Lost Skies: Swinging Through the Clouds and Bugs

Grappling with Adventure and Technical Turbulence

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to the world of “Lost Skies,” where the skies are vast, the islands are floating, and the bugs are as plentiful as the clouds. This early access title promises a unique blend of exploration, crafting, and adventure, but does it soar to new heights or crash land in a sea of technical issues? Let’s dive in and find out.

Gameplay: Swinging High, Falling Low

“Lost Skies” introduces players to a world where the grappling hook is king. This mechanic is the star of the show, offering a fluid and intuitive way to traverse the game’s floating isles. It’s like Spider-Man meets Studio Ghibli, and it’s as fun as it sounds. The grappling hook allows for acrobatic feats that make exploring the skies a joy, and it’s no wonder players are singing its praises.

Beyond the grappling hook, the game offers ship-building and flight mechanics that add depth to exploration. However, these elements are a mixed bag. While some players enjoy the creativity involved in ship design, others find the mechanics cumbersome and the ships frustratingly fragile. It’s as if the ships are made of paper mache, ready to crumble at the slightest breeze.

Resource gathering introduces a rhythm game-like twist, which is a refreshing take on the usual mining and chopping. Yet, the crafting system feels bland, and the inventory system, though spacious, could use a lesson in organization from Marie Kondo. Meanwhile, combat mechanics leave much to be desired, with unresponsive controls and unsatisfying stamina usage.

Technical issues are the game’s Achilles’ heel. Performance problems, bugs, and crashes are as common as the floating islands themselves. Even high-end systems struggle to maintain a stable frame rate, and the user interface could use a serious overhaul. Multiplayer experiences can be a blast, but progression issues can lead to frustration when playing with friends at different levels.

Graphics: A Beautiful Disaster

Visually, “Lost Skies” is a treat—when it works. The art style is cool and modern, reminiscent of a gentrified “Worlds Adrift.” The world is vibrant and alive, drawing players into its post-cataclysmic charm. However, the game’s performance issues overshadow its visual appeal. Even players with top-tier hardware report severe frame rate drops and choppy gameplay, making it feel like the game is running on a potato rather than a high-end PC.

The limited graphics settings offer little room for optimization, and lighting issues can make the game look like a poorly lit horror movie. Graphical bugs, such as disappearing UI elements, further detract from the experience. Despite these challenges, there’s hope that future patches will address these issues, allowing the game’s true visual potential to shine.

Story: A Tale of Intrigue and Technical Woes

The narrative of “Lost Skies” is set in a post-cataclysmic world, offering a rich backdrop for exploration and adventure. The world feels alive, despite its premise of a world where everyone is supposed to be dead. It’s a testament to the game’s world-building that players are drawn into its charm and mystery.

However, the story is not without its flaws. Technical issues, such as crashes and janky gameplay, can disrupt immersion and narrative engagement. Character models, described as “horrible” and “AI-generated,” don’t do the storytelling any favors. While the story holds promise, it could benefit from further development and a bit more polish.

Final Verdict

“Lost Skies” is a game with immense potential, offering a unique blend of exploration, crafting, and adventure. The grappling hook mechanic is a standout feature, providing a thrilling way to traverse the skies. However, the game is currently bogged down by technical issues, performance problems, and a lack of content. It’s a rough gem that needs significant polishing to truly shine.

For those willing to brave the bugs and technical challenges, “Lost Skies” offers a glimpse into a world of adventure and exploration. With further development and optimization, it could evolve into a great experience. Until then, it’s a game best approached with patience and a sense of humor.

Score: 6/10