Summary:
OPUS: The Day We Found Earth tells a short story from the perspective of a childlike robot named Emeth. His friend and big sister-like figure, Doctor Lisa, tasks him with operating a spacecraft's telescope to scan for the location of the now mythical Earth. Considering OPUS' limited scope, it does a great job with pacing as well as creating mystery and a growing sense of urgency. The game's soundtrack is very important (some might say instrumental) in each of these.
It's disappointing then that the game's primary gameplay mechanic of scanning stars is as boring as it is. The small dev team found just enough ways to keep the system bearable throughout the game by adding new features and making the hints progressively harder. It is also regularly interrupted with dialogue, preventing some tedium from setting in. I wouldn't call the writing great, Emeth isn't a very likable character outside of his dedication, but in combination with other aspects of the game it was enough to keep me engaged.
I recommend OPUS: The Day We Found Earth to those that prioritize story and atmosphere over gameplay. With its short 2-4 hour length (depending on optional content, achievement hunting), it's probably best to wait for a sale.
Additional details:
OPUS' music has garnered praise, and rightfully so. It would be impossible to have the emotional impact this game does with just text based dialogue and relatively simple visuals. It is done in a more ethereal style that is more emotionally charged than catchy. While I do commend the soundtrack, I'm OK with not having bought it due it is nebulous nature.
There is a little bit of point-and-click adventure to be found here too. Between your space scanning sessions you will need to explore your spaceship. This is as simple as scrolling through and clicking on objects you want to examine. Some inform you of past events on the ship, while others are personal items that give insight into the characters as well as make the ship feel lived in.
There is more content after the credits too. These new missions are tied to the various costumes that are unlocked post completion. While most of them are uninteresting there is one string of discoveries that builds upon the main storyline's vision of the future.
Achievement hunters will be satisfied with the rapid pace that new ones are unlocked throughout the experience. That said, there are 3 achievements in particular that require an excessive amount of grinding or luck.