FAR: Changing Tides

FAR: Changing Tides was a delightful experience for me as an explorer who loves atmospheric games. I would rate it 8 out of 10 overall — it is a game that really inspires the mind but still has some drawbacks.

Art & Atmosphere (9/10)
Art direction and visuals are dazzling in the game. The sad but pretty scenery makes you feel both wonder and a bit down, which fits the game's vibe. The ship is big and has a lot of detail. It feels alive and is fun to control. The environmental storytelling—images, ruins, ancient past—develops the story without a single word uttered. The music scores every scene magnificently, accentuating emotional moments and sucking me completely into this calm, curious world.

Gameplay & Mechanics (7/10)
The main gameplay is about floating your boat, controlling the modules like sails, engines, and submarines which is a good way to add a gratifying layer of micro-management. Steering the ship is like second nature and the slow unfolding of new features is like spreading newness always. The chunks of underwater sections were appreciated and they took the flow of the game nicely and also gave exploration opportunities. Nonetheless, some mechanics like underwater exploration did not seem to be very rewarding—they felt more like filling the time rather than offering real gameplay. The puzzles were easy and brief; they just presented the right amount of challenge that would not cause irritation.

Story & Pacing (6/10)
This is the point where Changing Tides loses some of its shine. The storyline is full of atmosphere, with the environment telling the world's transition slowly, but then again it fails to move you emotionally as the first game, Lone Sails, did. The trip is calming and stunning, but what has made Lone Sails so interesting is the absence of the conflict. After two hours, the story seems nearly directionless, and the game turns into a tranquil crossing instead of an urgent quest. It is beautiful, but sometimes a bit uneventful.

World & Exploration (6/10)
The game is more than its predecessor due to the installation of new biomes with the extension of the gaming zones, which is good. It is soothing to check the ship and the surroundings, but the whole world appears to be slightly deserted with just a few areas and secrets left to be discovered. You can’t walk around much, and the underwater parts don’t add much excitement. Even though it looks great, the world sometimes feels more like a nice background than a real, living place.

Replay Value & Content (7/10)
Besides the multiple endings, the character can also obtain a few upgrades, which means that there is a fair amount of content for replaying. However, due to the linear nature and little diversity, the moderate replay value is the result. After witnessing the ending, there is not much reason to restart unless you are targeting achievements or wish to experience the graphics once more.

Final Verdict:
FAR: Changing Tides is well-made and looks awesome, with a great atmosphere. It's perfect if you want a peaceful and thoughtful game that's like a poem after the world ends. But it has a hard time keeping you excited or surprised after a while, and the world can feel a little bare. Still, if you liked Lone Sails or just want a pretty trip into the unknown, this game is worth checking out.