Stargazing 64 is a free-to-play role-playing game (RPG) that shows the horrors of the infinite space beyond Earth. Developed by Warkus, the game is a short experience that, as the title implies, lets you look up to the sky and see the stars. However, what you find might leave you scared and wondering.

Its unusually short playthrough, which can be done in less than 5 minutes, delivers its objective of creeping players out. In this manner, Stargazing 64 feels comparable to LETHAL OMEN or HEAVENSCAPE. There is no backstory and no explanation, which makes it feel like a Lovecraftian experience.

A short experience

Stargazing 64 was created as an exercise by the developers to recreate the feel of the discontinued Nintendo 64 console, which explains the spooky Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask reference in there. The graphics also help in making the quick game more memorable, since old-school graphics somehow make things scarier–either due to the low quality or the engine’s bugs creating unexpected results.

Also, the game just throws you in an oriental-looking park where you can wander around. It leaves the player clueless until they find the only item to interact with: a telescope. With it, you can start the titular activity and see stars. It’s actually refreshing to have an informative segment as every time you look at a star, some fascinating information is provided. This makes the game enjoyable and educational.

Lastly, in terms of story, there’s absolutely none. It works as a horror strategy by leaving you confused as to what just happened. That’s it, there’s no alternate ending or secret to find. Some players dismiss this as a waste of time while others appreciate the quick shock they got from the game. However, the concept can still be expanded into something with a longer playthrough and more content.

Try it for the shock value

Stargazing 64 is not so much a game as a short shocking experience for those who tried it. With a short playthrough of less than five minutes, no story, and only a single course of action, you can skip it and find something else more worthwhile. However, if you’re curious about how a few minutes could leave you scared and wondering, feel free to try this indie RPG.