Dear me, I was... Reviews
In some ways, it feels counterintuitive to write a review of Dear me, I was… - a title which centres upon capturing heavy feelings that can't be so easily put into words. However, it's not every day that a visual novel successfully manages to craft a moving narrative about art, life, and the passage of time solely on the merit of its visual and musical storytelling.Even if the game itself remains silent, Dear me, I was… is worth talking about.
Dear Me, I Was is a masterpiece that transcends the traditional limitations of a video game to become pure art. Arc System Works and Maho Taguchi have created something extraordinary: an experience that uses interactivity not as a game, but as a means for direct emotional connection.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Dear Me, I Was offers reflection on a life accompanied by eye-catching art and gentle piano music. There's very limited interactivity though, and while the story is relatable at some points, it's not particularly unique. It is worth picking up if you're looking for something that will make you sit back and reflect, but it feels as though Dear Me, I Was will only appeal to a very specific audience.
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Dear Me, I Was looks absolutely stunning, with every screen of the game feeling like a work of art in its own right. But taking less than an hour to complete, the story here lacks substance, and being told entirely through visuals makes it more difficult to connect with.
Dear me, I was… is a short story that barely skirts the line of being called a game, but that doesn’t matter at all. With its low price (£6.73), there’s little reason not to play this if you’re after a charming narrative experience that doesn’t try to drag things out.
Take a moment to sit down, put on a headset, drink a cup of tea and get lost in this artwork. It's something you'll remember.
Dear Me, I Was… is a great showcase for how to present narrative games in a hand-drawn watercolour style. After letting the emotions felt from its story settle down, the immediate thought is that it is hoped that there will be an actual video game in this style from Arc System Works in the future (a Hotel Dusk remake perhaps). Dear Me, I Was… is a story that can be enjoyed in bed like a book, or watched during a lunch break instead of a YouTube video essay or Netflix TV episode. It’s not a video game, it’s a beautiful short story, and if that sounds like a great time then put some headphones on and give it a watch.
A brief, suspended moment that won’t speak to everyone. Dear Me, I Was embraces its short-story format and unique vision, with no extra modes or unlockable content. For those open to experiencing a video game short film, it leaves a surprisingly lasting impression. Ultimately, Dear Me, I Was is aimed at a curious audience, ready to challenge their definition of video games and embrace this kind of hybrid creation.
Review in French | Read full review
Dear me, I was… is a short experience that heavily relies on your ability to connect emotionally with the protagonist. The game does a great job with its storytelling, and while I wasn't able to connect with it as much as I would've liked, I do acknowledge how impactful this story could be for those who are able to connect with the protagonist.
Dear Me, I Was… is a brief but intense experience, distinguished by its sensitivity and unique visual style. Its minimal interactivity and short length may not appeal to everyone, but those seeking a contemplative and emotional experience will find it remarkable. It's a reminder that video games can also occasionally cross over into the realm of art.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Dear Me, I Was tackles the challenge of telling a story without any text at all, and it does so with a fair amount of success. At the same time, however, it lacks the impact its emotional moments feel like they’re meant to have. Overall, it’s a short chronicle of a woman’s life that might make you reflect on your connections with the people around you.
Anyone expecting a new adventure game with illustrations by former CING developer Taisuke Kanasaki will likely be disappointed. The few, rudimentary interaction options are limited to single clicks on highlighted objects and won't challenge players. What you do get, however, is a poignant story about a woman's life, accompanied by fantastic visuals and an atmospheric soundtrack. If that's enough for you, then it's definitely worth checking out.
Review in German | Read full review
Dear Me, I Was… isn't just a game: it's an interactive reflection on life, choices, and feelings. In just 45 minutes, it manages to move more than many long narratives, leaving scars and colors that linger even after the final credits. A delicate, profound, and unforgettable experience.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Do I recommend the Dear Me, I was…? Absolutely. Do I think the game is worth it at $7.99? I’m going to say no here. If there was just a little bit more to do in the game from a gameplay perspective, like Florence? I would. I’d say $5 is the sweet spot here, so I’d definitely hop on it if I saw it on sale.
Dear Me I Was is a marvelous visual novel that manages to tell a lot without ever uttering a single line of dialogue. When it comes to its presentation and storytelling, I have no qualms, this is gold. But if the damn thing was released in a gaming storefront, I have to review it as a game, even if it barely qualifies as one. As such, it’s a one-and-done experience with the bare minimum of interactivity, often relegated to a handful of cutscenes. That being said, let me reiterate: it’s a beautiful little gem, one that will make the most cynical of human beings feel something for the first time in forever.
Dear Me, I Was... is a flawed and very short gem, one that chooses to be more emotional to witness than fun to play. Taisuke Kanasaki's style and art are so good that they manage to tell a simple yet moving story without using any word, in what is a beautiful and unprecedented experiment in storytelling techniques. However, its Switch 2 exclusivity leaves much to be desired: interactivity is basically nonexistent, and its very plain puzzles are very generic as they don't take advantage of the console's gimmicks.
Review in Italian | Read full review
In just under two hours, Dear Me I Was delivers a profoundly moving and artistic narrative experience without a single word, proving that brevity and visual storytelling can leave an indelible mark on the soul. It's a poignant journey through the nuances of a human life, masterfully crafted to resonate universally.
Review in Italian | Read full review
"Dear me, I was…" is one of those difficult games to analyze, because the experience is entirely about the emotions it makes you feel, and you have to be very careful not to reveal too much. But I can safely say that this is a very easy game to recommend to lovers of narrative adventures and that it reminds you why video games should also be considered works of art.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Dear Me, I Was is a short interactive drama by Arc System Works that tells the story of a woman's life through emotional, hand-painted visuals and subtle point-and-click mechanics. Using rotoscoped animation and watercolor art, the game blends narrative and visual storytelling in a unique, deeply personal way. Though minimal in gameplay, every interaction carries emotional weight, making it a heartfelt reflection on memory, loss, and the beauty of everyday life. It’s not for those seeking action, but for players open to unconventional storytelling, it’s a powerful, unforgettable experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review