Hey there, fellow cozy gamers! I’m back with my thoughts on The Star Named EOS, the latest puzzle–photography adventure from Silver Lining Studio, launching July 23, 2024 via PLAYISM. If you loved Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery, you’ll feel right at home—this one brings the same familiar warmth, along with a few new wrinkles to puzzle over. So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dig in together.
Overall Impressions
Over the course of about five hours, I found myself wandering through The Star Named EOS’s softly lit rooms, recreating old photographs to untangle a family mystery. From the start, what really stood out was the game’s heart—there’s a palpable sense of nostalgia and bittersweet emotion in nearly every scene. The hand-drawn art and delicate animations often made me forget I was solving puzzles at all.
However, some puzzle designs can feel a bit stubborn, momentarily interrupting the gentle flow of the story. In comparison to other cozy puzzle games like Sunny Side Up or Cozy Grove, EOS leans more heavily into narrative than pure relaxing play. Still, it fits comfortably alongside those titles, especially for story-focused players.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, The Star Named EOS tasks you with lining up elements in each room until they match a faded photograph. Initially, it feels intuitive: you move objects, adjust lighting, and shift your camera angle. One standout moment for me was a puzzle involving a mosaic of family portraits on a study wall—it felt like assembling scattered memories.
That said, I noticed—as many players have—that the hints aren’t always clear. I’ll admit, I spent ten minutes clicking every nook and cranny in one scene before spotting the missing piece. While it’s not unforgivably difficult, the lack of clarity can bring the story’s momentum to a halt. Nevertheless, I appreciated how each solved puzzle snaps another piece of the narrative into place, making your efforts feel meaningful.
Story and Characters
The Star Named EOS follows a young photographer returning to her childhood home to uncover why her grandmother sealed away so many memories. As the story unfolds, you’ll meet a few key figures—some only appear as silhouettes in photos, while a certain someone near the end truly stole my heart (no spoilers, promise!).
Throughout the game, storytelling is subtle: you piece together the past through diary entries, polaroids, and soft voiceovers. By the time I reached the finale, I felt the emotional pull intensify as all the threads wove into a touching reunion. Overall, it’s a simple but effective approach to world-building—and if you’re anything like me, you might shed a tear or two.
Visuals and Graphics
Silver Lining Studio continues to shine with hand-drawn backdrops that are both crisp and cozy. The visuals immediately impress, with a warm pastel palette and gentle shadows that set the perfect relaxed tone. Each room feels thoughtfully detailed: stacks of letters, wilting flowers, scattered paintbrushes. In many ways, the visual richness becomes a puzzle of its own.
Moreover, if you pick up the deluxe edition, the included artbook is a treat. It showcases concept sketches and scenic storyboards, which I loved flipping through after completing the game.
Sound and Music
Without a doubt, the soundtrack is one of EOS’s standout features. Soft, piano-led melodies drift through each room, creating a calming atmosphere that feels like journaling on a rainy afternoon. Meanwhile, the ambient sounds—gentle camera clicks, rustling pages, and faint wind chimes—add depth without distracting from the experience.
There’s minimal voice acting beyond a few whispered narrations, but honestly, the music and ambient effects carry most of the emotional weight. If you enjoy chill playlists, the deluxe edition’s soundtrack is well worth grabbing. I’ve had it on repeat during my morning coffee!
Difficulty and Replayability
EOS isn’t packed with mind-bending brainteasers. Instead, it’s more of a leisurely stroll, occasionally interrupted by a few head-scratchers. A handful of puzzles felt a bit convoluted—I even consulted a guide once or twice. Yet despite that, I still felt the urge to revisit certain moments and try for those perfect “aha!” completions.
Replay value is moderate: there are no branching storylines, but you can aim for 100% completion, uncover hidden photo frames, or simply return to favorite rooms to enjoy the atmosphere again. So, if you’re someone who loves checking every corner or unlocking bonus content, EOS has a little more to offer after the credits roll.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Silver Lining Studio, best known for Behind the Frame, is a small team with big heart. The Star Named EOS marks their second major release, and they reportedly spent nearly a year crafting every illustration by hand. Interestingly, the music was recorded in a tiny Tokyo studio, adding a personal, homemade vibe to the whole production.
PLAYISM remains their publisher, helping these indie gems reach a global audience. For fans of game art, the deluxe edition artbook includes fascinating developer notes. Like how the dusty rose color of the master bedroom was inspired by an old family heirloom.
Final Thoughts
The Star Named EOS is a heartwarming puzzle adventure that blends cozy aesthetics, emotional storytelling, and striking hand-drawn visuals. While a few puzzles may be too obscure for the average casual player, the overall experience remains highly rewarding.
In short, if you love relaxing games that tell a story through atmosphere and visuals—especially with a photography twist—EOS will likely earn a cherished spot in your collection.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
So that’s my cozy gamer take! Whether you’re chasing down family secrets or just seeking a peaceful escape, The Star Named EOS is worth your time. And hey, if you ever find yourself clicking 24 wrong buttons like I did? Just breathe, sip your tea, check a guide—and remember to enjoy the moment.
