Ambrosia Sky: An Intimate and Thoughtful Fusion of Space Exploration and Survival
A Personal Connection to a Unique Cosmic Tale
Sometimes, a piece of art resonates with us precisely because of the moment we discover it. It strikes a chord, speaks to a part of ourselves we’ve long kept hidden. I encountered Ambrosia Sky during a pivotal time, and it struck me deeply. While no other game at Summer Game Fest moved me as much, I believe that this game’s profound atmosphere and storytelling would have touched me anytime — a true testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of developer Soft Rains.
An Unconventional and Thought-Provoking Premise
What sets Ambrosia Sky apart is its original concept and narrative approach. The game follows Dalia, a deep-space disaster specialist known as a Scarab. Unlike typical space explorers or soldiers, Scarabs are mystical scientists dedicated to studying death itself. Their mission: to catalog, understand, and ultimately learn from the dead, in hopes of unlocking the secrets to preventing cellular decay and achieving immortality. The Ambrosia Project is their ambitious experiment in eternal life. Dalia, though skeptical of the spiritual beliefs many Scarabs hold, finds satisfaction in her work and the scientific pursuit it entails.
A Journey Back to a Forgotten World
However, Ambrosia Sky isn’t just about scientific inquiry. Dalia’s assignment takes her to the Cluster — an agricultural colony orbiting Saturn’s rings. Once a thriving hub of humanity’s spacefaring expansion, it’s now a forgotten relic of the past, a place where time seems to stand still. This colony is also Dalia’s childhood home, the place she escaped from in search of something greater. Now she returns to investigate a catastrophe that claimed nearly everyone she knew, forcing her to confront her past, her choices, and her survivor’s guilt.
An Intimate, Personal Investigation
My goal in the demo was straightforward: uncover what happened to Gerald Parker, determine if he was alive, and if so, collect a DNA sample for the Ambrosia Project. If he was deceased, I needed to perform a bioremediation process. It’s a meticulous task — Scarabs can only perform death rituals on individuals who consented and whose bodies are no older than 48 hours, making the procedure both delicate and precise.
Tools and Environment
Armed with a chemical sprayer and upgrades inspired by Dalia’s fungal studies, I navigated a hostile environment filled with overgrown fungus, decayed bodies, and dangerous alien life forms. One upgrade transformed my sprayer into a flamethrower, essential for clearing contamination, while another turned it into an electrical conduit, letting me power doors and devices by connecting to nearby electrical sources. The setting was tense — fungus-covered walls, roots buzzing with electricity, and lurking threats kept me on edge at all times.
Collecting Samples and Uncovering the Story
As I explored, I carefully harvested fungal samples, avoiding triggers that could cause explosions or electrical shocks. Precision was key — I needed to detach fungal fruit from its stalk without destroying it, knowing that these samples could later be used to upgrade my equipment. Through terminal messages and logs, I learned about the colony’s deteriorating state, the strained relationships among its inhabitants, and the ominous warnings about the mysterious fungus that might be more than just a biological threat.
Encountering Gerald and Facing the Past
Eventually, I found Gerald’s abandoned unit. Inside, the personal touches told stories of a life interrupted by the colony’s collapse. His terminal revealed a message from Dalia, written fifteen years earlier, expressing gratitude for his help and hinting at past sacrifices. The moment of confrontation arrived when I discovered Gerald’s body, overtaken by fungus. The scene was haunting — a tragic reminder of the colony’s decline and the cost of survival.
A Poignant Farewell
Performing Gerald’s death ritual, I witnessed a beautifully illustrated sequence resembling a blooming tree, symbolizing renewal and rebirth. Dalia’s act of organic cremation was both somber and poetic, a final act of respect for her fallen friend. She then collected his DNA, completing her mission with a heavy heart, leaving behind a story of loss, hope, and the enduring human spirit.
A Thoughtful and Immersive Experience
Throughout the demo, I was struck by how “thoughtful” and “intimate” the game feels. While it’s rooted in a crisis on an alien colony, every element reflects the character’s personal journey, her memories, and her internal struggles. The game’s design emphasizes subtlety and depth, inviting players to look beyond surface-level gameplay and into the emotional core of Dalia’s story.
The Meaning Behind the Title
The name “Ambrosia Sky” hints at mythological symbolism — ambrosia being the food of the gods. Here, it represents the fungal lifeforms that could sustain humanity beyond Earth. The title encapsulates the game’s themes of rebirth, survival, and the pursuit of eternal life, woven seamlessly into its narrative fabric.
Crafting a World That Lingers
According to the studio’s leadership, they aim for players not to notice the tremendous effort that has gone into creating this world. Instead, they want it to feel natural, immersive, and meaningful. They hope players will spend time contemplating the interconnected systems, characters, and motivations, long after the game is turned off. This dedication to depth and detail is evident in every aspect of Ambrosia Sky.
An Ambitious Vision Among the Stars
Based on my experience with the demo, Soft Rains demonstrates a remarkable ambition. Few games at Summer Game Fest resonated with me so strongly in such a short span. Their focus on a deeply personal story set against a richly detailed sci-fi backdrop promises an extraordinary journey. As they continue to develop the game, I eagerly anticipate what new stories and worlds they will unveil among the stars.
Alex "Pixel" Petrov
Gaming journalist & industry insider. Covers the latest game releases, updates, and behind-the-scenes dev stories. Knows every Easter egg, patch note, and upcoming title worth hyping. Always gaming, always analyzing.