid of the Milky Way" is a point-and-click adventure game in rhyme, set in 1920's Norway. Players assume the role of Ruth, a young milkmaid living alone on a remote farm, who discovers an alien spacecraft and is thrust into an extraordinary journey. This storyline explores moving into the unknown, challenging players with puzzles and exploration in a charming, nostalgic setting.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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95%

Audience ScoreBased on 390 reviews

story105 positive mentions

replayability3 negative mentions

Charming story with emotional depth that resonates with players.
Beautiful pixel art and a soothing soundtrack create an immersive atmosphere.
Engaging puzzles that are mostly logical and well-integrated into the narrative.

The rhyming dialogue can feel forced and awkward at times.
Some puzzles may be too simplistic or lack clear direction, leading to confusion.
The game is quite short, which may leave players wanting more content.

story
247 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
56%
1%
The story of "Milkmaid of the Milky Way" is a charming and whimsical narrative that begins with a pastoral setting and evolves into an interstellar adventure, all conveyed through a unique rhyming script that enhances its folktale quality. Players appreciate the emotional depth, touching themes of solitude and resilience, and the engaging, simple storytelling that is complemented by beautiful pixel art and a fitting soundtrack. While some find the story straightforward and occasionally simplistic, it is generally regarded as heartfelt and creatively presented, making it a delightful experience for fans of narrative-driven games.
- “What begins as a pastoral story of solitude quickly transforms into an interstellar odyssey, connecting the earthy textures of everyday life with the vast unknown of the cosmos.”
- “The rhyming script lends the story the cadence of a folktale, evoking the rhythm of oral storytelling traditions that fit perfectly with its Nordic setting.”
- “Milkmaid of the Milky Way is ultimately a quiet triumph of indie storytelling—a game that understands the power of simplicity, atmosphere, and empathy.”
- “Yet, the puzzles could be more imaginative and challenging, while the story feels a little bit simplistic.”
- “The storytelling is very simple, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but what was bad to me was how the game starts off on a very serious note and although it tries to keep that, the happenings are just too wacky and it threw me off my groove as I was playing and reading along.”
- “The rhyming narrative and pleasing art style add a lot of charm, but the story they augment is too linear to be taken as postmodernism and too unresolved to be a satisfying folktale.”
music
127 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
65%
33%
2%
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create a captivating atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience with its soothing and enchanting qualities. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's fitting blend of styles, including elements of folk and synth, which complement the game's visuals and narrative beautifully. While some noted a lack of environmental sound design, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and emotional depth.
- “Combined with the gentle, melancholic music and sparse sound design, the game’s presentation creates an atmosphere of stillness and introspection that lingers long after the final scene.”
- “The soundtrack is absolutely mesmerizing, and the mood is perfect.”
- “The music is excellent and sets a great mood for each scene.”
- “Too empty sound design with only a few environmental sounds and music that plays all the time in the background.”
- “Simple sounds (little music, no dialogue).”
- “The game starts off in a completely unexpected way where both the music and atmosphere are heavily reminiscent of John Carpenter's 'The Thing' with 80's synth music giving off a deeply unnerving sensation that something really sinister is out to get you.”
graphics
117 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
45%
5%
The graphics of "Milkmaid of the Milky Way" are characterized by a charming retro pixel art style that evokes nostalgia for classic adventure games, complemented by beautifully hand-painted backdrops. While some players appreciate the simplicity and emotional depth conveyed through the visuals, others find the pixelation less appealing by modern standards. Overall, the game's aesthetic successfully enhances its storytelling and atmosphere, making it a delightful experience for fans of the genre.
- “This combination gives Milkmaid of the Milky Way a distinctive look that feels timeless—grounded in the pixel aesthetics of classic adventure games but elevated by the painterly landscapes that frame every scene.”
- “The graphics are simple but detailed enough to create a definite aesthetic, the music perfectly fits each scene it accompanies, and the story is charming and engaging.”
- “A wonderful little gem of a game, with a surprisingly poignant and melancholic story, crisp and atmospheric lo-res graphics as well as a lovely soundtrack.”
- “The graphics are really bad.”
- “I find it annoying to watch pixelated square head characters moving around reminiscent of early 1990's graphics.”
- “The graphics in the game aren't fantastic... at least not by my modern standards, but what they have managed to do with those few pixels here and there is actually pretty impressive.”
atmosphere
41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
51%
42%
7%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its combination of beautiful pixel art, evocative music, and poetic storytelling, creating a sense of stillness, introspection, and warmth. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong emotions through its unique aesthetic and sound design, making it a captivating experience that lingers with players. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both charming and immersive, enhancing the narrative and gameplay significantly.
- “Combined with the gentle, melancholic music and sparse sound design, the game’s presentation creates an atmosphere of stillness and introspection that lingers long after the final scene.”
- “The soundtrack and general aesthetics work well and create a successful, rich atmosphere you can get lost in.”
- “A wonderful little gem of a game, with a surprisingly poignant and melancholic story, crisp and atmospheric lo-res graphics as well as a lovely soundtrack.”
- “The game starts off in a completely unexpected way where both the music and atmosphere are heavily reminiscent of John Carpenter's 'The Thing', with 80's synth music giving off a deeply unnerving sensation that something really sinister is out to get you.”
- “Therefore, it is the atmosphere that carries this game.”
- “In the beginning, it might be a little jarring reading the text in the game since it's structured like a poem and you wish there was some voice acting to compensate for it, but I got used to it very quickly and eventually I realized that if the game had been filled with voice clips reading out the dialogue, it would have taken away from the atmosphere created by the music.”
emotional
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
"Milkmaid of the Milky Way" is praised for its emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling, effectively blending old-school design with modern narrative elements. Players report a range of emotional responses, from laughter to tears, as they navigate Ruth's touching journey, which culminates in a poignant and sometimes unexpectedly tragic conclusion. The game's artistic coherence and thematic focus create a memorable experience that resonates long after playing, making it a standout title for those seeking a short yet impactful adventure.
- “The game’s emotional honesty, artistic coherence, and thematic focus make it one of those rare titles that stays with you not because of what it shows, but because of how it makes you feel.”
- “The immeasurable success of Milkmaid of the Milky Way, therefore, lies in the pure orchestration of each of its elements composing a singular, beautiful whole which draws you in from the moment you begin your journey unto its wonderful, emotional conclusion.”
- “Despite the delicate tone, it never shies from emotional or serious moments.”
gameplay
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
77%
10%
The gameplay is characterized by a straightforward, classic point-and-click design that emphasizes storytelling and exploration over complex mechanics, making it accessible and enjoyable. While some players noted that the gameplay can be short and occasionally lacks depth, the overall experience is enhanced by clever puzzles, beautiful artwork, and a calming atmosphere. Despite minor mechanical issues, the game is praised for its charm and the effective integration of gameplay elements that contribute to the narrative.
- “The gameplay is straightforward and rooted in the traditions of classic adventure design, but it’s streamlined to remove frustration.”
- “The interface is simple and intuitive, allowing players to focus on the story and world rather than wrestling with mechanics.”
- “Great work, one of the best games I've played in a while, simple classic gameplay with all the right features that make a point & click magical.”
- “Mechanically, it's a bit iffy, and some of the ways of progressing are painfully non-obvious, but I did enjoy my time in this weird casual little universe.”
- “However, I recommend getting it on sale only because of the short gameplay length and the low replayability value.”
- “Although the music in this game is phenomenal, there is an extraordinary lack of gameplay.”
humor
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by clever and creative rhymed dialogues that enhance the whimsical storytelling, often eliciting genuine laughter. While some rhymes may feel awkward or clunky, the overall charm and silliness of the narrative, combined with cute pixel art, create an enjoyable and lighthearted experience. Players appreciate the blend of wry humor and emotional depth, making it a delightful adventure that balances fun with a touch of poignancy.
- “The delightfully silly story is complemented by cute pixel art, and most importantly, an ever-rhyming narrative, with funny, often cheeky rhymes observing Ruth's (point and click) adventures.”
- “Each scene and each interaction was thought through with humor and personality.”
- “Simply a charming, funny, well-written adventure game.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
Overall, the game has been noted for its short gameplay length and low replayability, with many users suggesting it is best purchased on sale. While some enjoyed the experience, they found it to be a one-time playthrough with limited incentive to revisit.
- “Thoroughly enjoyed it, but there isn't much replay value despite being polished for the price.”
- “However, I recommend getting it on sale only because of the short gameplay length and the low replayability value.”
- “No replay value, though; it's a one-shot deal.”
- “Replayability?”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development in the game is minimal, with some backstory available through journal entries, but overall, it lacks depth and voice acting. While the narrative serves to enhance puzzle-solving and world-building, players may find themselves more focused on gameplay mechanics than on character growth.
- “I tend to like point and click adventures, but this one had no voice acting or real character development.”
- “The story is pretty straightforward; it contains a little backstory if you read through her journal and has some character development throughout.”
- “Everything has a purpose, be it for solving the puzzles or world building and character development, and you'll find yourself not really thinking about how to solve the puzzles but more about how to reach your goal with the tools you have at your disposal.”
grinding
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be challenging yet enjoyable, with a balance that avoids tediousness. The experience is described as engaging, taking players on a journey from dairy farming in Norway to outer space, all while maintaining a manageable level of difficulty.

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80%Critics’ scoreBased on 3 critic reviews

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4h Median play time

10h Average play time

3-32h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Milkmaid of the Milky Way is a casual puzzle game with fantasy and science fiction themes.

Milkmaid of the Milky Way is available on Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac OS, Phone and others.

On average players spend around 10 hours playing Milkmaid of the Milky Way.

Milkmaid of the Milky Way was released on January 4, 2017.

Milkmaid of the Milky Way was developed by machineboy.

Milkmaid of the Milky Way has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its replayability.

Milkmaid of the Milky Way is a single player game.

Similar games include Broken Age, Primordia, The Night of the Rabbit, Röki, TSIOQUE and others.

Milkmaid of the Milky Way

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