← Back to Order of the Sinking Star HubFIRST LOOK

Order of the Sinking Star unites intricate puzzle mechanics across four colliding fantasy worlds

Order of the Sinking Star Header
Official Steam store asset telemetry for Order of the Sinking Star.

Order of the Sinking Star is a puzzle adventure directed by Jonathan Blow, featuring over 1000 interconnected puzzles across four merging worlds with diverse heroes.

Multi-World Structure and Merging Mechanics

  • Directed by Jonathan Blow, the experience transports players into a sprawling realm of curious magic and mechanical devices.
  • The journey encompasses four distinct worlds, each introducing independent puzzle conventions, distinct hazards, and specialized rules.
  • As progression unfolds, boundaries between the four separate realms dissolve and cause once-isolated environments to collide.
  • Merging these diverse territories forces disparate puzzle systems to intertwine, producing complex and unexpected mechanical interactions.

Hero Roster and Cooperative Abilities

  • The narrative features an eclectic cast of playable protagonists including a queen, a thief, a warrior, and a wizard.
  • Explorers even encounter unconventional companions throughout their travels, such as a mysterious talking boat.
  • Each individual hero commands specialized traversal and manipulation abilities suited for overcoming environmental obstacles.
  • When different characters cross paths across intersecting domains, their combined powers unlock fresh solutions to intricate barriers.

Nonlinear Exploration and Grand Mysteries

  • The campaign features over 1000 hand-crafted puzzles distributed across an expansive, continuous geography.
  • Adventurers possess complete freedom to explore at their own pace, bypassing roadblocks to revisit lingering mysteries later.
  • Scattered notes and environmental clues disclose historical lore surrounding the ancient Order of the Sinking Star.
  • Solving interconnected riddles gradually untangles the grand enigma governing the behavior of this shifting realm.

Design Heritage and Collaborative Foundations

  • Developed by Thekla, Inc., the project draws mechanical inspiration from celebrated classic independent puzzle creations.
  • Early puzzle foundations synthesize ideas from titles such as Mirror Isles and Heroes of Sokoban.
  • Additional gameplay contributions were provided by notable designers including Patrick Traynor and Marc ten Bosch.
  • Synthesizing these foundational mechanics creates an expansive puzzle tapestry that pushes traditional genre boundaries.
Sources & Verification: Official developer announcement on Steam Community (Source Link). Telemetry verified against public store records.