Max Level Gaming
Forever Ago
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Forever Ago

Forever Ago : an intimate journey that prefers emotion to action

PCPlayStation 5Nintendo Switch 2Xbox Series

By the Max Level Gaming team

Max Level Gaming score

8/10

Forever Ago We embark on a very special road trip alongside Alfred, an elderly man who tries to rebuild himself after the disappearance of his wife, Audrey. On board his van, he takes the road again, camera in hand, and gradually confronts himself with the memories that marked their history. From the first few minutes, the tone is set: Forever Ago He's not here to test us. He's trying to make us feel something.

Gameplay

6.5/10

The gameplay remains voluntarily very accessible.

We advance through different environments, we observe, we search some places and we interact with several elements of the decor. Photography also occupies a real place in the adventure and allows to give a little more personality to exploration.

However, it must be accepted that Forever Ago There is very little challenge. Interactions remain simple and some passages may seem quite long when more mechanics are expected.

This choice works with the desired atmosphere, but players who want to be constantly solicited risk finding the experience too passive.

Graphics & art direction

8.5/10

Visually, Forever Ago makes a very good impression.

The journey allows you to cross very different landscapes, including large natural spaces, isolated roads, motels or abandoned places.

The game relies more on its artistic personality than on technical demonstration. The colors, light and composition of the sets often make you want to slow down simply to observe what surrounds us.

The rendering of the characters remains more sober, but it never really harms immersion.

Sound design & music

9/10

The sound atmosphere is clearly one of the great successes of the experience.

Music can be discreet when needed, then come back at the right time to reinforce certain scenes. Noise and natural atmospheres also play a major role in the feeling of travel.

Finally, voices play an essential role in the credibility of the characters and allow several conversations to work without the need to do too much.

Forever Ago Above all, it includes one important thing: sometimes, a few notes or seconds of silence are more effective than a ubiquitous music.

Story & interest

8.5/10

It's obviously about his story that Forever Ago the most.

The game deals with loss, memories, aging and this very human difficulty to continue to move forward when some people are no longer there.

The relationship between Alfred and Audrey gradually unfolds over the course of the journey, without constantly seeking to cause artificial emotion.

Some scenes touch more than others, but the set remains just enough to make you want to accompany Alfred to the end.

On the other hand, the very high rate will be able to divide. Forever Ago sometimes asks the player to simply agree to follow his story without constantly looking for something to accomplish.

Content & polish

7/10

Forever Ago remains a relatively short adventure.

It takes only a few hours to get to the end of history, even taking time to explore environments.

This compact format corresponds rather well to what the game wants to tell and avoid stretching too much of its concept. On the other hand, replayability remains limited and those looking for a lot of secondary content will have to clearly look elsewhere.

Some sequences are also less convincing than others and remind that the interest of the title rests primarily on its history, not on the richness of its mechanics.

VERDICT MAX LEVEL GAMING

8/10

Forever Ago Never try to be spectacular, and that's probably what makes her charm.

His very light gameplay and contemplative rhythm will clearly not suit everyone. But for fans of narrative experiences, the trip proposed by Third Shift has enough personality and sensitivity to leave a real impression.

A short, very pretty, sometimes slow adventure, but carried by a beautiful atmosphere and a deeply human history.

Pros

  • A touching story
  • A very beautiful artistic direction
  • An excellent sound atmosphere
  • Credible and endearing characters
  • A journey that can take its time

Cons

  • Very limited gameplay
  • Little challenge
  • Some passages too slow
  • Lifespan fairly short
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