The Amiable Planet

The expectation that we have from interactive fiction is challenge; either a game will challenge our minds with puzzles, challenge our dexterity with action elements, or challenge our worldview and emotions with viewpoints other than our own and experiences we have never had.

"An Amiable Planet" is a short game about love, peace, and helping others. The place you are in is one of the most pleasant I've ever imagined, full of beauty, friendly NPCs, and wonderful sensory experiences. Yes, some of these creatures need help, but you don't need to solve puzzles to do so; you just need to remember the things you've seen.

There really isn't anything to "solve" in this game. It takes about twenty minutes to see all of the content. But I found it very enjoyable, and I may find myself dreaming about some of these places. And that makes me happy.

> You emerge from your trusty starship. It folds its wings and settles down to nest in the clearing where it has landed, crooning softly. The air smells sweetly of mingled flowers, and beyond the embracing trees the sky is a clear blue adorned with a few swirls of cloud

A lovely exploration game set on a planet that is, true to the title, entirely amiable. There are no dangers here, not really any puzzles, just charming landscapes and friendly people.

On the amiable planet you will meet such creatures like a fairy octopus, a void catten who allows you to scratch its ears, and a mango-loving phoenix. Though they don't have any direct dialogue they are happy to meet you, and those with gifts to share do so freely. A favourite place is a 'bodega' with an impressive array of sweets and pastries (in quotes because you are free to sample everything with no expectation of payment). I think a not-insignificant percentage of the game's text is devoted to enticing descriptions of food and drink.

> The ube cream pastry you try is an attractive purple. The pastry itself is moist and sweet, while the rich cream inside fills your mouth with a burst of gentle milky flavor.

Of course you're not going to enjoy the fruits of this planet without giving anything in return. You can help each character by finding something they want from another part of the planet. These are not really puzzles, and as you encounter each wished-for item in your wandering the game helpfully reminds you who you should bring it to.

When going through areas a second time, as often happens in the course of these fetch quests, it is nice to savour one's surroundings and examine things again. Many things have alternate descriptions that the game cycles through as you re-explore, from space berries that taste different each time to momentary encounter with cute birds on the beach.

It all makes for a vibrant, charming landscape, an experience to put a smile ok your face.