Forgotten 23 is an indie adventure game that places players in the role of engineer Max Novak aboard a remote space station orbiting Proxima Centauri b. The station broadcasts a distress signal while its orbit decays, threatening to crash into the planet below. Max arrives on a rescue ship only to find the crew missing and the facility on the brink of destruction. A time loop traps him in repeated 23-minute cycles that reset just before impact, allowing incremental progress through new clues and obstacles each time.
Gameplay
The core loop requires players to explore the station's layout, interact with its systems, and uncover hidden details before each cycle ends. The environment changes slightly across loops, introducing new challenges and threats that build on prior knowledge. Puzzles demand careful observation of surroundings, limited resource crafting, and subsystem repairs. Players debug malfunctioning robots, address air contamination that affects the suit, and manage other hazards that appear as the story advances.
Progression hinges on retaining information from failed attempts to open new paths or resolve issues faster in subsequent runs. The overhead perspective supports methodical navigation through corridors and rooms while highlighting interactive elements. Story elements emerge through environmental details and interactions with the station's AI, revealing the fates of the eight missing researchers and the nature of the research project conducted there.
Game Modes
Forgotten 23 offers a single continuous experience centered on the time-loop adventure. There are no separate modes or multiplayer options. The entire narrative unfolds through repeated cycles that gradually piece together the station's secrets and the forces behind the loops. Players advance the story by mastering mechanics and applying lessons from earlier attempts, with the full playthrough typically lasting a few hours depending on puzzle-solving speed.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds on a research facility far from human colonies, where eight scientists pursued secretive work tied to Proxima Centauri b. Their disappearance forms the central mystery, explored through logs, personal items, and AI communications. Tension builds from the station's deteriorating state and the uncertain reliability of its automated systems. The Polish development team's approach draws from classic science fiction influences, emphasizing intrigue and moral ambiguity over action sequences.
Is It Worth Playing?
Forgotten 23 suits players who enjoy short, puzzle-driven adventures with time-loop mechanics and atmospheric storytelling. The game launched in July 2025 and received positive feedback, with 92 percent of Steam user reviews rating it favorably based on 14 reviews. A version 1.1 update addressed stability issues and added a retro pixel-art style option. Its focused length and emphasis on deduction make it a solid choice for those seeking a self-contained sci-fi experience without ongoing commitments or competitive elements.
