Usually analyzing objects is a straightforward process, but occasionally the process requires an added layer of puzzle-solving. Accessing new data about objects such as a laser gun or alien plant life offers more insight into these worlds and the events that have taken place. Analysis is not always necessary to complete the game, but it helps you feel more like a spacefaring astrobiologist. Most of the items collected by Mobot are not used as inventory (and those that are will be used automatically in the correct circumstances) but can instead be analyzed, a new function added in J.U.L.I.A. If an object can be interacted with, left-clicking on it will bring up an option to examine, use or take the item. A collapsible overhead minimap in the bottom corner is also included for orientation, since there is more than one screen to explore on each planet.Īs you investigate, you’ll find many hotspots that Mobot, Julia, or Rachel can comment on, and there is now a button that shows all hotspots on the screen, which can be helpful to avoid missing anything in the far more detailed environments. Instead of text choices of where to travel in a scene, full point-and-click exploration is now available. Mobot’s interface has changed quite a bit, however. Apart from a few early restrictions, planets can be visited in any order, though ultimate success on one planet may depend on progress on another. The computer interface remains the same, including an overview of the ship’s different areas and functions (where you’ll initially need to make repairs to ward off impending disaster), a map of the solar system for scanning and traveling to different planets, a Mobot upgrade station, and a log of your goals, both current and completed. And some questions still remain unanswered, such as why exactly Rachel was left behind on the probe.Īll actions continue to be done either remotely through Mobot or directly through the probe’s onboard computer. Other than these added backstory details, the overall plot remains the same as before, including some philosophical questions about a sentient species’ right to live. It helps to see the relationships they had with each other and with Rachel, and it makes her reaction to their fates more realistic. And while you don’t deal with them directly, the missing crew members are also more prominent, as you discover datapads scattered around the different planets that include journal entries and messages between them. The three main characters are not the only ones to populate the game, as there are two different alien species to interact with eventually. Fortunately, this is one of just a few minor changes that are actually disappointing. A very touching if slightly melodramatic scene from the first game has been changed in this release, and its replacement does not feel as poignant. The two artificial characters don’t feel merely mechanical, nicely balancing their non-human side with human emotions such as sympathy and self-preservation. The evolving friendship between Rachel, Julia, and Mobot feels right, carried along by their teasing, gentle reprimands and conversations. Players explore the six planets in the current solar system vicariously through Mobot, the planetary exploration robot, searching for clues to what might have happened. Astrobiologist Rachel Manners awakes from cryo-sleep in deep space, alone on a probe, the rest of her crew missing and only the titular artificial intelligence as company. Among the Stars, which further improves upon the positives of the first game while changing the aspects that didn’t work, making for an even more enjoyable experience. Far exceeding their initial goal, they then decided to go all in, completely revamping and expanding J.U.L.I.A., including new graphics, puzzles, and a more fleshed-out backstory. But CBE Software, the two-man Czech team behind the game, still weren’t satisfied, so they started a crowdfunding campaign to make an enhanced version. first came out in early 2012, earning itself a resounding recommendation for its unique presentation, creative gameplay, and unabashed indie sensibilities.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |