The Long Journey Home (2017)

In the vastness of the galaxy, countless worlds exist, but only one is called Home. What was meant to be a brief test mission—a simple journey to Alpha Centauri and back—takes a tragic turn when humanity’s first experimental jump drive malfunctions. As a result, a mismatched crew finds itself stranded on the wrong side of the universe, injured, isolated, and struggling to survive. Their only hope for returning to Earth lies in the unknown depths of space, where they must navigate an ever-changing and hostile cosmos.

The game invites players to explore an unpredictable universe where alliances must be forged with alien species, each with its own culture and motivations. From the noble Wolphax Knights to the ruthless Ilitza slaver empire, the crew must decide who to trust, who to fight, and who to leave behind. With every decision, the galaxy shifts, creating unique experiences and consequences. The ultimate goal remains unchanged: to find a way back to Earth, no matter the cost.

Exploration of an Ever-Changing Universe

The universe in The Long Journey Home is procedurally generated, ensuring that each playthrough offers a fresh and unpredictable experience. Players will encounter a variety of alien races, from the peaceful to the warlike, each with its own set of rules and behavior. Exploring new worlds, discovering ancient artifacts, and uncovering hidden stories is part of the core experience. Every encounter offers the possibility of discovery, whether it's an ancient tomb filled with treasure or an alien race with an entirely new worldview. The game’s universe is a living, breathing entity that reacts to the player’s actions, presenting new risks and rewards at every turn.

Form Alliances and Face Difficult Choices

Throughout their journey, players will need to make critical decisions that will impact not only the fate of the crew but also the future of the universe itself. Will you choose to assist the stranded Glukkt in returning to his homeworld, as requested, or will you decide to deliver him to the ruthless slavers who have offered their help? Will you build alliances with everyone you meet, or place your trust in the more aggressive and unpredictable factions? With every decision, the player’s path becomes more complex, and the consequences of their actions could change the fate of the galaxy forever.

Every step in the game is a decision—each jump through space, each interaction with alien races, and each new discovery requires careful consideration. The universe of The Long Journey Home is not a static backdrop; it is a dynamic, ever-evolving environment that reacts to your choices, making the game feel alive and truly unpredictable. As you progress, you’ll encounter challenges that force you to weigh difficult moral dilemmas, and you’ll have to live with the results of your choices.

A Crew Worth Leading

Unlike many games, The Long Journey Home places a strong emphasis on the relationships between the crew members. You can choose four specialists out of a pool of ten, each with their own unique skills and personalities. These characters are not just stats; they are individuals with their own fears, desires, and perspectives on the journey ahead. As the mission progresses, you’ll come to know each crew member in greater detail, learning their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and their anxieties.

Managing the crew becomes a key part of the gameplay. As the crew faces hardships, you’ll need to understand how best to utilize their abilities to support one another. However, the journey is dangerous, and not every crew member may survive. In times of crisis, some may choose to sacrifice themselves for the good of the mission, while others may struggle with the moral weight of their decisions. The relationships between crew members will evolve as the journey continues, adding layers of complexity and emotional depth to the game.

Uncover Hidden Stories and Secrets

Throughout the universe, there are countless hidden stories waiting to be uncovered. Players can engage in various quests that offer more than just combat. For instance, they can raid alien tombs filled with traps and treasure, compete in the galaxy’s greatest combat tournaments, and research mysterious artifacts that could unlock the secrets of long-lost civilizations. These hidden stories are an essential part of the gameplay, as they provide valuable resources, new alliances, and critical information that could change the course of the journey.

In addition, the player’s crew can apply their expertise to decipher alien artifacts, solving puzzles and uncovering hidden histories. Whether it’s analyzing an ancient relic or researching the origins of a strange skull, the crew’s skills in archaeology, research, and diplomacy are vital to progressing through the game. Each discovery could lead to new opportunities, but also new risks, as some of the secrets uncovered may not be as benign as they appear.

The Journey of a Lifetime

The Long Journey Home combines the freedom of space exploration with a dynamic, open questing system that allows players to chart their own course. Every mission presents new challenges, and each decision has far-reaching consequences. The journey is not only about getting back to Earth—it is about discovering the unknown, facing the unexpected, and growing as a leader in a universe where nothing is guaranteed. The game presents an ever-shifting landscape, with new possibilities always just around the corner. The question remains: where will your journey take you?

Verdict: Not Recommended

The Long Journey Home offers a unique concept with its procedurally generated universe and crew-focused gameplay. However, the experience can quickly feel repetitive, as the mechanics often don’t evolve in a meaningful way. The game's attempt to blend strategy, exploration, and decision-making falls flat due to awkward controls, unclear progression, and frustrating resource management. While the universe is vast, it lacks the depth and polish that would make exploring it consistently enjoyable.

If you're looking for an engaging space exploration game, there are better options out there that deliver a more polished experience. The Long Journey Home struggles to make its promise of endless adventure feel worthwhile. It’s a game that shows potential but ultimately doesn’t deliver on its ambition. We recommend skipping this one unless you're a die-hard fan of the genre willing to overlook its shortcomings.