Constellations: Puzzles in the Sky

[b]june 2023 edit:[/b] supposed content/qol patch on june 1 broke saves, removed windowed/full screen and exit buttons, restored old saves don't give access to new content. devs don't give a ♥♥♥♥, so I'm not recommending it anymore (review text unchanged, taking a page out of their book, can't be bothered to rewrite it). [b]constellations[/b] is a hashi/bridges-like, so you're connecting stars with as many non-crossing lines as the numbers indicate, at least until other mechanics kick in. static and movable (but not moving) obstacles preventing connections, extra lines to remove, and so on. it's deductive stuff but I don't think there's always a single solution due to symmetry. and since only the basics are like hashi, certain mechanics won't allow everything to be connected with a single line. [b]about 100 levels[/b] in 10+1 constellations, new packs can be unlocked one by one after a certain amount of levels is solved in the previous ones (except the secret, that needs extra steps), and often multiple levels and packs are on offer thanks to the branching nature of these things. a good amount of entertainment already, but there's also a [b]random level generator for each constellation[/b]. they're represented by black holes and unlocked after finishing each group of stars. basically, [b]you can choose what kind of mechanics you want to play with[/b] (even more so at the separate black hole with all solved constellations). there's a counter next to each hole to keep track of completed stages. I don't like random puzzles but it's definitely added value. seeds would be nice, so puzzles could be shared easily, though with so many generators it wouldn't be that straightforward. controls are mouse-only, [b]left click does everything[/b]. click and drag to connect dots, swipe through a line (or multiple lines in one fell swoop) to get rid of connections. I kept clicking the right mouse button at first, force of habit, so it'd be nice to have it as an option and mouse wheel could do some zooming as well. [b]no undo or even level reset, but neither is necessary and there's a re-roll button on random levels.[/b] nothing specific to click on level complete either, anywhere will do to go back to level select. the presentation is minimalist, not much to look at and sometimes not much to see, black on dark blue isn't a great combination. audio is the usual unintrusive background noise, though drawing lines provides [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/dohi64/recommended/266010]lyne[/url]-like melodies. all the necessary functionality is available. well, almost. separate volume settings, windowed mode with a resizable window, bloom toggle, level select screen (it's a bit finicky with only left click working), but [b]no level numbers anywhere[/b], always annoying. nothing major to complain about, it's not too challenging until the end and there's even a [b]slight educational element since the constellations are real[/b]. the price is really reasonable as well (was a bit more expensive on release for a few days, nothing extravagant), [b]definitely something to recommend for stargazers[/b].

Constellations is meditative, calming, and exceedingly rewarding. New mechanics are added throughout that continue to expand the scope of the puzzle mechanics, and I found myself playing for a couple of hours when I intended to just sit down for a few minutes with it. Especially for the price, I highly recommend it.

This game gives you the perfect environment to enter a flow state and just relax while solving some very engaging puzzles! The music and user interface are utterly beautiful and fit perfectly into the game's aesthetic. You are drawn into a beautiful cosmic environment where you are tasked with connecting stars and meeting particular requirements. While the game starts simple, after an hour or so it begins to show its true depth, and shine even brighter than when you started! I am definitely going to be playing this game to completion to fully experience every piece of this lovingly crafted game! Huge thanks to Icedrop Games for giving us this gem!

This is such a meditative and beautiful game. I try not to get frustrated when I can't figure out the levels, but I like how I can jump around! Also, the more difficult levels just mean that it'll take me more time to work through them and that will give me more time to appreciate the graphics, music, and design. So grateful I received a steam key for this game! I'm looking forward to working through it and completing the game.

Great puzzle game! I can only parise it, if you are into this kind of abstract puzzles you will definetely love it. The mechanics are very interesting and are introduced at a perfect rate to keep me engaged. Yet my favourite part of the game overall is it's game feel, the sounds, visual feedback, relaxing and simple art, are all on point. I think this game packs hours of entertainment and it's a bargain at this price!

As someone who likes playing casual puzzle games to fall asleep this is amazing. Super chill soundtrack and a suitably escalating challenge (I'm currently stuck part way through Draco) As with more traditional hashi-type games there are no verbal instructions, which means no language barriers, however in some sections the introduction of the new mechanic could be slightly clearer (the first time I came across the movable blocks it took a while to figure out they could be moved)

Nice little puzzle game. Well presented, deceptively simple, and fun.

Little nice minimalistic puzzle game! Very enjoyable for chill times :)

This exactly the game I needed after a stressful few months of work. It's chill and soothing, and with just enough of a difficulty curve to keep me interested. It's incredibly well polished, and the soundtrack is fantastic. The introduction of new puzzle mechanics is paced just right, and gives you a real sense of satisfaction when you start solving the trickier puzzles. I just know I won't be able to put this down until I have all the achievements. My only complaint is the price. It's far too cheap for a game of this quality and the number of hours of entertainment it'll bring. Well done, Icedrop Games. I'm looking forward to seeing what you produce next.

This game is so well polished and nice looking. I'm really impressed by the visual and sound design. Simple but very effective. The perfect chill puzzle game.