Remember When

Remember When is a gem of visual novel. It doesn't just do everything right, but actually is sets it self as an example for other similar games. I explain: A) It is just at the right length: While other stories drag and drag until they'll have you begging for the sweet release of death, Remember when it has the perfect duration for a game. In more than half an hour the game tells you the story it wants you to tell and does that brilliantly. B) It is focused. The game focuses on the story it wants to narrate, its storytelling is tight and solid. Instead of losing itself in different sub-plots, the game is as straightforward as it can be and that's a great plus. C) It has interesting characters and realistic dialogue. The characters are funny, relatable and they speak as every human would speak. Instead of adopting a pretentious style to make it more "literary", the realistic dialogues and the scenes it chooses to narrate serve the purpose of the story. The dialogues are up to the point, they don't run around in circles, repeating info you know or dragging it out. D) The story: The story is heartwarming and bittersweet. The ending doesn't come as a surprise, but that makes it even more impactful because you will feel invested in the story and attached to the characters. It's not about a plot twist, but an emotional response. E) IT IS F***ING VOICED OVER. F) The choices feel meaningful. Instead of "oops you chose the wrong option - game over", the game will have you make meaningful dialogue choices, strengthening the relationship with the character. Choice mechanics are about the player's agency, not about guessing what is right and what is wrong. G) It has actual gameplay elements - that I won't spoil but you'll have to discover them yourselves. H) It's F***ING free. Telling a compelling structure story in 30 minutes it is feat of its own. Making characters that feel fleshed out and being so focused in the story that even professional studios fail to deliver, that's something that calls for congratulations. I wasn't that excited about such a type of stories since the "Adventures of Captain Spirit" by Dontnod and they are a AAA game development company. Doing an equally compelling story with handful of people, shows the love and dedication these people have.