{{short description|2019 role-playing video game}} {{Use British English|date=February 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}} {{Infobox video game | title = Sunless Skies | image = Sunless skies art.jpg | developer = [[Failbetter Games]] | publisher = Failbetter Games | programmer = {{ubl|Barry Hemans|Liam McDonald|}} | writer = Chris Gardiner<br>Cash de Cuir<br>James Chew<br>Olivia Wood<ref name="eurogamer_zub_skies" /> | engine = [[Unity (game engine)|Unity]] | platforms = {{ubl|[[Linux]]|[[macOS]]|[[Windows]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]}} | released = {{ubl|'''Linux, macOS, Windows'''|31 January 2019|'''Switch, PS4, Xbox One'''|19 May 2021}} | genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]] | modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]] }} '''''Sunless Skies''''' is a [[role-playing video game]] developed by [[Failbetter Games]]. Partially funded by a [[Kickstarter]] campaign, the game entered [[early access]] in 2017 and released in January 2019, and has been described as a "[[Gothic horror]] roleplay game". ''Sunless Skies'' is a direct sequel to 2015's ''[[Sunless Sea]]'' and incorporates similar elements and setting.
==Gameplay== ''Sunless Skies'' is an exploration and narrative focused [[role-playing video game]]. The game is played from a [[top-down perspective]]. Players navigate the game world via an upgradeable interstellar locomotive, and can interact with various narratives both brief and long that may have positive or negative rewards. While traveling, the locomotive may have to fight off other hostile locomotives or otherworldly creatures. If the player's locomotive is destroyed or their character is otherwise killed, they must begin anew, but some of the previous character's possessions may be passed to the next and certain narrative events remain completed. With each player character, the world map is also rearranged and re-obscured, forcing the player to rediscover locations.<ref name="pcgamer_aesthetic" />
==Synopsis== ''Sunless Skies'' is set in the same [[Victorian era]]-inspired world as ''[[Fallen London]]'' and ''[[Sunless Sea]]''.<ref name="eurogamer_zub_skies" /> The game is set ten years after the events of ''Sunless Sea'', after the subterranean city of London opened a gateway known as the Avid Horizon and gained access to outer space, here called the High Wilderness, where stars are godlike beings who exert power through their light and unspeakable terrors lurk in the dark. The New British Empire has spread to multiple stars and even built an artificial star of its own, the Clockwork Sun, and Queen Victoria has assumed the throne of a dead star and attained mastery over the properties of time itself. The player assumes the role of a crewmember on a ramshackle locomotive who inherits captaincy of the vessel and a strange black box after the previous captain is mortally wounded. The player is free to pursue the mystery of the box, embark on a career as a trader and retire wealthy, fight in a war between the Empire and rebellious colonists, or seek out answers to a dangerous question: why are the stars dying?<ref name="eurogamer_kickstarter" />
==Development== <!-- production --> The game was announced at the 2016 [[EGX (expo)|EGX expo]].<ref name="eurogamer_announce" /> In February 2017, the studio launched a crowdfunding campaign on [[Kickstarter]] to raise funds for the game's development.<ref name="eurogamer_kickstarter" /> Failbetter estimated the total cost of the game's development to be £330,000. They set a funding goal of only £100,000 - explaining the discrepancy by committing to using profits from their existing projects to close the gap. In the event, the project raised £377,000.<ref name="eurogamer_kickstarter" /><ref name="pcgamer_kickstarter" />
The game was developed on the [[Unity (game engine)|Unity game engine]] and Failbetter's own narrative platform StoryNexus.<ref name="eurogamer_kickstarter" />
<!-- design --> Failbetter CEO Paul Arendt noted that they didn't want a sequel to just be ''Sunless Sea 2'' with bigger ships.<ref name="eurogamer_zub_skies" /> Taking the Victorian setting into space appealed to them.<ref name="eurogamer_zub_skies" /> The development team cited the [[science fiction]] and [[planetary romance]] works of authors [[C. S. Lewis]], [[H. G. Wells]], and [[Leigh Brackett]] as influences along with [[Art Nouveau]] and the 1999 game ''[[Planescape: Torment]]''.<ref name="rps_kickstarter" />
===Release=== The game was scheduled to be released in early access in May 2017 with a full release in May 2018,<ref name="eurogamer_kickstarter" /> for [[Linux]], [[macOS]], [[Windows]]-based [[personal computer]]s.<ref name="indiegames_announce" /> It was initially delayed to September 2018,<ref name="pcgamer_albion" /> then lastly to January 2019.<ref name="failbetter eleutheria" />
===''Sovereign Edition''=== Failbetter announced on 19 October 2019 that the final update for ''Sunless Skies'' would be ''Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition'', a definitive version of the game containing all previous content in addition to several new narrative events and gameplay improvements. Owners of the PC version of the game will receive the ''Sovereign Edition'' update for free, and the full game with all post-launch updates included will be released simultaneously on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.<ref name="SE announce" /> The ''Sovereign Edition'' was originally planned to release in the first half of 2020,<ref name="SE announce" /> but it was later delayed to a window of August/September 2020 before being delayed again indefinitely due to persistent performance issues with the console ports.<ref name="SE delay1" /> On 29 January 2021, Failbetter stated that the earliest possible release window for the ''Sovereign Edition'' would be March 2021, but stressed this was not a firm date.<ref name="SE delay2" /> On 28 April 2021, Failbetter set a tentative release date for the ''Sovereign Edition'' for 19 May, cautioning that this could still be delayed if the certification processes for console versions encountered unexpected issues.<ref name="SE May" /> ''Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition'' was released on 19 May 2021.<ref name="SE Release" />
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = 87/100<ref name="MC" /> | GSpot = 8/10<ref name="GSpot" /> | PCGUS = 90/100<ref name="PCGUS" /> | PCGN = 9/10<ref name="PCGN" /> }} Upon the game's release in January 2019, ''Sunless Skies'' was praised by critics, receiving a [[Metacritic]] score of 87, indicating 'generally favourable' reviews.<ref name="MC" /> ''[[PC Gamer]]'' called it "A game that gives you a clutch of weird and wonderful tales to tell, even when you fail miserably", while praising the game's replayability and writing.<ref name="PCGUS" /> ''[[GameSpot]]'', however, criticized the game for repetitive early storylines and uninteresting combat gameplay.<ref name="GSpot" />
===Accolades=== While in development, the game was nominated for "Writing or Narrative Design" at the 2018 [[Develop (UK magazine)|Develop Awards]].<ref name="develop_noms" /> After release, it was nominated for "Best Narrative", "Best Original IP", and "Game of the Year" at the Develop:Star Awards;<ref name="develop_2019_noms" /> for the "Creativity Award", "Best Game by a Small Studio", and "Best Role Playing Game" at [[The Independent Game Developers' Association]] Awards;<ref name="tiga_noms" /> for "Best Storytelling", "Best Indie Game", and "PC Game of the Year" at the [[Golden Joystick Awards]];<ref name="golden_joystick_noms" /><ref name="gradar_joystick_noms" /> for the Off Broadway Award for Best Indie Game at the New York Game Awards,<ref name="nyga_noms" /> and for "Game, Franchise Role Playing" at the NAVGTR Awards.<ref name="navgtr_noms" />
==References== {{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="develop_noms">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development/announcing-the-develop-awards-2018-nominations-shortlist | title=Announcing the Develop Awards 2018 nominations shortlist | magazine=[[MCV/Develop|MCV]] | author=MCV staff | date=21 May 2018 | accessdate=4 September 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="develop_2019_noms">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.mcvuk.com/shortlist-for-developstar-awards-2019-revealed/ | title=Shortlist for Develop:Star Awards 2019 revealed | magazine=[[MCV/Develop|MCV]] | first=Vikki | last=Blake | date=16 May 2019 | accessdate=19 June 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="eurogamer_announce">{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-09-24-failbetter-games-announces-sunless-skies | title=Failbetter Games announces Sunless Skies | work=[[Eurogamer]] | first=Johnny | last=Chiodini | date=24 September 2016 | accessdate=2 February 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="eurogamer_kickstarter">{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/sunless-skies-kickstarter-gameplay-details | title=Failbetter's Sunless Skies Kickstarter takes flight | work=[[Eurogamer]] | first=Edwin | last=Evans-Thirlwell | date=1 February 2017 | accessdate=2 February 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="eurogamer_zub_skies">{{cite web | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-10-06-still-out-there-failbetter-games-talks-sunless-skies-and-zubmariner | title=Still out there: Failbetter Games talks Sunless Skies and Zubmariner | work=[[Eurogamer]] | first=Christian | last=Donlan | date=6 October 2016 | accessdate=2 February 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="gradar_joystick_noms">{{cite web | url=https://www.gamesradar.com/goldenjoystickawards/ | title=Golden Joystick Awards 2019 | work=[[GamesRadar+]] | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928103127/https://www.gamesradar.com/goldenjoystickawards/ | archivedate=28 September 2019 | url-status=dead | accessdate=21 September 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="golden_joystick_noms">{{cite web | url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/09/days_gone_rides_off_with_three_nominations_in_this_years_golden_joystick_awards | title=Days Gone Rides Off with Three Nominations in This Year's Golden Joystick Awards | work=[[Push Square]] | first=Stephen | last=Tailby | date=20 September 2019 | accessdate=20 September 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="indiegames_announce">{{cite web | url=http://indiegames.com/2016/09/sunless_skies.html | title=Failbetter Will Leave The Sea Behind And Reach For The Stars In Sunless Skies | work=[[IndieGames.com]] | first=Christian | last=Valentin | date=24 September 2016 | accessdate=2 February 2017 | archive-date=15 January 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115084054/http://indiegames.com/2016/09/sunless_skies.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="navgtr_noms">{{cite web | url=https://navgtr.org/2019-nominees/ | title=2019 Nominees | work=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers | date=13 January 2020 | accessdate=23 January 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="nyga_noms">{{cite web | url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2020/01/02/the-new-york-game-awards-announces-2020-nominees/ | title=The New York Game Awards Announces 2020 Nominees | work=[[Bleeding Cool]] | first=Gavin | last=Sheehan | date=2 January 2020 | accessdate=5 January 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="pcgamer_aesthetic">{{cite web | url=http://www.pcgamer.com/failbetter-sheds-some-light-on-the-aesthetic-of-sunless-skies/ | title=Failbetter sheds some light on the aesthetic of Sunless Skies | work=[[PC Gamer]] | first=Tom | last=Sykes | date=5 January 2017 | accessdate=2 February 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="pcgamer_albion">{{cite web | url=https://www.pcgamer.com/sunless-skies-shows-off-albion-in-gorgeous-reveal-trailer/ | title=Sunless Skies shows off Albion in gorgeous reveal trailer | work=[[PC Gamer]] | first=Joe | last=Donnelly| date=4 April 2018 }}</ref>
<ref name="pcgamer_kickstarter">{{cite web | url=http://www.pcgamer.com/sunless-sea-sequel-sunless-skies-seeks-backing-on-kickstarter/ | title=Sunless Sea sequel, Sunless Skies, hits Kickstarter goal in four hours [Updated] | work=[[PC Gamer]] | first=Tom | last=Senior | date=1 February 2017 | accessdate=2 February 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="rps_kickstarter">{{cite news | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/02/01/sunless-skies-kickstarter/ | title=Sunless Skies launches Kickstarter, talks combat improvements, spacefaring Victorians, warm cardigans | website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] | first=Philippa | last=Warr | date=1 February 2017 | accessdate=2 February 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="tiga_noms">{{cite web | url=https://tiga.org/news/tiga-announces-games-industry-awards-2019-finalists | title=TIGA Announces Games Industry Awards 2019 Finalists | work=[[The Independent Game Developers' Association]] | first=Suzi | last=Stephenson | date=19 September 2019 | accessdate=25 September 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="failbetter eleutheria">{{cite web | url=https://www.failbettergames.com/eleutheria/ | title=ELEUTHERIA and Extending Early Access | work=[[Failbetter Games]] | first=Hannah | last=Flynn| date=25 July 2018 }}</ref>
<ref name="MC">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/sunless-skies/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Sunless Skies Critic Reviews for PC |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="GSpot">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/sunless-skies-review-british-steam-power/1900-6417080/ |title=Sunless Skies Review - British Steam Power |website=[[GameSpot]] |first=David |last=Wildgoose |date=6 February 2019 |access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="PCGUS">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/sunless-skies-review/ |title=Sunless Skies Review |website=[[PC Gamer]] |first=Chris |last=Schilling |date=31 January 2019 |access-date=9 September 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="PCGN">{{Cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/sunless-skies/review |title=Sunless Skies review: a glimpse of the heavens from master storytellers |website=[[PCGamesN]] |first=Jeremy |last=Peel |date=6 February 2019 |access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="SE announce">{{Cite web |url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/596970/old_view/1567741951082161259 |title=Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition |website= |first= |last= |date=19 October 2019 |access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="SE delay1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.failbettergames.com/when-is-the-release-date-for-sovereign/ |title=When is the release date for Sovereign? |website= |first=Sara |last=Veal |date=16 September 2020 |access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="SE delay2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.failbettergames.com/a-quick-update-on-the-sovereign-edition/ |title=A Quick Update on the Sovereign Edition |website= |first=Sara |last=Veal |date=29 January 2021 |access-date=5 March 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="SE May">{{Cite web |url=https://www.failbettergames.com/sunless-skies-sovereign-edition-now-has-a-release-date/ |title=Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition now has a release date! |website= |first=Sara |last=Veal |date=28 April 2021 |access-date=29 April 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="SE Release">{{Cite web |url=https://www.failbettergames.com/sunless-skies-sovereign-edition-is-out-now/ |title=Sunless Skies: Sovereign Edition is out now! |website= |first=Sara |last=Veal |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021}}</ref>
}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.failbettergames.com/category/sunless-skies/}} {{Failbetter Games}}
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