Rue Valley Reviews
There are some good ideas in Rue Valley's depressioncore time loop, but the execution makes it feel more like a chore than a charm.
Rue Valley is an isometric narrative RPG gem that blends a captivating, emotionally-charged story with memorable characters all in one package. Although it has a few technical weaknesses, it doesn't heavily retract from the overall experience. Eugene Harrow's strange journey into the unknown of his own psyche and other people is an intriguing, even relatable, experience.
Rue Valley ends up being a very interesting adventure due to its premise, and it does a good job of subverting and combining its various sources of reference. While the general outlines of the multiple plots are engaging and the possibilities offered by the protagonist's attribute structure contribute to the narrative's diversity, the title sometimes takes on a tiring and unstimulating tone. Even so, although derivative, it's a quite solid product and seems tailor-made for those who constantly think about their own mistakes and imagine having a new opportunity to correct them. It's like a small experiment on the perception of time and regret, whose inconsistent rhythm is responsible for both prolonging and shortening the overall perception of the journey.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Rue Valley is a fantastic time loop adventure, with a gripping narrative, great writing, and gorgeous graphics, despite some technical issues on Steam Deck.
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Review in Italian | Read full review
Rue Valley plays out like a mix of detective work and emotional archaeology. You explore, experiment, and test how small changes can ripple through each loop. You can’t wander too far from the motel — 47 minutes isn’t long — but you can visit the bar to the north, Max’s gas station to the south, and the roadblock. Each place hides clues or moments that shift how events play out next time. ...Every so often, the tension melts into quiet, human moments. Playing the piano in the bar for Anitta is a favourite of mine — a rare breather from the chaos. Talking to Robin at the reception often triggered “aha!” moments about what was really going on. It’s a game that mixes madness and calm, and somehow makes both feel equally satisfying.
Rue Valley is a clever puzzle game that uses its time loop foundations to not only present a unique challenge for players but also to craft a rich narrative that will tug on the heartstrings.