I was here

https://youtu.be/X05GRJr2Yko Simulating the experience of being kidnapped and forced to guess the vacation locations of your captures is far less enjoyable than one would imagine.

Developed and published by Okinawa Sunrise, I was here offers a refreshing take on the puzzle genre by combining geography, travel, and visual observation into a relaxing educational experience. Instead of relying on action, combat, or traditional storytelling, the game invites players to identify real-world locations using a large collection of photographs captured throughout Europe, Russia, and the Caucasus. It embraces a simple concept that proves surprisingly engaging, rewarding curiosity and attention to detail rather than quick reflexes. The result is a niche but memorable title that feels equally suited for travel enthusiasts, geography fans, and players who simply enjoy discovering new places from the comfort of their own home. The heart of the experience lies in its collection of more than 500 photographs spanning over 60 cities. Each image serves as a puzzle, asking players to determine where it was taken by studying architectural styles, landscapes, monuments, street layouts, and other subtle environmental clues. While some locations feature recognizable landmarks, many photographs deliberately focus on lesser-known streets, neighborhoods, and scenic viewpoints, making the challenge considerably more rewarding than simply identifying famous tourist attractions. Three selectable difficulty levels ensure that newcomers can enjoy the experience while experienced travelers can push their geographical knowledge much further. One of the game's strongest qualities is its educational focus. Every correct answer reveals interesting information about the featured destination, turning each solved puzzle into an opportunity to learn about different cities and cultures. Rather than overwhelming players with lengthy historical lessons, the game delivers concise facts that naturally encourage further curiosity. This approach creates a satisfying balance between entertainment and learning, allowing players to expand their knowledge while remaining fully engaged in the gameplay. It feels less like taking a test and more like participating in an interactive travel documentary. The photography itself deserves special recognition because it defines the entire experience. The images are not generic stock photographs but authentic shots captured by an experienced traveler, giving the game a personal and genuine atmosphere. Each location showcases distinctive architecture, local scenery, and everyday environments that reflect the character of each destination. The careful composition encourages players to inspect every corner of an image for hidden clues, while also allowing them to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the places being explored. Even when players cannot correctly identify a location, the photographs remain enjoyable simply as visual showcases. Presentation is intentionally clean and unobtrusive. The user interface stays out of the way, allowing players to focus entirely on examining the photographs without unnecessary distractions. A calm musical soundtrack complements the experience, creating a peaceful mood that encourages thoughtful observation rather than rushing through each challenge. The game's slow-paced design makes it ideal for short relaxing sessions or longer periods of exploration, depending on how deeply players wish to immerse themselves in its world. Replay value comes from mastering increasingly difficult challenges, revisiting photographs that previously proved difficult, and improving overall accuracy. Steam Achievements provide additional objectives for completionists, while the inclusion of downloadable 4K wallpapers adds a pleasant bonus for players who appreciate the game's photography. Although the gameplay loop remains consistent throughout the experience, the sheer variety of locations and visual details helps maintain interest, particularly for players who enjoy testing their memory and geographical awareness. The game does have a few limitations that may affect its broader appeal. Since the experience revolves almost entirely around identifying locations from photographs, players looking for a traditional narrative adventure or mechanically complex gameplay may find the formula repetitive over time. Success also depends heavily on a player's willingness to carefully examine visual details, making it a slower and more contemplative experience than most modern puzzle games. Those without an interest in travel or geography may not find the same long-term enjoyment that enthusiasts will. Overall, I was here succeeds in delivering a distinctive blend of travel, education, and puzzle-solving that stands apart from more conventional quiz games. Its authentic photography, accessible learning elements, relaxing atmosphere, and thoughtfully designed location challenges create an experience that is both informative and entertaining. While its specialized concept naturally targets a specific audience, players with an appreciation for exploration, world cultures, and observational puzzles will likely find it to be an enjoyable and rewarding journey. Rating: 6/10