Astrologaster

Developed by Nyamyam, Astrologaster is a comedy, single-player adventure game, available for the iOS operating system as well as on Windows and macOS. It is a unique video game that heavily relies on comedy to tell the story of one Mr. Forman, an astrologer who has been practicing magic, telling fortunes, and locating lost pets during London's great plague of 1592. However, doctors who have a legitimate license to practice medicine look down on this sham doctor.

Players take on the mantle of Forman, based on the real-life astrologer Simon Forman, who must treat patients and their diverse problems ranging from diseases to romantic entanglements to finding the family pet. Each of the patients may return to Mr. Forman as their fortunes change, and he is able to assist them with their next problem. If players are able to successfully help Mr. Forman solve those cases, patients can be convinced to write a letter in favor of Mr. Forman earning his medical license.

Astrologaster Features 

Astrologaster stands apart from other games in several ways. First is how humor is woven into the game to keep players laughing. Throughout the course of the game, Dr. Forman is visited by 14 different characters, each with his or her own theme song that players can sing along to and individual storyline. Shakespearian plays of the time inspire their design. Characters are also fully voiced. Their problems are documented in pop-up style casebooks that imitate the actual Dr. Forman's casebooks and seem to rise from the player's screen.

The mechanics require players to read signs based on astrology and the zodiac and make decisions based upon those readings. If the advice is helpful, players have a chance to earn a medical license for Forman when patients write letters of recommendation on his behalf. However, bad advice will make it difficult to achieve the main goal of the video game. Only the right strategy will do the trick. Players may be able to rewrite history for Forman who is based on a real-life astrologer and would-be doctor but who was considered a charlatan by many people.

In Summary

Astrologaster is worth a look. It combines problem-solving with storytelling and music all the while keeping the player entertained with comedic antics. Players will become involved in each of the patients' lives as they return time after time (between 5 and 7 times each) to seek medical, astrological, and professional help from the would-be doctor. Players who especially enjoy astrology or history will find the theme of this video game appeals to them. It's full of the type of drama and satire that Shakespeare is known for.