Faraway’s Unprecedented 16-Year Development Has Resulted in an Instant Classic

Faraway is a minimalist arcade game by solo developer Steph Thirion, whose 16-year development has produced a game the reviewer regards as an “instant classic”. Published by Annapurna Interactive, it pairs a simple one-button control scheme with a score-chasing challenge built around drawing constellations in space.

Players steer a shooting star by catching and orbiting other stars, then link them without crossing existing lines. Larger, more complex shapes score more and can extend a round, while higher scores unlock puzzle missions that teach advanced techniques. The review praises its gradual learning curve and focused design, comparing its expressive feel to minimalist arcade games such as Tempest 2000.