Because this site is home to lovers of homebrew and homebrewers alike, I assume that most of us are open to indie games. In the light of this, I recently discovered a newly formed indie game studio. So with the interests of both myself and this scene in mind, I set out to play Castles in the Sky, the debut game from The Tall Trees (that’s the name of the indie studio). 

The game is a fairly short but taking the price (€ 1, 50 for a DRM free copy of the game, the original soundtrack, and wallpapers) in consideration, I think you get a lot of value for your buck (,fifty).

Castles in the Sky is more an experience than a conventional game, the developers themselves call it a videogame storybook about adventures in the sky. Accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack the player controls a nameless character who platforms vertically through the game. On his journey to the top the player discovers the story told.

I liked the game and I would recommend the experience to anyone. But I don’t think Castles in the Sky is perfect. Without spoiling anything; within the game one comes across collectible orbs, which produce sound.  I feel like this gameplay mechanism could have been better incorporated into the game.

Collecting is optional and maybe that’s why it seems to lack purpose and seems out of place. In my opinion it is a missed opportunity when collecting these orbs could have been used to affect the story.

The pixelart style of the game looks great and lives up to the given genre name of videogame storybook. You will jump a lot as it is the main way to navigate your character around the level, and the sight of this jump is magnificent. This move can feel a bit floaty but considering the game is largely set in the clouds it could be what the developers went for.

Ultimately one should decide for themself if they like this accessible title. Castles in the Sky is set to release on both PC & Mac on the October 18^th  with pre-orders opening October 11^th  and for $1,50 one can purchase or gift a nice package which includes the game, the soundtrack and wallpapers. More information can be found on the website www.thetalltreesgames.co.uk/castlesinthesky

I managed to get met hands on some copies of game, and if you want to win one  you should totally read the interview I did with the development team behind The Tall Trees, which can be found here.