Astrologaster

Release Date: May 2, 2019

Adventure, humorous, indie games, 2.5D, experimental/artistic, 16th century, singleplayer

7.5

OpenCritic

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Astrologaster is a narrative adventure game in which we play the role of Simon Forman, a 16th century astrologer. Trying to obtain a license to practice medicine, the hero heals people and solves their problems by drawing knowledge from the stars.

Videos and Screens

[1:16] Astrologaster launch trailer

7.5

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 63% of Critics. There are 17 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Nintendo Life: 8 / 10 by Kate Gray

Astrologaster is perhaps the only time you'll ever get to play through a pop-up book version of London's 17th-century medical history. It's an extremely specific pitch, but when it hits, it hits well – and its musical interludes are as delightful and giggle-worthy as any of Shakespeare's best. Sure, it's not going to be to everyone's tastes, but if you're looking for something a little different and you're a fan of the classic British historical sitcom Blackadder, then you could do a lot worse than give this a spin.

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GameSpew: 7 / 10 by Becca Smith

Despite its lack of real consequences, Astrologaster is a lot of fun to play; the excellent writing and top-notch voice acting really bring this ridiculous concept to life. Yes, it’s a shame the player’s actions don’t make more of a difference, but Astrologaster is still worth going along with – especially if you want a unique look at 16th century London.

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NintendoWorldReport: 7.5 / 10 by Anna Saurman Brown

The gameplay was always intriguing enough to keep me going. And somehow, in a world of pandemic and astrology TikTok, this game feels relevant even while it lives in the past. If you're looking for something a little different, with unique gameplay, and a very entertaining soundtrack, I'd definitely suggest giving Astrologaster a try.

Full Review

Astrologaster Description

Astrologaster is a narrative adventure game full of specific humour. The game was developed by Nyamyam's independent studio, whose portfolio includes, among others, a genre-related and similarly crafted Tengami .

Plot

The story presented in Astrologaster, as well as the main character's posture, is based on historical events. In 1592, London was struck by the plague, for fear of which numerous doctors left the city. The astrologer Simon Forman remained on the spot and claimed to be able not only to cure diseases, but also to solve other problems that afflict the inhabitants of the metropolis and to predict their future, drawing knowledge about it from the stars. When the plague was over and the doctors returned to London, the protagonist got into trouble. His only salvation is to get a medical license. Whether he succeeds depends on our decisions.

The game does not avoid humour, bringing to mind such great works as Monty Python's Flying Circus or the Black Viper.

Mechanics

Gameplay in Astrologaster consists of talking to the characters visiting Forman and giving them advice on solutions to their problems. Individual customers several times go to Forman, and among them we will find those whose health leaves a lot to be desired, as well as those who face completely different complications. This allows us not only to deal with a variety of diseases, but also to solve more or less serious criminal puzzles. Over time, the fate of patients begins to interweave.

Looking at the stars and looking for answers to the questions we are asked, we get several possible solutions. While there is nothing to stop us from having fun and making absurd choices, we must remember that the decisions we make have consequences and influence the fate of both Londoners and the hero himself. Customers satisfied with the services of a "doctor" will gladly give him their recommendation, and collecting a sufficient number of such letters is the key to obtaining a medical license.

Technical aspects

Astrologaster takes place in a spatial book, from which, after a throw-away, both images of the characters and illustrations of elements of the surroundings open up. The game was maintained in a style inspired by the Elizabethan theatre.