Developer Thekla, Inc.'s upcoming puzzle game, Order of the Sinking Star, appears poised to deliver a substantial and mentally stimulating experience, according to a preview from IGN. Much like its predecessor, The Witness, the game uses seemingly simple puzzle structures as a foundation for complex problem-solving that frequently subverts player expectations.
Order of the Sinking Star is structured as a collection of distinct puzzle experiences, unified by an overworld that guides players between various themed areas. Each area introduces unique mechanics and narrative elements. The preview highlights several of these zones, including the fantasy-themed Hearty Heroes of Hauling, where players manage multiple characters with individual block-manipulation abilities. In contrast, The Mirror Isles offered a different challenge, focusing on a single character who could warp and replicate themselves using magic mirrors. Another area, The Promise, presented a futuristic setting with interconnected puzzle screens forming a single, looping level.
The game distinguishes itself by consistently avoiding predictable solutions. Players accustomed to anticipating puzzle outcomes may find themselves consistently surprised, as the designers seem to have deliberately steered clear of the most obvious approaches. This thoughtful design, while not necessarily making the game overly difficult, ensures that players are constantly engaged in discovering novel solutions.
Within the four hours of the demo, IGN completed all available levels, noting that this portion alone was already longer than many standalone puzzle games. The preview suggests the full game's open-world map is immense, leaving much unseen and offering a vast potential playtime. While the diversity of puzzle mechanics across different areas is a strength, the preview also acknowledges that not every concept may resonate equally with all players. The mirror puzzles, for instance, were found to be less engaging than the mechanics in other areas, despite being well-designed.
Despite the varied nature of the puzzle designs, each area within the demo felt fully realized, avoiding the impression of being incomplete. A key aspect yet to be fully revealed is how these disparate puzzle mechanics will eventually converge and blend within the game's overarching structure. The preview suggests the complexity of even basic puzzles is likely to escalate significantly in later stages, especially as the game explores the fusion of its distinct worlds and their unique gameplay elements.
The overworld itself is also presented as a puzzle element, hinting at secrets and further challenges beyond the individual levels. The IGN preview concludes with anticipation for the full release, suggesting that the engrossing nature of the demo points to a game that will be difficult to put down.