I was recommended this game by a friend last year who had played right after its original 2019 release, calling it his "game of the year". At first I was reluctant to get that invested during the beginning sequences, but little did I know I was about to experience nothing short of a masterpiece. Once I figured out the main mechanics of the game, I could not put it down. I loved every minute of it and even got emotional at certain points.

After beating the game for a first time, I immediately started looking through Reddit threads and Wikis to find out more information on this new game that I loved. I since have recommended it to so many of my friends, and have had the fortune of sitting with now 3 of them as they have beaten the game themselves. One of the most amazing things about Outer Wilds is how every playthrough I have done/witnessed, there is always something new I see/learn that I did not find on a previous playthrough. There is also a fascinating aspect of watching different people tackle different puzzles and come to the same conclusions via different methods and thought processes.

The game can be essentially beaten right after the intro sequence, highlighting another unique and amazing aspect of the game in that the only barrier that seems to be in the way of a player is knowledge. The game breaks down to essentially a scattered puzzle allowing the player to explore at their own discretion and decide what to do next.

I am so happy to finally see this game on Steam as I bought my first copy on the EGS. I'm always happy to buy another copy to support the developers who have done such an amazing job in making this game.

One special mention must go to the soundtrack of this game. Shoutout to Andrew Prahlow for making one of my favorite OST's of all time! These songs are constantly on repeat in the background when I'm studying, wanting great background music, or simply wanting the nostalgia of reliving the game all over again.

If you're considering getting this game I would encourage you to do so! (I recommend you try to complete it relatively soon after starting as it can be hard to remember a lot of details if you take a long break in between playtimes).

If you love handcrafted open-world exploration adventure with twists, puzzles, and mysteries I promise that this game does not disappoint.

Thank you Mobius Digital, Annapurna Interactive, Andrew Prahlow, Alex and Kelsey Beachum, and the many others that made this game possible! 11/10 - My 2019 (and early 2020) GOTY

***EDIT 11/21/2021*** ECHOES OF THE EYE

In my opinion, adding any type of DLC to what felt like an already perfect and "complete package" game was a risk. Doubly so in Echoes of the Eye's big departure from several of the main game's mechanics and styles. While this was a different approach to exploration and storytelling (and a very different experience as a whole), it never stopped feeling like "Outer Wilds". If anything, it was fresh, exciting, and new with that tinge of familiarity that I know and love from this game.

It was like experiencing more of my favorite game again with a fresh start, with more unknowns to explore! And Andrew Prahlow never lets anyone down with their soundtrack work *chefs kiss*. It is amazing how Echoes' music stands in stark contrast with the main game's themes yet all makes sense and feels cohesive with the rest of its sonic counterparts (with a bit of the nostalgic motifs throughout).

Overall, if there was any way to do a follow-up DLC to a game like Outer Wilds: this is the way to do it. Thank you so much to Mobius Digital, Annapurna Interactive, Andrew Prahlow, Alex and Kelsey Beachum, and the rest of those who worked on Echoes of the Eye. Y'all have delivered again 10/10.