Ambrosia Sky: A Sci-Fi Cleaning Game That Explores Death

Ambrosia Sky is an Essay on Death Masquerading as a Sci-Fi Cleaning Sim

In a sparkling yet haunting world of sci-fi gaming, Ambrosia Sky stands out, exploring profound themes of mortality disguised as an engaging cleaning simulator. Dalia, the titular character, is a death cleaner amidst the rings of Saturn in the year 2025, tasked with sanitizing spaces where life has ceased. Her job goes beyond mere cleaning; it embodies the process of confronting and commemorating death, exploring the concept within the framework of interplanetary colonization and strange biological forces.

The game, developed by independent studio Soft Rains, thrusts players into a narrative where Dalia cleans the Cluster—an agricultural outpost consumed by an alien plague. The cleaning mechanics intertwine with rituals of mortality, as Dalia collects DNA from the deceased and hears their last words, creating a poignant tribute while searching for origins of a mysterious biological force.

Soft Rains’ narrative director Kaitlin Tremblay describes this creative endeavor as a blend of science and mysticism, capturing the essence of both space and existential questions. The cleaning sim format, paired with the slower unravelling of a disaster narrative, poses thought-provoking inquiries regarding our relationship with death itself.

With gameplay elements like zero-gravity mechanics and crafting, Ambrosia Sky incorporates a rich atmosphere while prompting players to reflect on their mortality. The poignant message of confronting death is wrapped within a sci-fi aesthetic, making the game not only a cleaning experience but an emotional exploration.

As anticipation builds for its upcoming release, Ambrosia Sky invites players to engage with its unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and immersive gameplay. Have you encountered any games that explore similar themes? Share your thoughts in the comments!