Wireframe 2019

62 / wfmag.cc

Review

Rated

GENRE

Visual Novel

FORMAT

PC (tested) /

iOS

DEVELOPER

Nyamyam

PUBLISHER

Nyamyam

PRICE

£9.99

RELEASE

Out now

Info

Review

An Elizabethan experience that may induce most uncouth giggling

et in Shakespearian England,

it’s only fitting that Astrologaster

sometimes feels like a stage play.

When a client approaches Dr. Simon

Forman’s door, an unseen choir

launches into a madrigal; a catchy rhyming verse

sung about who they are and what they want.

Then Forman ushers them inside where he’ll hear

their complaint and look to the stars to see what

advice the movement of the planets might have

for them.

Forman (who is based on a real historical

figure) gives medical advice appropriate for

the era, which could be anything from bed rest

and time, to applying leeches to one’s privates

to suck out the bad blood. He also consults

on a wide range of other issues, and it’s this

excellent variety of sticky situations that makes

the game shine. One minute you’re knee-deep in

relationship drama, the next you’re addressing

modern problems like anti-immigrant rhetoric

through the lens of the 16th century. In many

regards, Astrologaster shows off both how much

and how little has changed.

The stars may have an opinion on these

problems, but you’re more likely to pick up on

the issues suffered by your patients through

ordinary common sense. Besides, there’s always

a range of interpretations available to the player,

and you’ll probably want to choose the ones

that’ll keep your clients happy. They’ll come

back regardless, but Forman needs their letters

of recommendation so as not to be locked up

for practising medicine without a licence. In my

playthrough, I wasn’t especially successful at this,

which likely explains the somewhat abrupt ending

that I ran into.

Astrologaster is only a few hours long, but it

makes the most of that time with a constantly

rotating cast of lovable characters who bring

life to the history of London. Whether their

complaints are familiar, like a simple hangover, or

from a very different time, like fearing a Catholic

would ascend to the throne after the death of

Elizabeth I, they’re always presented in a way

that’s both understandable to a modern audience

and – crucially – funny.

Their arcs weave around one another

and usually end more satisfyingly than my

Forman’s did, and though sometimes stilted

in its presentation of Olde English, the writing

generally lands, whether it’s showing the power

of unionisation or simply revelling in some classic

jokes about the many unfortunate functions of

the human body.

The blending of medical and personal inquiries,

modern and historical flair, and the serious and

the silly all work together to make Astrologaster a

varied and engaging tale.

Astrologaster

S

VERDICT

A fun glimpse into

history through engaging

characters that’ll make you

glad for modern medicine.

74 %

 Forman’s work relied on

merging astrology with

contemporary medical

theories, like humours of the

body being out of balance.

HIGHLIGHT

Forman’s relationships with other

characters are grounded, be it an

affair with a married woman or a

fatherly feeling towards a young

actor. These provide much of the

drama and humour, as well as

fleshing out his character and

giving his world a foundation that

feels familiar to us despite taking

place some 400 years ago.

REVIEWED BY
Jay Castello

Review

Rated

 Many of Dr. Forman’s relationships with his

clients were, shall we say, less than professional.

 The advice Forman gives

can have a major impact

on his patients’ lives.