Forward to the Sky is a lighthearted third-person action adventure that reflects the ambition and enthusiasm of a small indie team aiming to capture the spirit of classic exploration-focused games. Developed and published by Animu Game, the title invites players into a floating tower steeped in mystery, where a young princess sets out to uncover ancient secrets hidden within a world of crumbling ruins and glowing crystals. Rather than presenting a complex narrative upfront, the game relies on atmosphere and gradual discovery, encouraging players to piece together the story as they ascend through the tower.
Visually, the game adopts a bright, anime-inspired style that gives it a distinct identity. The character design is playful and expressive, while the environments balance fantasy charm with a sense of forgotten history. Even though the technical presentation is modest, the consistent art direction helps create a cohesive world that feels welcoming rather than oppressive. Colorful lighting, stylized architecture, and a cheerful soundtrack work together to maintain an upbeat tone, making exploration feel relaxing even when navigating hazardous platforms or traps.
Gameplay blends several familiar elements, including platforming, light combat, and environmental puzzles. Movement is easy to grasp, with responsive jumping and simple traversal mechanics that allow players to focus on navigating the tower rather than mastering complex controls. Puzzle design is straightforward but varied enough to avoid monotony, often requiring players to manipulate switches, time movements, or observe environmental cues to progress. These challenges rarely become overly difficult, which makes the experience accessible to a wide range of players.
Combat is present but intentionally uncomplicated. The protagonist wields a large sword to deal with enemies scattered throughout the tower, but battles tend to be brief and forgiving. While this simplicity keeps the pace moving and prevents frustration, it also means that combat lacks depth and precision. Targeting can feel imprecise at times, and encounters rarely demand advanced strategy. For players seeking a deeper action system, this aspect may feel underdeveloped, but for those primarily interested in exploration and puzzles, it serves its purpose without overstaying its welcome.
A notable design choice is the way the story is tied to collectible crystals hidden throughout each level. Finding these crystals unlocks fragments of lore and narrative context, rewarding thorough exploration and curiosity. Players who rush through the tower may only see part of the story, while those who take their time are given a more complete picture of the world and its history. This system adds a subtle layer of replay value and encourages careful observation of the environment.
Technically, Forward to the Sky shows its age and limited resources in areas such as camera behavior and collision detection. Certain platforming sections can feel awkward due to perspective issues, and minor glitches occasionally disrupt the flow of play. However, the overall design is forgiving enough that these issues rarely become game-breaking. Checkpoints are generous, and the game’s relaxed difficulty ensures that setbacks don’t significantly detract from the overall experience.
Ultimately, Forward to the Sky succeeds as a charming, low-pressure adventure that prioritizes mood and exploration over mechanical complexity. It may not deliver the polish or depth of larger action-adventure titles, but it offers a sincere and enjoyable journey filled with color, gentle challenges, and a sense of discovery. For players looking for a casual, anime-flavored puzzle platformer with a peaceful atmosphere and modest scope, it provides a pleasant and memorable climb toward the sky.
Rating: 8/10
