Zhao Sheng, a retired postman, has been suffering from dementia over the past years. He insists that his partner Qi Mei is waiting for him under a peach tree. Zhao Sheng’s family didn't want him to leave with any regrets and decided to go and find that peach tree he had been talking about...
The narrative drives the gameplay experience. Players guide the protagonist, Zhao Sheng, through a series of recollections and memories as he grapples with the onset of dementia. The developers prioritize player immersion in the story and characters, rather than emphasizing complex or challenging mechanics.
Intuitive point-and-click interactions form the core gameplay loop. Players navigate Zhao Sheng through various environments, examining objects and talking to characters to progress the story. This accessible approach allows the narrative to take center stage, making the game approachable for a wide range of players.
Interspersed throughout the story are light puzzle-solving challenges. These range from basic item-based puzzles to simple minigames. While not overly complex, these puzzles serve to break up the pace of the narrative and provide occasional moments of player agency and accomplishment.
The narrative unfolds in a nonlinear fashion, with Zhao Sheng's memories unfolding out of chronological order. This storytelling approach allows the developers to gradually reveal details about the protagonist's life and his relationship with his wife, Qi Mei. Players must piece together the narrative threads to fully understand the emotional weight of Zhao Sheng's journey.
The game's greatest strength is its ability to evoke a strong emotional response from players. The thoughtful exploration of dementia, love, and the complexities of family relationships has been widely praised by reviewers. The simple yet effective pixel art and the well-written dialogue contribute to the game's ability to create a deeply affecting experience.
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