Exploring Universe for Sale by Tmesis Studio
In the captivating game Universe for Sale, crafted by Tmesis Studio, players find themselves in a unique space station floating amid Jupiter’s clouds, set a thousand years in the future. The environment is filled with intriguing alien species, articulate monkeys, robots, and enigmatic beings referred to as cultists.
From the moment I stepped into the lives of Master and Lila, I felt an instant connection to this world.
As a visual novel enthusiast, I have a soft spot for richly decorated narratives that captivate the senses. Universe for Sale takes the foundational elements of the genre and elevates them with animated characters and seamless storytelling.
Cult of Personality
The term "cult" often carries a negative connotation, but within the context of Universe for Sale, the journey of a cultist is unexpectedly engaging. This includes grotesque imagery where limbs and flesh are severed from bodies, symbolizing enlightenment.
One of the key playable characters is the mysterious Master, who is also a cultist. Though "playable" might be a stretch since the game primarily functions as a point-and-click adventure with uncomplicated puzzles. Some may describe the gameplay as "cozy," making for an easy-going experience.
A Universe of Wonders
Lila, another central figure, has the extraordinary ability to create entire mini-universes by hand, selling them at surprisingly accessible prices. Master is enthralled by her talent to weave universes out of nothingness. Lila’s shy and humble demeanor complements her role perfectly, as she is initially hesitant to interact with others but gradually forms a bond with Master.
Their relationship features a variety of conversations that often challenge Master’s understanding of his own identity and circumstances. While players can make dialogue choices, these options appear to have limited impact on the story, primarily designed to give the illusion of agency.
Crafting universes with Lila proves to be a compelling aspect of the game. Customers present their desired universes, and although the mini-game can be a bit tricky at times, it provides visual guidelines for players. Failing to meet a customer’s request results in a loss of potential revenue, which can then be invested to enhance Lila’s living space.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Despite some narrative ambiguities and extensive dialogue, Universe for Sale offers a genuinely intriguing and heartfelt story. Its humor, diverse cast, and hand-drawn animations create an engaging atmosphere. Designed for a relaxed gaming session, it invites players to get comfortable, brew a favorite beverage, and delve into this visually stunning sci-fi adventure.
Universe for Sale can conveniently be found on various platforms, including Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, iOS, and Google Play.
Pros
- Charming Visuals: Hand-drawn animations and aesthetics enhance the overall experience.
- Unique Narrative: Engaging and heartfelt storytelling featuring diverse characters.
- Relaxing Gameplay: A laidback approach allows players to enjoy the journey without pressure.
- Interactive Universe Creation: Mini-games that challenge your creativity and problem-solving.
Cons
- Limited Agency: Dialogue choices don’t significantly alter the story arc.
- Elementary Puzzles: Some players may find the challenges too simplistic.
- Ambiguous Timeline: The narrative can be difficult to follow at times.
Watch the official gameplay trailer for Universe for Sale to see it in action!