Nostalgia can be a potent emotion. It can bring a smile to your face as you remember fun times with friends, or make you shed tears over what was lost. Be it bitter or sweet remembrances over the past, nostalgia pulling at our heartstrings is something we’re all familiar with and been effected by. This is the central theme of Annapurna’s new game, Forever Ago, developed by Third Shift. Is the experience sweet or melancholic? Yes.

It’s not all smiles and fireworks.

In Forever Ago we follow Alfred, an elderly man who is on a long road trip across the country. After a tragic incident sends his world into upheaval, Alfred decides he needs to undertake a solo adventure. Geared up with only the bare essentials, an old instant camera, and an even older, questionably operational van, he sets off on a journey of self-discover and redemption.

Along the way he’ll meet new people, remember former friends and loved ones, and revisit locations from his past. While he embarks on the trip alone, eventually he will be joined by a canine companion, who’s the best girl ever. Occasionally she’ll help Alfred find the way through areas and she’s never far from his side. She can have all the treats and head scratches she wants.

Yes, you can, and should, pet that dog.

Forever Ago is a casual game, so there’s no combat, timed events, or puzzles to expect. You’ll move Alfred throughout each new location, look around, and click on whatever you’re able to interact with. Not everything you’re able to click on will have relevance, but sometimes you’re able to get some fun lore and a glimpse into past events from notes or photos lying around. The old amusement park in particular has some of the most entertaining moments in this regard.

However, there are a few times (very few times) that the game has you doing something different than walking and clicking on things. One of these instances involves rowing a boat across a pond, but it doesn’t actually work. You can row, but all you’ll do is go in circles or back and forth without getting anywhere. This section was frustrating, especially when the segment ended after the characters had finished their long, drawn out conversation. There was actually no point in the rowing mechanic at all. So why even include it in the first place? 

This would have worked better as just a cutscene.

Another section lets your try your luck on a crane game, which gave me a chuckle. In that same area you can play a retro Galaga-type game. This was a little amusing, even if it was more punishing than the actual Galaga. Hopefully this will be fixed before launch, but playing this game did make my game crash twice, so just be careful. I recommend not trying to play the game twice. This was still less annoying than the rowing section though.

One other main aspect to the gameplay involves your trusty camera. Alfred has a scrapbook with him that he fills in after visiting each new location. You can have fun taking pictures of anything of interest, which will be saved for later when you go to fill in the book. Choose your favorite photos to place in the scrapbook to document your travels and keep the memories forever.

The flower petals reveal memories of younger days.

Also, scattered throughout each area are flower petals, which Alfred can inspect. Finding each set of flower petals in an area will unlock a vignette. He can view these by looking through his camera to find figures made from vines and flowers and taking a picture of them. Doing so will transform the foliage figures into flesh and blood memories of relevance to each location. Finding them all gives the clearest perspective of his life over the years. Like everything in this game, they’re almost impossible to miss, so no need to stress yourself on hunting through every corner.

Forever Ago might not necessarily wow in the gameplay department, but I have to admit that the game is visually striking. Character models, while simplistic, are still detailed enough to show personality and convey the whole gambit of emotions. There’s a nice variety of locations as well, from gas station convivence stores, motels, diners, amusement parks, forests, and deserts, no place looks or feels the same. The background settings are truly gorgeous with dramatic lighting effects as well.

The landscapes are truly stunning.

The sound design is one of Forever Ago‘s biggest strengths. Piotr Michael (Dune: Awakening) and Cissy Jones (Call of the Sea) give outstanding performances as Alfred and Audrey, respectively. Forever Ago features an original soundtrack by Clark Aboud (Slay the Spire). Aboud’s soundtrack is both sad and uplifting, matching the tone of the game perfectly.

Forever Ago provides an emotional story, which I found to be quite reminiscent of the Disney Pixar film, Up. Unlike Up though, this game often struggles with its pacing. Some parts are a sweet, melancholic, nostalgic experience, while others are a slog to get through. Some tweaks to the gameplay and more uses for the camera might have helped keep the game feel more consistently engaging. It’s a bittersweet, casual experience, so if playing a sentimental walking sim sounds intriguing, then you might get some enjoyment out of this short nostalgic adventure.

Forever Ago is available now on PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch 2.

A copy of Forever Ago was provided by the publisher.