Beautiful design up until the mech portion, then the gameplay falls apart into sheer luck. Move on to something better.

This game is a hidden gem that deserves way more attention. As a pixel art action-platformer, MO: Astray masterfully blends tense exploration, mind-bending puzzles, and a deeply unsettling sci-fi atmosphere into one incredibly smooth package.

The core gameplay of controlling the gelatinous MO is brilliantly unique. Using your abilities to stick to surfaces, possess enemies, and solve environmental puzzles never gets old. It starts simple but evolves into some truly "aha!" moments that are supremely satisfying. The boss battles are particular highlights, challenging, inventive, and epic in scale.

I played through the entire game twice on my Steam Deck OLED, and it was a flawless experience. The performance on Linux/SteamOS was perfect, even running off a microSD card. Most importantly, the gorgeous pixel art and effects absolutely pop on the OLED screen—the contrast in dark, bio-mechanical areas and the glow of certain abilities are breathtaking.

The story is intriguing and cryptic, revealed through collected logs. Unlocking the Standard and then the True Ending felt rewarding and justified the second playthrough. I didn't 100% the achievements, but the journey itself was more than enough.

Verdict: If you enjoy precision platformers with inventive mechanics, a stellar aesthetic, and a mysterious, haunting world, don't hesitate. MO: Astray is a masterclass in indie design, and it runs beautifully on the Steam Deck. A must-play for fans of the genre.