Order of the Sinking Star Review: A Deep Dive into the Puzzle Adventure

Reviewing Order of the Sinking Star: Concept and Gameplay

Order of the Sinking Star is an ambitious puzzle-adventure game designed by Jonathan Blow, the creative mind behind Braid and The Witness. Released on October 8, 2026, the game is built upon a philosophy of discovery, observation, and experimentation. Players explore a vast overworld that branches into four unique thematic worlds, each introducing its own set of rules, mechanics, and characters.

Unlike many traditional puzzle games that rely on rigid linear progression, this title allows players to jump between worlds if they become stuck. According to player experiences, this "non-grindy" approach prevents frustration, allowing you to walk away from a challenging puzzle and return later with a fresh perspective. The game features over 1,000 handcrafted puzzles, prioritizing high-quality ideas over repetitive filler.

Mechanical Depth and World Design

The gameplay revolves around how different systems interact. For example, in the northern region, players control a group of fantasy-themed heroes, each with unique utility: a warrior might push objects, while a thief pulls them. The beauty of these mechanics lies in how they combine; once you learn the fundamental properties of an object or ability, the game challenges you to apply those rules in novel scenarios where systems from different worlds begin to overlap.

• Experimental Freedom: The game provides tools like undo buttons and the ability to restart areas, which removes the fear of failure and encourages you to treat mistakes as useful data.
• Overworld Integration: The map is not a simple level select screen; it is an explorable space filled with shortcuts and environmental puzzles that evolve as you gain new abilities.
• Visual Identity: The game’s aesthetic is clean and readable, which is essential for a title that demands high levels of focus and deduction.

Performance and Accessibility

Based on community reports, the game offers a polished experience, typically targeting 60 frames per second. While the title is available on multiple platforms including PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and PlayStation 5, players have noted that the handheld mode on Switch 2 provides a particularly convenient way to engage with the game’s "one more puzzle" loop.

However, some players have pointed out areas for improvement. Some community feedback suggests that the UI could benefit from more accessibility options, such as customizable grid highlighting or more robust volume controls. Additionally, there have been discussions regarding the tone of certain voice lines, which some found tonally inconsistent. Despite these minor critiques, the prevailing sentiment is that the game successfully trusts the player’s intelligence, a hallmark of the developer’s previous works.

Is It Worth Your Time?

Order of the Sinking Star is firmly aimed at puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy methodical, deep-thinking gameplay. If you enjoy games like The Witness or Baba Is You, you will likely find the staggering amount of content and the satisfying "aha!" moments well worth the price of entry.

For those less inclined toward pure puzzle games, the adventure elements and the ability to explore at your own pace may still offer an engaging experience. As highlighted in various critic reviews, while the sheer volume of puzzles can occasionally feel overwhelming, the quality of the design remains consistently high. You can find more information or purchase the game via the official Steam page.