Firmament
Genres: Puzzle, Mystery, Story Rich, Atmospheric, Adventure
Play modes: singleplayer, VR
Release Date: 18-5-2023
Developer: Cyan Worlds, Inc.
Our verdict
6.5/10
- Difficulty: Medium
- Players: 1
- Playtime: 8–12 h
Firmament is a first-person puzzle adventure from Cyan, the studio behind Myst and Riven, playable on flat screens and in VR. You wake in an abandoned steampunk world and use a handheld gadget to power and control machines across several realms, while a narrator companion guides you. It suits Cyan fans and VR owners who want a slow exploration puzzler.
Steam reviews are mostly positive (about 71% of 912), but the written reviews are harsh even from longtime Cyan fans. They praise the visuals and soundtrack as expected from the studio. The criticism is the puzzles: many found them tedious machine operations that rarely require reading the world, with few subtle clues, unlike the observation puzzles of Myst and Riven.
The chatty narrator also annoys some players, and several found the story thin compared to Obduction. Expect around ten hours. It is pretty and calm, but for the price it is best bought on sale, and newcomers should start with Cyan's older games.
Pros
- Cyan's trademark steampunk worlds and soundtrack
- Playable in VR or on a flat screen
- Handheld gadget powers machines across several realms
Cons
- Puzzles feel like tedious machine operations
- Talkative narrator companion grates on many players
- Weaker story and clueing than Myst, Riven or Obduction
About
ABOUT FIRMAMENT
Firmament is a new puzzle-adventure game by the legendary game studio behind the best-selling games Myst and Riven. Featuring deep storytelling and world-building, discover the story of this seemingly abandoned world as you explore and unlock the mysteries of 3 unique Realms… and beyond!EXPLORE THE WORLD
Featuring a unique steampunk aesthetic, Firmament invites you to explore the legendary deep world-building Cyan Worlds is known for. Firmament is a fantastic visual feast, with thrilling new sights to see around every corner. At the same time, the world of Firmament feels completely plausible; as though it were constructed with a bigger purpose in mind… A purpose you will be compelled to discover as you play.SOLVE THE PUZZLES
You carry with you a device called an “Adjunct” as you explore. This Adjunct is your interface as you interact with the various devices throughout the Realms of Firmament. Employing the Adjunct to solve the puzzles you encounter will bring you ever closer to unlocking the secrets this place holds.DISCOVER THE STORY
You are not entirely alone in Firmament. In addition to The Adjunct, you are joined by a mysterious apparition, who has a story of her own to share with you. As you explore you will be introduced to 3 Realms - each with secrets and mysteries to reveal. What purpose do the Realms serve? Can the spirit who accompanies you be trusted?REVEAL THE MYSTERY
Are the realms of Firmament abandoned? What are these giant, mysterious machines scattered throughout the world? What is their purpose? What part do you play in this grand mystery? Explore, Discover, Solve, and Reveal the mystery for yourself by playing Firmament!TECHNICAL DETAILS
Built For Both VR and 2D Displays
Firmament supports both 2D and VR play. The VR experience of Firmament includes both Free Roam and Teleport modes.
Additionally, Firmament includes many “comfort level” features for both new and experienced VR users, including the option to enable smooth or snap turning, quick travel up stairs and ladders, vertical height quantization, and more!
