Indie Impressions - Deep Under the Sky

Deep Under the Sky

Now Available on Steam

Developed by Northway Games and RichMakeGame

In the undiscovered recesses of a faraway planet, beautiful and strange organisms live and breathe in a psychedelic Venusian world of dancing lights and Metroid-like organisms. Similarly psychedelic to the visual style of the game is the soundtrack, with its equally as trippy and ambient qualities that build up and evolve with each successful move you make.

Deep Under the Sky uses a one-button control system that while incredibly easy to use is surprisingly deep in execution. The objective of each beautiful organic stage is to fertilize each glowing plant with the debris from the exploded amoeba-like jellyfish that release from the base you control. As simple as that sounds reaching each carefully placed plant and spreading your pieces far enough to fertilize them will be a matter of careful aiming and finesse as you surpass each obstacle and navigate each twist and turn of the maze-like passageways.

Releasing your little jellyfish and aiming their trajectory with split second perfection is a zen-like experience almost akin to a surrealistic and extra-terrestrial Skee-Ball, the game is all about accuracy. As the levels progress your jelly-like projectiles become faster and force you to think quicker about deciding when to employ your various maneuvers. Each tap of launch button you make and each skill you employ have a huge impact and consequence.

 You start out utilizing the simpler skills mostly involving rocketing your pieces in a specific direction, nudging it into the right direction when timed properly. As you move on more hazards and obstacles to work around are introduced and you're quickly navigating elaborate series of bounce pads to reach the proper destination.

By the second and third world you gain the ability to morph into a ball to roll across surfaces and gain momentum as you descend any hill. Timing the start and release of your ball form is incredibly important and adds even more reflex based timing. This feels really good, and again reminded me of some kind of psychedelic Skee-Ball or Pinball even more.

All the elements are present that make for yet another beautifully strange creation from the minds of gems Incredipede and Pineapple Smash Crew. If you're looking for a fun and simple way to relax with the added effect of being visually and audibly stunning then come and chill out Deep Under the Sky.