Formless Star: Explore a Strange Planet Full of Weird and Wonderful Creatures
If you're looking for a relaxing, colorful, and imaginative indie game that runs smoothly on Chromebook or PC, look no further than Formless Star — a charming exploration game developed by splendidland and available on itch.io.
With its whimsical pixel art, dreamy soundtrack, and collection-based gameplay, Formless Star is a perfect escape for players who want something peaceful and artistically inspiring. Even better, the game uses a pay-what-you-want model — so you can play for free or support the developer with any amount.
About the Game
In Formless Star, you play as Anemo, a researcher from the Space Archives, sent to explore an alien world known only as The Formless Star. This planet is strange and ever-shifting. The ground morphs as you walk, and the creatures you find are unlike anything you've seen before.
Your mission is simple yet captivating: explore the world and collect data on over 60 bizarre alien creatures. Each creature has its own personality, movement style, and humorous or poetic description.
There are no enemies, no battles, no time limits — just you, your scanner, and a galaxy of weird little beings waiting to be discovered.
Simple, Relaxing Gameplay
Formless Star keeps things simple, focusing on relaxing exploration:
- Walk around the planet and discover new creatures.
- Read fun descriptions for each lifeform you encounter.
- Observe how the environment transforms as you move.
The game is non-linear, so you can explore at your own pace. It’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or when you just want to experience a different kind of game — one that values curiosity and imagination over competition.
Pixel Art and Sound Design
Visually, the game features vibrant pixel art with surreal shapes and alien landscapes. Every creature is unique — some adorable, some odd, and some just plain hilarious.
The music is just as magical. The soundtrack includes calming ambient tracks by indie artists like songs4lizards, Imogen Mangle, and more. The fan-favorite track “Sylvia’s Song” has even been praised as emotionally moving by players.
Combined, the visuals and music make Formless Star feel like a living sketchbook or a dreamy alien fairy tale.
How to Install Formless Star on Chromebook
Formless Star is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Chromebook users can play it by enabling the Linux feature and following these steps:
Installation Steps:
1. Enable LinuxGo to Settings → About Chrome OS→ Turn on Linux Development Environment.
2. Download the Linux version from itch.io
Visit: https://splendidland.itch.io/formless-star
Download the Linux
.tar.gz version (e.g., FormlessStar-Linux.tar.gz).3. Extract the game
4. Run the game with these commands:
cd linux/x86_64
chmod 755 ohrrpgce-game
cd ../..
chmod 755 FormlessStar
./FormlessStar- The game window will launch, and you're ready to explore!
What Players Are Saying
Formless Star has received glowing feedback on itch.io, with an average rating of 4.9/5 stars. Here’s what players are saying:
"This was the best game I’ve ever played! Beautiful animation, character design, music, everything!"
— sillyyycattt
"A simple exploration game full of life and color. So many absurdly creative creatures!"
— Ofihombre64
"Soothing music and thoughtful world design — absolutely cozy and delightful."
— Mild_Iron
Many players mention how refreshing it is to play a game with no stress, no grinding — just joy.
Final Thoughts
Formless Star is more than just a game — it’s a delightful and heartfelt experience. It shows how powerful simple design can be when paired with creativity and passion. Whether you’re a long-time indie gamer or just want something light and different, this is a title worth checking out.
For Chromebook users, it’s a great example of a game that’s easy to install, doesn’t demand high specs, and offers a meaningful, low-pressure experience.
So if you love cute creatures, relaxing exploration, and unique art, go ahead and explore the Formless Star today.
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