5/5 ★ – Chirpen's review of Outer Wilds.

It's worth saying up front, this game is not for everyone. I tried this game two times and dropped it, but this third attempt hooked me, and I am so happy it did. In my opinion, this is the best space exploration video game, and one of the best sci-fi esque games period. Outer Wilds doesn't hold your hand like a lot of games out there, you are set to explore and solve the greater mystery on your own terms by exploring every inch of the solar system created. Unlike other worlds in games, each planet is made uniquely with odd formations, quirks, and spectacles to expand the mind and horrify it. The developers understand what it means to explore the vastness of space, its wonderful, horrifying, and beautiful. There is imgaery here that scared me more than any modern horror game ever could, with a dense atmosphere and an fantastic soundtrack to back it up. I won't spoil any details more than I should, because everyone should experience this game. It has quickly grown to be one of my favorite games made in general. Outer Wilds can be incredibly daunting with how the player has to learn and memorize things on their own, with help of the computer, as it can take a long time to put the pieces together, but it makes it ever more satisfying to complete. It may seem extremely corny, but Outer Wilds made me appreciate life more, making me ask questions about myself and what life is, what our place in the universe is, and what it's all for in the end. This game pulled emotions out of me that I find rare, and is an experience I won't forget.