If you are looking for a narrative-driven adventure game, Last Time I Saw You might be your next pick. Created by Maboroshi Artworks, this anime-inspired game highlights the genre of coming of age and growth while fighting off a cursed forest legend. We can currently play the demo as part of the Wholesome Games Steam Celebration. It provides us with sufficient insights and expectations for this title.

The Heart of The Story

Last Time I Saw You delves into the life of a young boy named Ayumi, set in the 1980s in a small Japanese town. As the narrative unfolds, we find Ayumi experiencing recurring dreams of an unfamiliar girl for several nights. Alongside these unsettling dreams, his town is bracing itself for an impending storm. Once you understand those two main aspects of the story and where the narrative might go, every other part of the story falls in line. A mysterious curse on the forest is the main conflict of the game. These element work together to provided a engaging story.

Unique Artstyle for a Unique Story

The art style of The Last Time I Saw You truly captured my attention from the very beginning. The use of vibrant colors and unique character designs drew me in, creating a visually stunning experience in just the demo. The character designs are strong enough to engage a player in this demo, despite the story being a significant element. Each character is designed in a way that is easily distinguishable and fitting for the story. As the game begins and you get a chance to walk around the town, the characters that fill this world add much to the story.

As you open the Prologue, it’s noticeable how the team at Maboroshi Artworks placed these characters in a dynamic landscape fitting to the world of Last Time I Saw You. There are times in the demo where it switches from the normal landscape of a small town to dark tones, and a dreamlike forest with bright tones. The switch between both tones could of been hard to adjust to, however, the artstyle plays well with this change as the story continues.

Adding Controls to the Narrative

The controls Last Time I Saw You uses a captivating mix that blends the immersive storytelling with an easy combat system. It moves the next part of the story easily without much difficulty. At first the controls are simple, giving you the ability to walk around the town and jump. Occasionally, there is an item you can pick up, but it isn’t till the story starts getting more serious that the combat comes into play with a bat, introduced with a quick mini game. The trailer for the game shows elements that are in the full release, enhancing the overall experience for the players.

Final Thoughts

With strong narrative story and characters that keep you engaged; you won’t have to wait too long until Last Time I Saw You is fully released. It appears to be slated for some time in October 2024. Until then, grab the demo and see what Last Time I Saw You has to offer.