I honestly bought this game because of the soundtrack. It had been sitting in my wishlist for a good few months before going on sale. I was umming and ahhing, and then noticed that Chris Remo was the composer. I bought it then and there, and have not regretted it.

For those who are unaware, Chris Remo is the composer for the background music in Gone Home. In that game, he showcases his ability to create an atmosphere where there isn't a lot going on. This game, and its soundtrack, are the opposite. This game feels fast-paced, and despite no *obvious* time limit, there are certain scenes that are more urgent than others. The music in these scenes only helps build the tension and desperation of the main character. However, there are also moments that are much more grave, and the music changes to reflect that. In one particular scene, I felt my whole stomach drop at what had occurred. I know that it was only due to the music in that moment that I felt so emotional.

Fully recommend both the game and the soundtrack.

I love this game, and to a degree, I love this soundtrack. It's the music of the journal entries, and I believe that it would be better if it included both the voiceover and the punk tracks that are littered throughout the game.

At first, I was iffy about this soundtrack. I would honestly use it to help me sleep on long-haul flights because it's very slow, and sombre, and there isn't much melody. Which is exactly what this game needs, if I'm honest. Upon listening to the commentary, Chris Remo contributes a few and states explicitly that the tracks kept coming back with the instructions to use "less melody". I think if the tracks were any different, it would actually be detrimental. This is not necessarily a happy game. It's not necessarily a sad one (though I always cry). But if the tracks were any more memorable, I think they'd take away some of the gravitas of the game, the meaning of the diaries.

This was one of the first soundtracks I spent any time listening to, and it remains one of my favourites to go back to. The variety of the tracks suit every area one can visit in the game, and come together with the story and art style to really immerse the player. I can never remember the name of where I am, but I know if I hear the song.

I fully recommend the game, and honestly, I think it would be a mistake to get it without the soundtrack. It's the perfect background music for those who need a little noise in their day-to-day life.

This game is terrible. Literally unplayable. Do not waste your money on it. I was lucky and bought it on sale for 50 cents. It is not even worth that. The devs have vanished, if they were ever here in the first place, and the publisher seems to put out a range of games that begin at "mediocre" and only get worse from there.

tldr; don't buy this game if you want things to happen to you. buy this game if you want to do things to it. this is a reactionary game, where the surroundings react to you to tell you the (sometimes sad) story of its inhabitants. It is also not a long game, nor is it horror, so don't buy it expecting that. However, I have found that it retains its replayability (if given enough time). There are always new things to discover.

Okay, onto the actual review.

I love this game. And despite the contention over how it should be categorised, I do believe this is a game. At its core it is not a walking simulator. Yes, there is an achievement to complete it in under a minute, but if this game takes you less than an hour, you're not playing it right. There is so much to focus on.

I have seen the reviews that state the tone is all over the place, and to a degree, I agree. If you return home at just past 1 in the morning to find your entire family not there, yes, it is a little creepy. But this gamer is not horror - at its heart, it is about love . The first time I played this game - years ago, at this point - I did not appreciate it for what it was. It is a voyeuristic game, where you investigate the house to discover where your family has gone, but instead uncover so many more secrets: your sister's sexuality is a major topic, mostly because it is narrated in a journalistic style as she comes to terms with moving house and going to a new school. You also uncover information regarding your parents' deteriorating marriage, with your mother potentially cheating on your father, and your father's speculated abuse by his uncle, the late owner of the property .

This is not an easy game, by far. It touches on sensitive topics, broached by an unsure narrator and emphasised by sombre music (perfectly fitting, imo).

This is not a token game "just for the representation". It was not made so the company could tick the diversity box; you can tell because you can just feel how much love went into it. These are real people; an adult daughter back from traipsing around Europe; her dorky teenage sister burgeoning into a young adult; a mother, disatsified with her marriage; and a father, desperate for approval and to shake off the shackles of an unhappy childhood.

I bought this at full price and have never regretted it, but if you're unsure, get it on a sale. The soundtrack comforted me through a 16-hour flight over the Pacific, and when playing the game as a more cognisant adult, years later, I cried. This is a beautiful game, and it tells a beautiful story.