
J.U.L.I.A.: Among the Stars is a beautiful and chilling adventure game reminiscent of classic point and click titles. Developed and published by CBE software, J.U.L.I.A. takes the player on a journey of discovery, tragedy, and betrayal. Supported by snarky AI companions, you probe the mysteries of an alien solar system and the ill fate of an expedition.

The plot of the J.U.L.I.A. begins with high tension as the player character, Rachel Mathers, is awoken from a sixty year cryo-sleep amidst blaring sirens and insistent PA announcements. The game’s characters cover the immediate scenario in conversation as the player solves a series of logic puzzles to repair the “Probe”. We’re introduced to the Probe’s command and control AI, J.U.L.I.A. as well as the lander/exploration mobile robot (MOBOT).

There are seven planets to explore in J.U.L.I.A. and each one holds a piece of the puzzle that is the story of the game. There are two major plotlines to piece together. The first is discovering the fate of the expedition in the sixty years Rachel has been asleep. The second is the history of the solar system the expedition was sent to investigate. Scenes and vistas on the varied planets are presented via a series of static images from a fixed point of view navigated by selecting doors and exit points.

J.U.L.I.A. keeps a steady pace thanks to mildly challenging puzzles and an interface that assists the player in finding points of interest. The interface and hud are simple and intuitive with very little leading needed to understand them. There is even a running log menu that keeps track of the passwords and clues you need to progress. Where difficulty exists a legend screen is readily available to keep the player on track.

This is not the only weakness in the game. Late in the game’s story you are tasked with assembling a puzzle that recaps the story of a mythic being, Ith. However certain details the puzzle cites were never covered in conversations to this point. The result is fumbling through a puzzle until you either come across the answer by chance or taking the easy road and looking up a guide. Though infrequent, the presence of puzzles like these seem only to prolong the game instead of contributing to it.

In the end the weaknesses do not fully take away from the overall experience. J.U.L.I.A. Among the Stars has a very provocative story to tell and delivers it in a fun and engaging adventure that not only worth the price of purchase but also is worth at least a second playthrough.
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