PLAYER REVIEWS
A selection of player reviews for “Four Months Earlier”
“This game was very enjoyable! It’s a heartfelt story of a bond between mother and son as they hike together, talk together, and mixed in, is a unique game mechanic that I haven’t experienced [before].” —Dolphintreasure, itch.io
“I absolutely adored this experience. I lost both of my parents within 3 months of each other shortly after turning 30. In a weird way, this really reflects on things I wish I could have communicated more with them and made me remember similar conversations and in general just remember my parents.” —jordanthompson, itch.io
“Just great! He reminded me that I should call my mother…” —mirinegrinro, Steam
“Relaxing and touching.” —johnreeson, Steam
“I warn you that if you have ever lost a loved one to cancer, this will tear the tears right out of you. It is a beautiful prologue and terribly sad. The music is lovely and painful. This is a very well made experience that reminds you how important it is to cherish every moment.” —heatherericksonauthor, Steam
“An example of a calm, simple, yet engaging and emotional experience.” —Leanor, Steam
“It reminded me to love my mother more and to show said love more often. I actually went and hugged my mom for a bit after playing this…” —ikea, Steam
“This is such a concise, subtle, and moving portrait of a mother & son relationship. I’m astonished at how quickly I ‘felt’ the nuances of this relationship, the banter, the all too familiar guilt associated with building a life away from parents.” —gentlemangeek, Steam
“…gave me some introspection about my own life and relationships; my parents are getting older now and [I] have never dealt with a loss of someone close in my life before so I worry about it a lot…” —DeathFormz, Steam
“I love this prologue! Beautiful, thoughtful, well-wrought.” —Këv Möff, Mac App Store
“Touching, beautiful narrative ‘game’ with a poignant everyday conversation in a beautifully rendered hillside walk at L.A.’s Griffith Park Observatory. Music and sound are also beautifully done and add substantially to the feeling.” —lovegreatthings, Mac App Store
“A moment in a story’s arc, beautiful and banal - the dialogue is funny and heartbreaking in its realism. An exercise in meaningful human connection when it matters most.” —adotgdashp, Mac App Store
“Broadened my view of what a ‘video game’ could be. Creative, beautiful and thoughtful.” —Pivory, Mac App Store
“Thoughtfully designed, loved this game and many of its heartwarming attributes. Really gives you a fresh perspective on loss and nostalgia.” —cirgmonster, Mac App Store
“Couldn’t recommend it more.” —esk1y, Mac App Store
“Sitting here not being able to go back to sleep, I downloaded this game for the hell of it. Little did I know, how simple but beautiful it would be. I have a very close relationship with my mother who I love more than anything. I’m 21 and she’s 50 and I think she still has quite some time left. Although as she gets older, it crosses my mind the day she will leave. I always try to make every moment special. After reading further about the story behind this game, I’m sitting here crying my eyes out at 5 AM! So powerful. I hope the creator knows what a beautiful & unique game this.” —emmabhictoria, iOS App Store
“I was in awe. Short and simple yet had a huge meaning behind the storyline. I have never felt these kinds of emotions playing a game before, and it really touched my heart. The simplicity of it all was stunning from start to finish. Makes me realize just how fragile moments are in life and reminds me of why I keep going and what I look forward to. The waterworks definitely came flowing. Russell, I am so sorry for your loss. You are so strong and creative, I cannot believe there are people like you in this world that can create a piece like this. Amazing. Hands down best game I have ever played.” —Syd_barrows, iOS App Store
“I’ve never written a review, because I’ve just never cared. But I’m taking the time to write this, because this game is just fantastic… [I]t made me feel emotions that I would have never thought I’d feel from a game on my phone… I hope you know that what you’ve done here… [it’s] absolutely incredible, and it takes someone who’s strong at heart to be able to do that.” —GS Chadalavada, iOS App Store
“I live in Los Angeles, am an adult, and have an older parent visiting me this weekend that I’m simultaneously looking forward to and dreading. This game was an amazing reminder […] to cherish the time we have.” —evanseesred, iOS App Store
“The whole universe created here — the shadows shifting on the Observatory as you move! the sound of the wind picking up near the top! — is gorgeous. The characters’ dialogue with each other and with the terrain are immediate entries into their relationship. And into the game. The story is so rich and layered, but explored with such subtlety, that it plants itself into your consciousness and takes root. Absolutely moving.” —Corinne EG, iOS App Store
“I’m floored by how well it told a story and the end had me in chills!” —Danko Boi, iOS App Store
“This game is AMAZING! I love the art style, the music, the concept of it is so creative, very peaceful game so far. I cannot wait to see what the story becomes.” —Fat-kitty, iOS App Store
“Thanks for sharing your experience. The game caused me to reflect on events and choices in my own life.” —vermontpodcastlistener, iOS App Store
“A short, tender little tone-poem of a game that begs some questions about distance and closeness that feel extra relevant right now.” —caseymoral, iOS App Store
“Can’t imagine a game that made me think and appreciate the time I have and want to have with my parents - and hopefully prepares me somewhat for the inevitable.” —flugge, iOS App Store
“Better dialogue than most AAA games imo.” —airpoint, iOS App Store
“I tried this game out right after a long stressful day and it helped slow me down. The gameplay encourages you to think before speaking and to present in conversation.” —caliboy420, iOS App Store
“The prologue is mesmerising, the scenery and the music are beautiful.” —LauraAbudhabi, iOS App Store
“I just finished playing through this prologue and man was it beautiful. It was such a heartfelt experience that made me feel an emotional connection to Russel[l]. I began to tear up in the climb to the observatory but a smile never left my face. Such a heartwarming and beautiful story…” —shedinja2323, iOS App Store
“Incredible example of ‘video game’ as tone poem / short story — just enough interaction to pull you into the world, gorgeous music, all beautifully rendered, filled with the pathos of interaction between children and their aging parents.” —tototoro, iOS App Store
“This prologue tells such a heartwarming and melancholy story. It’s relatable, charming, with a touch of darkness.” —Hoosierdaddy Davis, iOS App Store