Astrologaster is an indie narrative adventure game that blends comedy with astrological decision making in a historical London setting. Players take on the role of Simon Forman, an unlicensed astrologer and physician, as he navigates the aftermath of a plague and seeks official recognition from the medical establishment through client interactions and story outcomes.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on consulting with clients who visit repeatedly with personal, professional, or medical concerns. Each consultation involves examining a starry sky and selecting astrological interpretations that shape the advice given. These selections influence client satisfaction levels, which in turn determine whether recommendation letters are earned toward a medical license goal.
Client stories develop across multiple visits, with overlapping narratives that allow information from one character to inform advice for others. Choices carry consequences that can improve or harm individual lives, creating varied paths through the overall plot. The presentation uses a pop-up book style for case records, with pages that players turn to explore deeper details.
Dialogue is fully voiced by a cast of actors, delivering sitcom-style exchanges. Each character has an original Renaissance-era theme song that players can follow along with during key moments. The experience remains single-player throughout, focusing on reading, interpretation, and narrative branching rather than timed challenges or resource management.
Game Modes
Astrologaster offers one continuous narrative campaign without separate modes or difficulty settings. Progression follows the sequence of client appointments and the accumulation of recommendation letters needed to complete the central objective. Story branches emerge naturally from the astrological choices made during each consultation, but there are no parallel campaigns, competitive elements, or replay-specific modes beyond returning to earlier decisions for different outcomes.
Story and Setting
The game is set in London during 1592, drawing from the real historical figure of Simon Forman and the period's medical and astrological practices. Forman operates outside the licensed medical community, treating patients while facing opposition from returning physicians once the plague subsides. The narrative explores his relationships, professional ambitions, and the tension between astrology and established medicine through humorous scenarios involving lost pets, romantic issues, diseases, and even plots against the crown.
Fourteen characters appear across the story, each with recurring visits that build personal arcs. Gossip and details shared by one client can be used strategically when advising another, adding layers to the decision process. The tone stays light and comedic even when addressing serious topics like illness or social conflict.
Is It Worth Playing?
Astrologaster suits players who enjoy choice-driven stories and light puzzle elements centered on interpretation rather than action or combat. The short campaign length and focus on dialogue and consequences make it accessible for casual sessions. Those interested in historical comedy or unique mechanics like astrology readings will find the systems rewarding, while fans of traditional adventure games may appreciate the branching outcomes and voiced performances. The game remains available as a complete single-player title with no ongoing seasonal content or required updates for the core experience.
