Love, Loss, and a Little Bit of Magic: An Enchanting Look at Last Time I Saw You

In Last Time I Saw You, developer Maboroshi Artworks crafts an enchanting yet haunting coming-of-age tale set in 1980s Japan. The game seamlessly blends nostalgic realism with folklore-inspired magic, using a hand-drawn art style that evokes a rich, dreamlike quality. For players who enjoy deeply emotional narratives, this adventure feels like both a heartwarming and heartbreaking journey.

The game introduces players to Ayumi, a boy driven by dreams of a mysterious girl and the curse he believes he must break. As you traverse idyllic Japanese towns and venture into shadowy forests, the narrative unfolds like a spellbinding folk story. The setting, steeped in cultural charm, brings Japan's Showa era vividly to life, interweaving supernatural elements inspired by traditional yokai legends.

While Last Time I Saw You presents itself primarily as a narrative-driven adventure, there are exploration and puzzle-solving elements that add an engaging layer. You'll find yourself solving environmental puzzles, searching for collectibles, and occasionally facing action sequences. The puzzles are thoughtfully integrated, balancing exploration with story progression, though at times they feel simple compared to the game's narrative ambitions.

The game places emphasis on player choice, which impacts the direction of the story. This mechanic keeps the experience personal and immersive, though it sometimes struggles to feel impactful due to limited branching. Even so, the way choices influence character relationships adds replayability and encourages a deeper investment in the plot.

One of Last Time I Saw You’s most striking aspects is its hand-drawn visual style. Every scene feels lovingly crafted, exuding the charm of classic animation. The colour palette shifts dynamically, reflecting Ayumi's emotional state and enhancing the game's atmosphere. From serene countryside backdrops to the more eerie, mystical locations, each visual cue plays a role in storytelling.

Complementing the visuals is an evocative musical score, ranging from gentle, nostalgic melodies to more intense compositions as the narrative darkens. The sound design, with its delicate use of ambient noise and music, heightens both the warmth of Ayumi’s world and the supernatural dread lurking within it.

At its core, Last Time I Saw You explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Ayumi's journey isn’t just about breaking a curse but also coming to terms with the complexities of growing up. The game beautifully navigates the pain of first love and the weight of unspoken grief. However, some narrative beats might feel predictable, and the pacing can waver, occasionally lingering too long in slower sections.

Despite these minor flaws, the emotional resonance remains powerful. The writing is heartfelt, and the dialogue, while not always groundbreaking, feels genuine, further pulling players into Ayumi's struggles.

Last Time I Saw You succeeds as a touching narrative experience with its gorgeous art and well-crafted world. Though its gameplay may not challenge you in the ways some puzzle enthusiasts might crave, the story, aesthetics, and atmosphere make it a memorable adventure. Fans of narrative-driven games, especially those with an appreciation for Japanese folklore and coming-of-age stories, will likely find this a magical and reflective journey.

Whether it's the endearing moments of joy or the more solemn ones of heartbreak, Last Time I Saw You lingers long after you close the game, much like a cherished yet bittersweet memory.