Forever Ago Switch 2 Review

When was the last time you cried whilst playing a game? For me, I know the answer. It was last night when playing this game Forever Ago.

What is Forever Ago?

The game is about Alfred and his wife Audrie and their 50 plus years together. You mainly play as Alfred in his old age but the game is told through literal snapshots in time. This is achieved with Alfred's camera. Also along for the ride are their camper van, dog and the journal. I'd go as far to say the last 3 are their own characters in this story.

Alfred can be grumpy, I'd call him curmudgeonly. He dislikes some of the changes he sees along the way but he's a kind man.

The camera, flashbacks and scrapbook

You use the camera to help Alfred flash back into moments he and Audrie shared together. This mechanic is a really good way to transition between the past and present. The camera is also used to add pictures to your scrapbook at the end of each chapter the cool part here is they're the pictures you take not generic ones. This works real well as the scenery and setting of each chapter are rather stunning.

Art direction and storytelling

In terms of art direction and storytelling the stunning visuals don't just stop at the scenery. The games level design and flash backs are striking and haunting all in one they capture a range of emotions both happy and sad. There's this eerie feel to certain flashbacks which are reminiscent of horror games.

Forever Ago sound design and music

The sound design and music is en point. The score by Clark Aboud compliments the game and acts as a comfort blanket around the story. Just sits in the background. It's not overwhelming but is so well done it holds your hand through the moments we witness. This coupled with some great dialogue and cutscenes that are full of a whole range of emotions just pull everything together.

Gameplay and Nintendo Switch 2 performance

Gameplay wise it's a walking simulator telling you Alfred and Audrie's story. I played it in the Nintendo Switch 2 and for the most part it was flawless. There's a specific bug near the end of the game that I found and reported. Talking to the team at Annapurna it's already been reported, fixed and is just waiting a roll out. Around each chapter there are petals. These petals are used to flash back to extra moments of Audrie and Alfred's story. There is unfortunately one I missed as the dog blocked click blocked me.

Alfred also has one of the best run mechanics I've ever seen. He's got an old man shuffle, it's a brilliant and endearing addition.

How long to beat Forever Ago?

Forever Ago takes around 4-6 hours to complete. Under my Run to Game Challenge, where every 1km run earns 10 minutes of gaming, that's 24-36km of running to play it through.

Verdict: is Forever Ago worth it?

For me Forever Ago is a must play for anyone that enjoyed Mixtape. Whilst music isn't the main component here it certainly amplified the story told. The game is short and can be completed in 4-6 hours

Score: 9/10

Disclosure: a review code was provided by Annapurna Interactive. All opinions are my own.

Written by Ben

Gaming for 34 years, earning every minute by running. Follow along for more reviews, retro finds and Run to Game updates.

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