8/10

But, it's free! And that's not really a price you can beat.

Skye is a game wherein you pilot a seaplane and effectively do what ever you want. However, you're able to visit a port on the seaside in the Village of Libra and get some quests that need done around the island. Most of these are simple fetch quests. Some are escort missions — your standard stay inside of a certain zone affair. There's no real combat so there's nothing to worry about — The President's daughter won't be screaming “Leon!” every two seconds. This is a relaxing, almost poignant game.

It's got full Pitch, Roll and Yaw control. You're able to throttle down, roll left, pull up into the bank and throttle through or just lackadaisically float about. It's pretty arcade-y feeling. Though, having it be full flight sim physics might have taken away from the relaxed nature the game is going for. It's not trying to be Crimson Skies — you do eventually get to shoot some targets, however.

The soundtrack here is sparse, meaning few notes are actually played. It gives off a certain somber tone to the whole game. Aside from the races you can start in the Port of Libra, where the music takes on a bit more of a jovial feel.

Some might see a game like this and say it's not really a game or find that performing menial tasks for an old fisherman around an island is a waste of time. Others might find it profound. Like something off the beaten path — the world seems a lot different when you take into account every face you've ever seen is another player one. Each one with different stories to tell. I've landed somewhere in between those extremes in this instance. Perhaps the fact I've even thought to write this paragraph as a reaction suggests that this game might lead to some self-reflection or an existential crisis, if you're inclined that way. I guess that's what makes it 'artsy'.

I'd would go as far as to say that were there more islands to explore, more quests and a bit more story — more races — I'd have happily paid up to $15-$20 given what else is available in these types of artsy games — simply as a juxtaposition. I rarely, if ever mention specific numbers in these regards!