The Almost Gone Reviews
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.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Almost Gone's sombre, minimalist story. The puzzles you encounter are hard enough to create a sense achievement but still felt manageable, and referenced the story beautifully, though some elements could have been improved. Due to the often dark subject matter, this game may not be for everybody, however I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone that thinks they can handle 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.
The Almost Gone draws you in with a sinister family mystery, but its aesthetic beauty and strange, succinct puzzles end up carrying it.
The Almost Gone is like a fleeting memory; it's the tragic tale of abuse and loss, captured in a series of blurry vignettes. Its puzzle mechanics, although fairly simple, are refined, even if they aren't explored to their fullest. The two-hour story sits at the forefront of the experience and never overstays its welcome. In fact, The Almost Gone would likely benefit from an extra hour, but what we got is plenty good on its own.
The Almost Gone is a relaxing point-and-click exploration game with puzzle solving elements. The story unfolds through investigating the environment, so be sure to pay attention if you want to get answers. It won't blow your mind with the story or gameplay, and it doesn't take long to complete, but it's still worth checking out.
My recommendation is for the mobile versions, as the graphics and the tap-and-swipe controls are clearly optimised for it. It’s a reasonable price on both mobile and PC though, so take your pick of platform.
Beautiful in its simplicity, The Almost Gone is definitely a game that won't appeal to everyone, but for this reviewer, it was a worthwhile experience. Some frustratingly obtuse puzzle solutions aside, the 3D point and click gaming is well-designed, and the minimalist art style fits perfectly. It also packs an emotional punch for anyone familiar with the tragic issues portrayed, which it deals with sensitively and powerfully.
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
Review in Persian | Read full review
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.
Review in Persian | Read full review
The Almost Gone is an occasionally enjoyable puzzle game, with a unique way of presenting levels. However, its high price and inability to adequately tackle heavy narrative themes leave it lost in the sea of mobile game ports.
The Almost Gone is a wonderful point-and-click adventure with a charming style yet it has a dark, mature story to tell. The puzzles are clever and satisfying but you could find yourself frustrated if you get lost or if you missed an obvious item to interact with. Definitely worth a single playthrough!
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.
Review in Czech | Read full review
Sometimes games can be an interesting means of helping to convey powerful messages in a different way...
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.
Review in Korean | Read full review
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?
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.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
As with many small independent games, The Almost Gone walks the line between gaming entertainment and art. The subject matter is far darker than you would think from just looking at the art style, but the message is bound to evoke some deeper emotions for certain players.