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 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.
A time loop adventure with an interesting premise and characters, but a frustratingly rigid structure that fails to resolve most of the stories it sets up.
Much like its primary protagonist then, Rue Valley certainly has no shortage of faults or shortcomings and it's also practically impossible for Rue Valley to escape the vast, looming shadow of ZA/UM's epic adventure, Disco Elysium. Taking all of that into account however, Rue Valley's Disco Elysium meets Groundhog Day concept is a compelling one that finds itself ably anchored by a great art style, good writing and interesting characters and it's one that will surely tide over Disco Elysium fans looking for their next existential adventure fix.
Ultimately, Rue Valley is a frustrating experience, with too many loose ends and unresolved arcs at the end of the game. It’s unable to make the most of its excellent setup, faltering in the mid and late game stages as you’re forced between slow montages and extremely specific puzzle sequences. It’s a game with great writing and some truly fantastic ways of exploring depression and mental health, but it mechanically falls flat.
Time repeats itself...
However, the way in which your create-a-character's mental profile gates off certain interactions and dialogue trees is frustrating and made me feel often like I had just rolled a bad character; I can't see myself returning to a narrative experience like this one after seeing the story through, so I'm not sure why all the gatekeeping and roadblocks exist. If you're a sucker for Groundhog Day, time loop tales, or point-and-click mysteries, your enjoyment of Rue Valley may reach a higher peak. I was already tempted to check out of this motel before my suitcase was unpacked.
Rue Valley is a solid entry to the narrative genre, offering an engaging and cohesive story. Minor flaws do hold it back just a bit, though fans of the genre are still in for a treat. The characters are relatable, especially Eugene with his tailored stats, so it can quickly morph into some self-exploration after a while.
A twisting, turning tale told over a repeating 47-minute timeloop, Rue Valley unfortunately crumbles under the weight of its narrative ambition.
Rue Valley is really pretty to look at. The art style uses sketchy lines and slight motions to give the impression of instability and discomfort. Characters shake a little, as if they are vibrating out of sync with the world. This is a visual way to show worry and emotional stress.
Rue Valley is a special work that exudes identity and genius. It is hard not to be enchanted by the game's city and its characters, and to feel extremely anxious to unravel the loop.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
An interesting premise with some really good ideas in an exceptionally deep and well-designed world, which ultimately feels lacking both as an adventure/RPG and as a "Disco clone".
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.