Between Horizons First Impressions Demo Review

Between Horizons First Impressions Demo Review

In the vast expanse of gaming, where innovation often heralds the dawn of a new era, Between Horizons emerges as a beacon of creativity. We thought this game looked interesting and wrote about it last week HERE, now we have played through the demo and are back to give more details! This 2.5D sidescroller defies conventions, weaving a gripping narrative set aboard the starship Zephyr, where humanity’s fate hangs in the balance. As Stella, the brave protagonist, is thrust into the role of chief of security, players are tasked with navigating a web of secrets, conspiracies, and moral quandaries.

The game’s standout feature lies in its presentation: a meticulously crafted semi-open world that is not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing entity brimming with life and intrigue. With a village-sized cast of characters populating the Zephyr, each harboring their motivations and secrets, every corner holds the promise of discovery. From the bustling thoroughfares to the secluded recesses, the ship becomes a canvas upon which your investigative prowess is put to the test, drawing you deeper into its mysteries.

Navigating the Zephyr is a delight, whether by foot or by utilizing the convenient, in-game map and transportation system. While the option to fast travel exists, strolling at my own pace enriched my journey, unveiling a tapestry of optional encounters with the diverse NPCs encountered along the winding paths. The vessel’s multi-layered design, accessible via stairs or elevators, adds depth to exploration and reinforces the sense of immersion.

At the outset of Between Horizons, you’ll encounter a couple of tutorials designed to acquaint you with the intricate mechanics of your investigations. While optional, I found these tutorials to provide invaluable insights to enhance my gameplay experience. Primarily focused on navigating Stella’s PDA Dashboard, these tutorials provided a comprehensive guide to managing every aspect of life aboard the Zephyr. Navigating the Dashboard with precision is critical, and while keyboard control is an option, it can feel cumbersome. 

The game’s intuitive interface, centered around Stella’s trusty PDA, is a hub for managing investigations and tracking progress. Here, Stella meticulously logs every conversation and direct message from NPCs, providing a comprehensive narrative archive at your fingertips. Additionally, the Dashboard is a dynamic repository for ongoing investigations, neatly organizing cases and their associated details. Furthermore, the evidence tab shows every individual encountered, each location visited, and all significant items and clues uncovered throughout the unfolding narrative. However, the evidence list swells as the story progresses, presenting a challenge in locating specific items amidst the expanding array. Compounded by their sequential presentation and the absence of categorization options, the search for pertinent evidence becomes increasingly intricate, requiring sharp attention to detail and astute recall.

One of the game’s most intriguing mechanics is its commitment to player choice. Every decision you make carries weight, with consequences that reverberate throughout the narrative. There are no take-backs, no second chances—each choice you make shapes the course of the story irrevocably. This not only adds a layer of tension and immersion but also underscores your pivotal role in the fate of the Zephyr and its inhabitants. Between Horizons has a seamless autosave feature, diligently capturing your progress at every turn – be it after a compelling conversation or a crucial discovery. This made stepping away from the game and returning later a breeze, aided by the comprehensive speech log that faithfully recounts your journey.

Visually, Between Horizons opts for a minimalist aesthetic, with 2D character sprites and simple icons guiding the way. While lacking in high-definition detail, the game’s art direction imbues the world with a unique charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of classic adventure titles. Despite occasional discrepancies between character silhouettes and profile images, the game’s narrative prowess shines through.

In conclusion, Between Horizons is a testament to storytelling’s power in gaming. With its compelling premise, richly detailed world, and engaging mechanics, it invites players on an unforgettable journey across the stars. As Stella, the lone beacon of hope in the vastness of space, your choices will shape the destiny of humanity—a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Embark on this odyssey of discovery and intrigue, and uncover the secrets between the horizons.

We’re giving the demo a solid 8/10.

You can watch my Demo Gameplay video below.