Old Skies Review: Timeless Adventure Shines on Nintendo Switch

Old Skies Review: Timeless Adventure Shines on Nintendo Switch Old Skies, developed by Wadjet Eye Games and helmed by acclaimed indie developer Dave Gilbert, has arrived on the Nintendo Switch with a compelling twist on the time-travel adventure genre.

This narrative-driven, point-and-click title invites players to navigate intriguing temporal puzzles while experiencing the weight and complexity of altering the past.

Lauded for its strong writing, memorable voice acting, and engaging gameplay loop, Old Skies stands as a showcase release on the Nintendo eShop. Players assume the role of Fia Quinn, a professional time agent in the employ of ChronoZen, a futuristic firm overseeing legal time travel.

ChronoZen offers wealthy clients the opportunity to tweak minor elements of their histories, provided those changes carry little impact on the timeline's broader fabric.

As the protagonist, Fia encounters a cascade of challenges across multiple eras—separating from clients, confronting potential paradoxes, and facing the consequences when temporal interventions unravel beyond expectation.

From the very first in-game chapters, Old Skies presents a gripping, chapter-based narrative that feels remarkably fresh, even within the well-trodden time-travel theme. Reflecting on the game's design, players progress through a series of puzzles where observation and dialogue take precedence over inventory management.

Every interaction counts, and while players are encouraged to explore conversational options, most routes ultimately branch toward predetermined outcomes.

This approach maintains narrative cohesion, although it can occasionally limit the influence of player choice.

Notably, some puzzles are time-sensitive and require quick thinking, heightening tension without overwhelming the pacing.

As one proceeds, storylines sometimes intersect with earlier time periods, demonstrating how actions in the past ripple through to the future—a rewarding, signature feature for fans of point-and-click puzzles. Despite its numerous strengths, Old Skies is not without shortcomings—most notably a subplot centering on Fia's romantic relationships.

Though ambitious in attempting to diversify the character’s experience, the storyline surrounding Fia’s love life disrupts the main plot’s momentum and feels disjointed from the central narrative.

This is echoed in the director commentary, where insight into the creative process reveals that intentions for deeper inclusivity may not have translated smoothly in execution.

Still, thoughtful and nuanced voice performances from Sally Beaumont (as Fia) and Edwyn Tiong (Nozzo) breathe authenticity and charm into the game’s cast, elevating the emotional resonance of the story’s highs and softening its few narrative missteps. The title excels in its visual and auditory presentation as well.

Character and environmental animations are subtle yet effective, with dynamic changes reflecting the passage of time and historical context—such as era-appropriate storefronts and evocative background details tied to specific years.

The music, while understated, complements the narrative’s mood, further immersing players as they traverse decades-spanning storylines. The gameplay experience is rounded out by thoughtful extras, including a director’s commentary that offers insight into the story and development.

For completionists and enthusiasts, this bonus serves as a strong incentive for replays, extending Old Skies’ already respectable 17-18 hour playtime. Old Skies demonstrates the continued talent of Wadjet Eye Games and Dave Gilbert, bringing inventive science fiction storytelling and polished gameplay to the Nintendo Switch.

While the romantic subplot may falter in execution, the overall quality—from tight writing to excellent voice acting—cements Old Skies as a memorable addition to the Switch’s adventure library.

Players seeking a time-travel narrative brimming with clever puzzles, rich character dynamics, and replay value will find much to enjoy in this latest eShop standout.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo eShop Switch Switch eShop Nintendo Switch eShop Wadjet Eye Games Old Skies Adventure ChronoZen Dave Gilbert Sally Beaumont Edwyn Tiong Loco Motive