Old Skies is a poignant adventure game that explores the deep themes of love, loss, and the impact of time on human relationships. In this narrative-driven experience, you step into the shoes of Fia Quinn, a time traveler working for ChronoZen, an agency that assists wealthy clients in revisiting and altering significant moments in their pasts.
The narrative of Old Skies unfolds across various pivotal points in New York’s history, from the Gilded Age to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and into the near future of 2042. Although the game initially seems like a conventional time-travel tale, it offers a fresh perspective by highlighting the consequences of not influencing events and the loneliness that can accompany being forgotten by those around you.
As Fia, players navigate linear storylines and tackle puzzles that need to be solved in strictly defined ways. This enforces the notion that, despite the potential for temporal manipulation, some events are immutable, leaving Fia in a stagnant existence where her connections with others are continually at risk of fading away. The game evokes a mix of frustration and satisfaction, as the puzzles can sometimes feel nonsensical and push players toward guesswork instead of logical deduction.
Fia’s encounters with clients don’t merely serve to explore past regrets; they delve into the emotional wreckage wrought by lost relationships and the inescapable passage of time. Her coworkers, like Fia, are likewise trapped in this unyielding existence, unable to forge lasting connections as their lives and their loved ones are constantly altered by the fluctuations of history.
The characters in Old Skies stand out, brought to life by outstanding voice acting. Fia, voiced by Sally Beaumont, balances playful curiosity with underlying desperation as she navigates her complex reality, while supporting characters add humor and depth, creating a rich tapestry of interactions.
As players progress, the story connects seemingly disparate moments in history, creating a compelling web of cause and effect. The exploration of fate versus free will becomes increasingly significant, as Fia’s choices and interactions subtly shape the narrative’s direction, even if her ultimate fate remains out of her control.
Despite the linearity and some puzzling design choices, Old Skies offers an emotional journey that rewards players with its compelling dialogue and well-crafted story. It’s a reminder of the preciousness of memories and relationships, cleverly delivered through a fantastical lens of time travel.
For those looking to explore a narrative-based game that accurately portrays the struggles of time’s passage, Old Skies delivers a remarkable experience framed by rich storytelling and memorable character interactions.
