Save The Astronaut
- September 30, 2020
- Open Maw Productions
Get on Steam"Save The Astronaut" is a 2D platformer game where you play as Bill, a marooned astronaut on a frozen, icy planet. Your goal is to navigate through 20 challenging levels, avoiding hazards and collecting oxygen tanks to reach the exit and activate the disaster beacon for rescue. Collecting special bonus jewels unlocks secret levels. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game offers Steam achievements.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game successfully captures the nostalgic feel of classic 80s platformers with its graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics.
- It offers a solid gameplay loop with a well-executed difficulty curve, making it accessible yet challenging for players.
- The inclusion of a demo and a low price point demonstrates a pro-consumer philosophy that is commendable for indie developers.
- Some players found the jumping mechanics to have a delay, making certain levels feel artificially difficult.
- The game lacks the ability to rebind gamepad keys, which can lead to frustration for some users.
- The short length of the game may leave some players wanting more, as it can be completed in under two hours.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a solid loop that effectively captures the essence of classic gaming, with controls and movements reminiscent of the 80s. Players appreciate the unique mechanics, such as managing oxygen and engaging in platforming challenges, which add depth to the experience. Overall, the game is described as simple yet enjoyable, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned players.
“They chose a solid gameplay loop, built on it, delivered, priced it accordingly to its value for the consumer and even released a demo.”
“Save the Astronaut is a great little platformer with some interesting mechanics that separate it from some other platforming games.”
“As the level loads and transitions into the actual gameplay, it feels very '80s AAA'.”
“This ties into gameplay, but the controls and movements are presented as accurately as anyone could get to an old school experience.”
“There is an oxygen mechanic that you have to keep up with as well as bouncing and gathering 'stars'.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics evoke a nostalgic 80s gaming aesthetic, successfully capturing the retro style while complementing the fast-paced gameplay. Although the art is described as basic, it aligns well with the overall experience, enhancing the fun despite some repetitive level challenges. Overall, players appreciate the indie developer's commitment to this visual style.
“These graphics are a great nostalgia trip; I am looking forward to seeing more from this indie dev.”
“The graphic style stays true to the 80s gaming aesthetic, and the controls feel good.”
“The art style is very basic, but the game is fast-paced and fun, so it all works out.”
“Graphics, sounds, and feel of hard difficulty are there, but the tedium of trying to complete a level many times isn't.”
“The graphic style stays true to the 80s gaming aesthetic, but the controls feel good.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story is simple yet enjoyable, primarily highlighted by the character Big John. While the narrative is basic, it complements the game's fun mechanics involving oxygen and interactive buttons, making the overall experience worthwhile.
“The story is worth it just for Big John.”
“It has a simple and fun game mechanic with oxygen and buttons to open places, and while the story is basic, that's not bad at all.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent flow.”
“Character development is shallow, making it hard to connect with anyone.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been noted as demanding on performance, primarily due to its development on the Unreal Engine, which can lead to occasional performance issues.
“Since it's made on the Unreal Engine, it can be very demanding on performance at times.”
