Launching today, Firmament is now available on PC and Mac in both 2D and VR, courtesy of Cyan, the creators of Myst.
What is Firmament?
Firmament is a puzzle-adventure game that drips with a distinctive steampunk aesthetic, drawing players into a unique world ready for exploration. The development of Firmament saw substantial backing, with a successful Kickstarter campaign raising over $1.4 million USD from more than 18,000 supporters.
The game features three separate Realms, each teeming with their own mysteries and secrets. As players venture further, the narrative, guided by an enigmatic apparition, unfolds gradually.
Confronted with towering, mysterious machinery scattered throughout, players grapple with questions about their purpose and the trustworthiness of their spectral companion. True to Cyan’s reputation, the rich storytelling and meticulous world-building promise an intriguing journey.
What is Firmament Gameplay like?
Firmament extends far beyond simple exploration, offering a blend of puzzle-solving and narrative unravelling that ensures an engaging gaming experience. As they navigate through the visually stunning steampunk world, players are presented with an array of thrilling sights, reinforcing a sense of true exploration and discovery.
Players traverse the game world with an essential tool, the “Adjunct”, in their possession. This device unlocks the ability to interact with in-game elements and serves as the cornerstone in solving Firmament’s intricate puzzles.
As the puzzles unfold and players delve further into the game, they gradually unravel the complex narrative and hidden mysteries, adding depth and intrigue to their journey. Beyond that, a spectral companion accompanies the players, sharing her own narrative as players journey deeper into the game.
Can Firmament be Played in Virtual Reality (VR)?
Whether navigating the Realms in traditional 2D or immersing themselves in the detailed environments via VR, players have the flexibility to choose the experience that suits them best. For those opting for the VR experience, Cyan has included options for Free Roam and Teleport modes, along with various “comfort level” features such as smooth or snap turning and vertical height quantisation.
These options ensure an engaging and comfortable gameplay experience, regardless of the chosen platform. Firmament is compatible with an array of VR platforms including Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Rift S, and Quest 2 via Oculus Link.
How can I play Firmament?
Players can head to Steam to purchase Firmament today, for the launch on PC and Mac. While the initial launch is restricted, Cyan has clearly communicated its commitment to a wider gaming audience.
They’ve announced subsequent releases planned for PS4, PS5, and PS VR 2, ensuring console and virtual reality gamers are not left out of this exciting journey. These additional platform launches are in the pipeline, with release dates to be announced in the near future. You can check out the trailer here.