We Love It's Guide to…
In 1973, answer an alien meteorite’s radio signals, using math and science to build a shared language with a research team.
Released 29 Jun 2026
Decode Alien Radio
Build a Shared Language
Translate Through Math
Mission: Translate an interstellar message, using the universal languages of math & science.
Developed by Applesinmypants · Published by Applesinmypants
In 1973, a meteorite broadcasting radio signals reaches Earth. You play the mission’s Translator, working with a team of scientists to interpret its messages and send responses.
Each transmission is a puzzle: infer what its signals mean, then use that understanding to construct an answer. A correct response brings a new transmission, giving you more evidence to test and interpret.
Starting with math and scientific concepts, you gradually build a dictionary and work toward more complex ideas, words, and syntax. A retro computer interface provides tools for recording definitions and working through the signals, while your colleagues offer discussion and optional guidance.
Players in the supplied reviews often value the unusual process of building communication from basic math and science, with new meanings gradually emerging from the signals. Many describe the puzzles and discoveries as satisfying, and praise the story’s emotional moments and the scientist teammates. Other reviewers find the experience overly long or repetitive, and report that later puzzles can be ambiguous, strict about expected answers, or short on useful hints.
The Message from Deep Space is an odyssey of puzzles. Take the role of the mission's Translator, working alongside a scrappy band of scientists, and venture headfirst into the world of deciphering an alien language --- completely from the ground up.
Set in 1973, Earth is the recipient of a meteorite that broadcasts radio waves. In the role of the mission's Translator, the player is responsible for designing responses to the meteorite's transmissions, which, if correct, will elicit new messages from the meteorite. Only through this radio wave dialogue will patterns, words, syntax, and meaning all take form, leaving but one question:
What is it the aliens want to say?
Translate an alien language
Learn about an alien civilization
Interface with a retro computer
Manage a user-driven dictionary
Design radio transmissions by frequency
Collaborate with scientists that respond to your actions
+1000 in-game dialogues
+30 minutes OST
+30 hours of gameplay
Inspired by The Golden Record aboard the Voyager I space probe, The Message from Deep Space takes a realistic approach to deciphering an interstellar message. Beginning with the limited universal constants available to technologically advanced civilizations, the message spans a range of real-world fields of math & science. Decoding the message is tough, but with the support of the game's meticulous linguist, the single-minded computer programmer, and the affable astronomer, it is a challenge fit for anyone with Curiosity and Perseverance.
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
|---|---|
| Achievements | 33 |
| Age ratings |
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| Controller required | No |
| Demo | View demo on Steam |
| Website | Official website |
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