Release Date: May 2, 2019
Astrologaster is a narrative adventure game in which we play the role of Simon Forman, a 16th century astrologer. Trying to obtain a license to practice medicine, the hero heals people and solves their problems by drawing knowledge from the stars.
Astrologaster is a narrative adventure game full of specific humour. The game was developed by Nyamyam's independent studio, whose portfolio includes, among others, a genre-related and similarly crafted Tengami .
The story presented in Astrologaster, as well as the main character's posture, is based on historical events. In 1592, London was struck by the plague, for fear of which numerous doctors left the city. The astrologer Simon Forman remained on the spot and claimed to be able not only to cure diseases, but also to solve other problems that afflict the inhabitants of the metropolis and to predict their future, drawing knowledge about it from the stars. When the plague was over and the doctors returned to London, the protagonist got into trouble. His only salvation is to get a medical license. Whether he succeeds depends on our decisions.
The game does not avoid humour, bringing to mind such great works as Monty Python's Flying Circus or the Black Viper.
Gameplay in Astrologaster consists of talking to the characters visiting Forman and giving them advice on solutions to their problems. Individual customers several times go to Forman, and among them we will find those whose health leaves a lot to be desired, as well as those who face completely different complications. This allows us not only to deal with a variety of diseases, but also to solve more or less serious criminal puzzles. Over time, the fate of patients begins to interweave.
Looking at the stars and looking for answers to the questions we are asked, we get several possible solutions. While there is nothing to stop us from having fun and making absurd choices, we must that the decisions we make have consequences and influence the fate of both Londoners and the hero himself. Customers satisfied with the services of a "doctor" will gladly give him their recommendation, and collecting a sufficient number of such letters is the key to obtaining a medical license.
Astrologaster takes place in a spatial book, from which, after a throw-away, both images of the characters and illustrations of elements of the surroundings open up. The game was maintained in a style inspired by the Elizabethan theatre.
Platforms:
PC Windows May 9, 2019
Apple iOS May 2, 2019
Nintendo Switch February 18, 2021
Developer: Nyamyam
Publisher: Dear Villagers / Plug in Digital / Playdius
Age restrictions: 12+
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System Requirements for Astrologaster Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Dual Core i3, 4 GB RAM, graphic card Intel HD or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 8.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Quad Core i5, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 560 or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10.
Game Ratings for Astrologaster Video Game.
LadiesGamers.com: by Rio Fox
As a game that came about by the creative director hearing a lecture on Forman’s casebooks, Astrologaster fits really well as a game. The idea to go with astronomy as the ‘skill’ with which you solve issues is a brilliant one. Leading with how Forman ‘cured’ the plague, to the Spanish Armada and gold fortunes, all to gaining his medical license, this package is a fun game to play, I recommend Astrologaster to anyone that enjoys this style of game, for it is put together incredibly well. Plus, at that price, what a bargain
Nintendo Life: 8 / 10 by Kate Gray
Astrologaster is perhaps the only time you'll ever get to play through a pop-up book version of London's 17th-century medical history. It's an extremely specific pitch, but when it hits, it hits well – and its musical interludes are as delightful and giggle-worthy as any of Shakespeare's best. Sure, it's not going to be to everyone's tastes, but if you're looking for something a little different and you're a fan of the classic British historical sitcom Blackadder, then you could do a lot worse than give this a spin.
Rapid Reviews UK: 3.5 / 5 by Alex Laybourne
Injecting humour into games is nothing new. There is an easily recallable list of such titles for the Switch from the classic Undertale though to Thimbleweed Park and Jenny LeClue. Now, there is a new title to add to that list. Astrologaster is a comic look at the way certain people thought back in Shakespearian London. There are nods to all sorts of events and historic occurrences, both true and conspiratorial.
Average score from votes.