On November 3, 1957, the stray dog Laika was launched into Earth orbit aboard the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2. Tragically, she survived only 5-7 hours, succumbing to overheating and stress. Space Tail: Every Journey Leads Home serves as a heartfelt tribute to Laika and the numerous animals that played a crucial role in paving the way for human space exploration.
Space Tail: Every Journey Leads Home centers not on Laika herself, but on the canine protagonist Bea and her mission. Bea is a highly trained dog equipped with an advanced spacesuit, reminiscent of Milou’s attire in Tintin’s Destination Moon (Parts One and Two). Players leverage Bea’s keen sense of smell and acute hearing to overcome various obstacles. The game incorporates a “dialogue system” for communicating with the space creatures encountered, utilizing methods such as a friendly paw gesture, or, when necessary, a growl!
While Space Tail: Every Journey Leads Home initiates with a tutorial on utilizing Bea’s unique abilities, discerning the appropriate ability for each challenge isn’t always straightforward. Solutions often require combining multiple abilities. Initially, this can lead to some frustration as players may feel stuck, believing they have exhausted all options, only to discover that a specific combination is required. However, once mastered, this mechanic significantly enhances the gameplay experience.
Testing Space Tail: Every Journey Leads Home on Nintendo Switch in docked mode, connected to a TV with adequate sound, reveals a truly immersive experience. The game boasts impressive graphics, coupled with exceptionally well-crafted sound design and music. However, the experience diminishes somewhat in portable mode. The reduced screen size can obscure crucial details, potentially causing players to miss solutions and wander aimlessly despite the answer being visually present.
In conclusion, Space Tail: Every Journey Leads Home is a visually appealing game with a compelling and engaging narrative. I recommend it to players looking for a charming adventure. Guide Bea on her journey home and help her navigate the challenges of this exciting odyssey!
Long Term Games provided a review code for this evaluation. Content providers do not influence our editorial process.
