Order of the Sinking Star is coming to PS5, hands-on report

Thekla, the independent studio behind Braid and The Witness, announced that its new puzzle adventure, Order of the Sinking Star, will arrive on PlayStation 5 later this year. The game expands on the studio’s signature blend of intricate puzzles, narrative depth, and stylized visuals, while introducing a more explicit story driven by controllable characters. The demo showcased a grid-based overworld where players manipulate objects and use a rewind mechanic to solve increasingly complex challenges.

The game’s structure divides puzzles into three distinct regions, each introducing unique mechanics and characters. In The Hearty Heroes of Hauling, players coordinate abilities from Valens, Tif, and Isidore to progress, while The Promise and Mirror Isles offer different gameplay styles involving gem-powered beams and mirror-based reflections. A fourth region, Skipping Stones to Lonely Homes, was not available in the demo but promises additional complexity with environmental manipulation.

Puzzle progression escalates as new characters join, each with specialized abilities that interact with the environment and enemies. Monsters introduce tactical considerations, requiring players to manipulate foes or use protective characters like the priestess. The game emphasizes layered mechanics, where early puzzles build familiarity with character abilities before combining them in later challenges.

Developed over a decade by a team of around 20 people, Order of the Sinking Star features 900+ levels, multiple endings, and a narrative that unfolds gradually through environmental storytelling and dialogue. The demo highlighted the game’s depth, with developers noting that even after extensive play, significant content remains unexplored. The full release is expected to reveal further details about the game’s title and mechanics.