Key information
Forever Ago presents a redemptive road trip along the American Pacific coast, following an elderly man named Alfred as he processes the loss of his wife, Audrey. The narrative explores themes of grief, cultural impermanence, and the alienation caused by societal change.
The game functions as a walking simulator where players document Alfred’s journey through a journal filled with anecdotes and photographs. While the photography mechanic offers a novel way to track progress, the reviewer found the core gameplay loop to be laborious, sluggish, and ultimately a chore.
Press Start Australia notes that while the story is emotionally resonant and features a strong performance by Piotr Michael, the experience is hindered by technical and design flaws. The reviewer highlighted audio mixing issues where the score occasionally drowns out dialogue, and criticized specific sequences, such as a tedious rowboat segment, for dragging on.
Despite its mechanical shortcomings, the game is praised for its artful depiction of grief and its picturesque environments. The reviewer concludes that while it is difficult to recommend as a fun game, Alfred’s journey remains a worthwhile narrative experience.
