The Almost Gone

The Almost Gone draws you in with a sinister family mystery, but its aesthetic beauty and strange, succinct puzzles end up carrying it.

Like many recent indie games, The Almost Gone isn't afraid to tackle difficult subject matter. And like a lot of its fellow developers, Happy Volcano opts not to get too far into the weeds of the topics it covers. Certainly, there will be players who take the narrative to heart more passionately than I did, but I do find it a curious enough of an experience to recommend to mobile gamers looking for something more melancholy than the newest match-3 puzzler.

If you’re looking for a puzzle game with a carefully considered supporting narrative, you need look no further. The Almost Gone is a game that demands your attention but never feels overly difficult or complex. Our only major issue is that once you’re done and dusted, there’s very little incentive to go back and start again.

With clean and moderated visuals, The Almost Gone uplifts the players’ imaginations with minimal dialogue and explanation. At first it feels like the game deals with supernatural paranormal horror, but as you progress you’ll realise the story is somewhat realistic with experiences of psychological disturbances that occur in negative family relationships. You are warned if you have any past traumatic experiences as the game’s plot reflects upon our society’s family violence matters.

The Almost Gone offers you a complex family plot, which unfortunately you cannot explore in more depth. However, the miniature dioramas are very appealing and the whole aesthetic will make the gameplay experience more enjoyable. The puzzles are short, simple and definitely won't make you sweat. I would recommend the title to beginners who are just about to enter the world of puzzle games, given its low difficulty. For less than three hours of fun, the price of this one-shot is €9.99.

The Almost Gone tries something advanced — digging deep into memories while keeping a clean aesthetic — and it does a fine job of it. If you’re just looking for a different kind of puzzle game, you’ll find plenty of enjoyment here; however, if you prioritize story over mechanics, you might feel a little discouraged. Regardless of why you’re interested in playing The Almost Gone, I’d still recommend picking it up for an interesting indie that is worth the price of admission. Will you uncover the secrets that led to your fate?

Your enjoyment of The Almost Gone is going to depend on what you're focusing on the most. If it's the story, you'll come away slightly disappointed. The game may not be afraid to tackle some subjects that some would consider to be sensitive, but the general ambiguity of plot elements doesn't create much empathy for the protagonist. If you're in for the gameplay, you'll be rewarded with some clever puzzles that lean toward being easy at times but never contain obtuse solutions. Its short playtime ensures that this is a game worth checking out when it is all said and done, but don't expect it to be the next profound indie experience.

The Almost Gone is a game that is worth experiencing. It has a fast pace and is a perfect choice for those who seek to relax and take a break from heavier titles

The Almost Gone is solid as far as we talk about puzzles and level design, but other elements of the game are not as good. The story, while looks interesting, lacks dept and the visuals are dated especially in close shots. All this make The Almost Gone a mediocre title that fails to impress when you consider all the angels.

The Almost Gone takes risks in an area little explored even by other indie developers, allowing the player to experience unique sensations. In short, it is a rich journey through the human subconscious.