A Rite from the Stars: Remaster Edition – A Unique but Flawed Adventure

Introduction

Indie adventure games often bring creative storytelling and fresh gameplay mechanics to the table, and A Rite from the Stars: Remaster Edition aims to do just that. Originally released in 2018, this remastered edition by Flying Beast Labs and published by Artax Games launched on February 3, 2025.

With promises of enhanced visuals, refined mechanics, and improved gameplay, the remaster attempts to polish the original experience. But does it succeed in making the game more enjoyable, or does it still struggle with its original flaws? Let’s dive in.

Story & Concept

Set on the mystical island of Kaikala, the game follows Kirm, a mute boy from the Makoa tribe who must complete a rite of passage. His journey is divided into three unique paths:

  • Wisdom: A traditional point-and-click puzzle-solving experience.
  • Courage: Light platforming segments with hazards and challenges.
  • Spirit: A realm-shifting mechanic that allows players to explore different dimensions.

The non-linear progression means you can complete the three trials in any order, adding an element of choice. The game’s world, inspired by tribal folklore and spiritual themes, is intriguing and unique.

However, while the premise is engaging, the storytelling itself remains somewhat surface-level, lacking deep emotional moments that could have made Kirm’s journey more memorable.

Gameplay & Puzzle Design

The Wisdom path follows a traditional point-and-click puzzle structure, requiring players to interact with objects and figure out their purpose. The Courage path introduces platforming mechanics, while the Spirit path allows for dimensional shifting to navigate puzzles.

One of the biggest issues with the gameplay is inconsistent puzzle design. While some puzzles are clever and rewarding, others feel frustratingly obscure. For example, there is a puzzle where players must burn dried mud off a statue—yet the game offers little logical guidance on how to solve it.

Also; if you die you get the same cinematic over and over again, which is impossible to skip. Very annoying if you are dying mulitple times each level :'D 

The game also features a limited hint system, which provides only one vague hint per puzzle. If you get stuck, you might find yourself brute-forcing your way through solutions or searching for answers online.

The platforming mechanics in the Courage path also feel a bit imprecise, making certain sections harder than necessary. However, the Spirit path’s realm-shifting mechanic stands out as one of the game’s most creative elements, adding a fresh twist to exploration.

Visuals & Audio

A remaster should bring noticeable improvements, but in A Rite from the Stars: Remaster Edition, the changes are subtle at best and, in some cases, a step backward.

  • While the original game had a low-poly, vibrant aesthetic, the remaster darkens the visuals, making some areas difficult to navigate.
  • Colors feel less vibrant, and important details can be hard to see, impacting gameplay.

The audio has also been a major point of criticism, especially on the Nintendo Switch version, where some players have experienced sound cutting out entirely—a significant issue for a game that relies on narration and environmental storytelling.

Performance & Technical Issues

  • PC Version: Runs smoothly with only minor stuttering in some area transitions.
  • Nintendo Switch Version: Players have reported longer loading times, input delays, and audio issues where sound cuts out completely during gameplay.

While no game-breaking bugs were encountered, the darker visuals and audio glitches do hinder the experience.

High Speed Reading?

Okay, maybe it's just me but the lore, tips and tricks where extremely hard to follow. The text was flying by at very high speed. i was barely able to keep track of it. most of the times i was at the third word and the text would already be gone. I found this very frustrating. I was luckily recording the gameplay for coverage, which made it possible for me to re-watch some parts to find out what i had to do. otherwise i would've been left clueless.

Final Verdict

A Rite from the Stars: Remaster Edition is an ambitious indie adventure with a compelling world and unique gameplay structure. However, its inconsistent puzzle design, visual changes, and technical issues prevent it from reaching its full potential.

If you enjoy challenging point-and-click adventures and can overlook some flaws, there’s still an interesting world to explore here. But if polished gameplay and intuitive puzzles are important to you, this remaster might not be worth the frustration.

Final Score: 6.5/10 – A Unique but Flawed Adventure

Pros & Cons

✅ Unique tribal-inspired setting
✅ Three distinct gameplay paths
✅ Non-linear progression

❌ Some puzzles are frustratingly obscure
❌ Darkened visuals make it harder to navigate
❌ Audio issues on Nintendo Switch

Should You Play It?

💾 Play if you enjoy: Classic point-and-click games, folklore-inspired stories, and experimental indie adventures.
🛑 Skip if you dislike: Cryptic puzzles, minor technical issues, or games with limited hints.

-x_Bodilz