Times and Galaxy

I really love the quaint vibe. It's still sci-fi. Just not action or fast-paced, if you're looking for something slower and more personal. Definitely worth a shot

I love this game, it's fun and puzzley and cute. PLEASE make it so that movement is faster. Seriously. If you want me to look around and talk to people, and walk around loong rooms, PLEASE make it so that movement is more than an enthusiastically-animated crawl.

Times & Galaxy : Le journalisme interstellaire a décidément du charme Times & Galaxy est un jeu assez singulier. Au premier contact, il faut reconnaître que l’ensemble peut dérouter : sa direction artistique, son humour, son rythme et jusqu’à sa manière d’aborder le jeu d’aventure semblent venir d’un petit univers ayant tranquillement décidé de suivre ses propres règles. Quelques heures suffisent pourtant pour comprendre que cette étrangeté constitue précisément une bonne partie de son charme. Le principe est excellent : vous êtes journaliste stagiaire au Times & Galaxy, un journal interstellaire installé à bord d’un immense vaisseau rédactionnel, et l’on vous envoie couvrir les événements plus ou moins importants qui agitent la galaxie. Rien que cette idée possède une saveur particulière. La science-fiction sert ici à raconter le quotidien, l’absurde, la politique locale, les faits divers et toutes ces petites histoires qui paraissent insignifiantes à l’échelle du cosmos, tout en étant évidemment essentielles pour ceux qui les vivent. Chaque reportage devient ainsi une petite enquête. On arrive sur les lieux, on observe, on interroge les témoins, on recherche des informations et l’on essaie progressivement de comprendre ce qui s’est réellement passé. Le jeu accorde une vraie importance aux dialogues et il vaut mieux prendre le temps de parler aux personnages plutôt que de courir mécaniquement vers l’objectif suivant. Certains donnent une information essentielle, d’autres offrent simplement un autre regard sur l’événement. C’est justement cette accumulation de témoignages qui donne aux missions leur personnalité. J’apprécie surtout que le travail ne s’arrête pas à la collecte d’informations. Une fois revenu à la rédaction, il faut construire son article à partir de ce que l’on a découvert. Le choix du titre, de l’angle et des éléments que l’on décide de mettre en avant influence la manière dont l’histoire sera racontée. C’est une mécanique assez simple dans son fonctionnement, pourtant parfaitement adaptée au propos : deux journalistes peuvent assister au même événement et ne pas nécessairement en tirer le même papier. Times & Galaxy possède également une écriture très légère, souvent drôle, parfois franchement absurde. Son futur n’a rien d’une grande fresque spatiale solennelle. La galaxie est devenue un espace de vie ordinaire, peuplé d’espèces extraterrestres, de travailleurs, de célébrités, de criminels, de bureaucrates et de personnages plus improbables les uns que les autres. On voyage dans l’espace pour aller couvrir une affaire comme un journaliste prendrait aujourd’hui le métro pour rejoindre son prochain sujet. Cette banalisation du merveilleux fonctionne étonnamment bien. Le jeu ne cherche pas constamment à nous rappeler que nous sommes dans l’espace : pour ses habitants, tout cela est parfaitement normal. Ce décalage donne beaucoup de personnalité à l’univers et permet à la science-fiction d’exister autrement que par les éternelles guerres galactiques, invasions extraterrestres et prophéties concernant le destin de l’humanité. La direction artistique participe naturellement à cette singularité. Il faut adhérer à ses personnages très stylisés, à ses couleurs et à son esthétique volontairement particulière. J’ai moi-même eu besoin d’un petit temps d’adaptation. Une fois cette première impression dépassée, l’ensemble devient cohérent avec le ton général : Times & Galaxy ressemble à Times & Galaxy, et dans un paysage vidéoludique où tant de productions finissent par partager les mêmes codes visuels, posséder sa propre silhouette est déjà une qualité appréciable. Le vaisseau du journal constitue enfin un agréable point d’ancrage entre les reportages. On y retrouve ses collègues, on discute, on découvre progressivement les personnalités qui composent la rédaction et l’on voit notre place évoluer au sein de cette curieuse entreprise médiatique interstellaire. Ces moments donnent un peu de chaleur à l’aventure et évitent que le jeu ne soit qu’une succession de missions indépendantes. Tout n’a pas nécessairement la profondeur d’un grand RPG et le rythme volontairement tranquille pourra surprendre ceux qui attendent davantage d’action. Times & Galaxy préfère manifestement la conversation, l’observation et le plaisir de découvrir une nouvelle histoire. Une fois que l’on accepte cette proposition, il devient assez difficile de ne pas trouver l’ensemble sympathique. C’est finalement un jeu que j’apprécie précisément pour son caractère un peu étrange. Il ne m’a pas immédiatement séduit et j’ai d’abord observé cette curieuse galaxie avec une certaine distance. Puis les reportages se sont succédé, les personnages ont commencé à devenir familiers et je me suis surpris à prendre un véritable plaisir à repartir couvrir l’affaire suivante. Un bon jeu, original, intelligent dans son concept et très agréable à parcourir. Il faut simplement lui laisser quelques heures pour faire connaissance. Après tout, on sait qu’il est rarement convenable de juger un nouvel interlocuteur avant la fin de la conversation.

Very good storywise, but there were some technical issues. The UX took some getting used to. There was a weird resolution issue, but maybe that's just Proton.

Times & Galaxy is a narrative adventure developed by Copychaser Games and published by Fellow Traveller that offers one of the most original premises in modern science-fiction gaming. Instead of casting players as a space explorer, soldier, smuggler, or hero destined to save the galaxy, the game places them in the role of a rookie reporter working for the galaxy's most respected news organization. This unusual perspective immediately distinguishes the experience from other story-driven adventures and creates a refreshing approach to interactive storytelling. By focusing on journalism, investigation, and interpersonal relationships, Times & Galaxy delivers a thoughtful and engaging journey through a colorful universe filled with fascinating characters and meaningful decisions. The story begins when the player joins the staff of the Times & Galaxy, an interstellar news outlet known for its reputation and influence across the cosmos. As the first robotic journalist hired by the organization, the protagonist enters an environment filled with expectations, skepticism, and opportunities. Fellow reporters, editors, and sources all react differently to the player's presence, creating a narrative foundation that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and professional growth. The concept of a robot learning how to report on the complexities of organic life provides an interesting emotional angle that remains relevant throughout the adventure. One of the game's greatest strengths is its commitment to making journalism feel genuinely important. Rather than treating reporting as a simple background activity, the game builds its entire structure around gathering information, conducting interviews, and deciding how stories should be presented. Players investigate events, speak with witnesses, collect details, and determine which aspects deserve attention. These choices directly influence how articles are written and how various characters respond. This design transforms journalism into an engaging gameplay mechanic rather than merely a narrative device. The writing consistently shines throughout the experience. Conversations are filled with personality, humor, and emotional depth, making even routine interactions enjoyable. The dialogue succeeds because it reflects the diversity of the game's setting. Every alien species, robot, and crew member feels distinct, with their own perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and motivations. These differences help bring the world to life and ensure that conversations remain interesting from beginning to end. Worldbuilding is another area where Times & Galaxy excels. The universe feels expansive despite the game's narrative focus. Political tensions, cultural traditions, technological advancements, and social issues all exist beneath the surface of the individual stories players investigate. As assignments take the player to different locations and introduce new characters, the setting gradually reveals its complexity. The game encourages curiosity, rewarding players who take the time to learn about the people and societies they encounter. What makes the investigative gameplay particularly compelling is the absence of simple right or wrong answers. Stories are often nuanced, with multiple perspectives that deserve consideration. Players must decide which information to prioritize and how to frame events for their audience. This approach reflects real-world journalism more closely than a traditional morality system would. The choices are rarely about saving the galaxy or determining the fate of civilizations. Instead, they revolve around responsibility, ethics, and the impact that reporting can have on others. The supporting cast contributes enormously to the game's appeal. Fellow reporters aboard the newspaper vessel are more than simple quest providers. They possess unique personalities, ambitions, and relationships that evolve throughout the story. Building rapport with colleagues unlocks additional conversations and insights, making the newsroom feel like a genuine workplace rather than a static hub. These character interactions often become just as memorable as the larger assignments themselves. Visually, the game embraces a vibrant and colorful art direction that complements its optimistic science-fiction tone. Character designs are expressive and imaginative, featuring a wide range of alien species and robotic personalities. Environments are equally distinctive, presenting futuristic locations that feel lively and inhabited. The visual style may not pursue realism, but it succeeds in creating a universe filled with charm and individuality. The audio presentation enhances the atmosphere effectively. Music supports both the lighter and more emotional moments of the narrative, while the sound design helps establish the feeling of traveling through a bustling interstellar society. The soundtrack never overwhelms the storytelling, instead serving as a subtle but important tool for reinforcing mood and immersion. Beyond its entertaining premise, Times & Galaxy explores surprisingly thoughtful themes. Questions about objectivity, bias, truth, and the role of media appear throughout the narrative. The game examines how stories are shaped by the people who tell them and how different perspectives can influence public understanding. These ideas give the adventure a level of intellectual depth that elevates it beyond a simple science-fiction comedy. The pacing is intentionally measured, which may not appeal to everyone. Players expecting frequent action sequences or traditional gameplay challenges may find the experience slower than typical space adventures. Most of the game revolves around conversations, investigations, and writing stories. However, for players who appreciate narrative-driven experiences, this focus allows the characters and themes to receive the attention they deserve. Times & Galaxy ultimately succeeds because it takes an unconventional concept and commits to it completely. The combination of strong writing, memorable characters, meaningful choices, and creative worldbuilding results in a science-fiction adventure that feels genuinely unique. Rather than relying on grand battles or heroic destinies, it celebrates curiosity, empathy, and the pursuit of understanding. The result is a charming, intelligent, and often heartfelt journey that demonstrates how compelling storytelling can emerge from the simple act of asking questions and seeking the truth. Rating: 8/10

Very lovely so far

Genuinely, such an underappreciated game; not enough people have played this, and I really enjoyed my time interacting with all the fun characters! The achievement side of things was a bit of a slog, as you need to play the main story at least 3 times if you want them all because of the achievements that focus on the amount of coverage you have at the end of your internship. But that's a minor nitpick at best and doesn't affect the overall gameplay. I'd highly recommend it if anyone likes fun and wacky characters in visual novels; you will absolutely love this game.

the reporter minigame is fun and all but you'll be blushing and kicking from flirting with all the funny robots and aliens trust