Choices That Matter: And The Sun Went Out is an indie text adventure game for PC that centers on player-driven decisions in a branching narrative. The story follows an investigation into the unexplained disappearance and return of the sun, guided by an AI companion named Moti. With roughly 600,000 words of content and 2,400 choices across the experience, the game emphasizes exploration of conspiracies, ancient religions, global travel, and connections to scientist murders through repeated playthroughs.
Gameplay
The core loop involves reading passages of text and selecting from multiple options that alter the path forward. Players develop relationships with characters, visit varied locations around the world, and uncover layers of the central mystery at their own pace. The narrative structure ensures that different sequences of decisions lead to distinct outcomes for both the protagonist and Moti, with no single run revealing every element of the plot.
Progression relies entirely on textual descriptions and choice selection rather than visual elements or timed actions. Each decision influences later events, creating a web of possibilities that rewards careful consideration of consequences over multiple sessions.
Game Modes
The game operates as a single-player text adventure with one primary campaign divided into fifteen story arcs. Completion of an arc displays statistics showing how many other players reached the same conclusion, highlighting the range of possible endings. This system encourages additional playthroughs to explore alternate routes, character interactions, and resolutions without any separate multiplayer or competitive options.
Replay value stems from the volume of choices and the way paths diverge based on prior selections, such as different countries visited or alliances formed. No additional modes like time trials or variant rulesets exist beyond the standard branching experience.
Story and Narrative Depth
The central premise places the player in a world where the sun vanishes for hours before reappearing, prompting an inquiry alongside Moti. Investigations touch on scientific anomalies, religious histories, and global events tied to targeted killings. The writing builds through accumulated details rather than linear exposition, allowing personal choices to shape the interpretation of events and the ultimate fate of key figures.
Branching elements include variations in travel destinations, interpersonal dynamics, and revelations about the sun's behavior. These threads converge differently depending on the sequence of decisions made throughout the arcs.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback on Steam shows mixed results, with 67 percent positive from 28 recent reviews and a broader all-time total reflecting similar sentiment. The experience suits those who enjoy lengthy interactive fiction and the process of mapping out multiple endings through repeated attempts. Its strength lies in the scale of the choice system and the way endings diverge based on accumulated decisions.
Those seeking visual spectacle or action elements may find the pure text format limiting. For fans of choose-your-own-adventure styles with extensive word counts and companion-focused storytelling, the game delivers a focused single-player journey centered on discovery and consequence. Availability remains straightforward on PC with no ongoing seasonal content or expansions required for the core narrative.
