Childhood friends reunite after spending a long time apart, revisiting old memories and rekindling their friendship. However, something beyond their control will ruin this reunion.
The core gameplay of this adventure game involves exploring the provincial Russian town, interacting with characters, and making dialogue choices that impact the story. Players navigate the environment using a light point-and-click style, allowing them to move the protagonist Misha around and inspect or interact with various objects and people.
A standout feature is the "Thought" mechanic. As players engage in conversations, they can select different thought patterns for Misha, such as "Nostalgic", "Cynical", or "Hopeful". These choices provide insight into Misha's inner experience and emotional state, deepening the player's connection to the character and the narrative.
Interspersed throughout the story are a variety of small, atmospheric minigames. These include tasks like arranging photographs, playing piano, and solving memory-based challenges. While simple, these minigames serve to break up the pacing and offer additional opportunities for player interaction.
The game features a branching narrative structure, with player choices leading to different story paths and multiple endings. This nonlinear approach allows for a degree of replayability, as players can make different decisions and witness how the tale evolves.
The gameplay is intentionally slow-paced and contemplative, reflecting the nostalgic and melancholic tone of the narrative. The exploration, dialogue, and minigames all work together to create a sense of immersion and emotional engagement for the player.
Reviews consistently praise the effective use of gameplay mechanics to enhance the narrative experience. Players appreciate the "Thought" mechanic's ability to shape the protagonist's perspective, and the minigames are often cited as being well-integrated into the overall flow of the story. The branching narrative structure is also lauded for providing meaningful player agency within the game's bittersweet and introspective themes.