Faraway’s Gorgeously Minimalist Arcade-Style Game Makes 16 Years Worth the Wait

A long-awaited indie release

Faraway is the latest indie game published by Annapurna Interactive. Solo developer Stephen Thirion, whose earlier game Eliss became a cult classic, spent 16 years developing it. The game arrives in a crowded indie market, where thousands of new titles appear on Steam each year. Its restrained design sets it apart from bigger, more expansive productions.

One button, many possibilities

Players steer a shooting star across space using a single button. Pressing it lets the star attach to others, circle them, and alter its direction or speed. The aim is to link stars into constellations. Completing them extends a short lifespan, while more involved patterns can earn score multipliers and open larger areas.

The basic action is straightforward, but success depends on timing, awareness, and practice. Puzzle missions and high-score challenges give players additional ways to build those skills, and the difficulty rises without becoming overly punishing.

Quiet color and sound

Faraway presents the cosmos through a minimal visual style, using color to give stars and nearby worlds a distinctive presence. Its retro sound design adds to the gentle mood.

The combination of exploration and scoring gives the experience a meditative quality. Players seeking a substantial narrative or extensive depth may find little of either, but the game centers on movement and discovery.