Forever Ago, New Indie Game is Out – First Reviews Revealed

October keeps bringing new releases. This week alone, players got Gears of War: E-Day, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, and Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, and now Forever Ago has joined the list.

Forever Ago is a new indie adventure game from Third Shift. It may not be as popular as the games above, but it deserves attention. Critics praise its deep, emotional story, unusual protagonist, good voice acting, hand-drawn visuals, and a soundtrack that fits them well. The main complaint is the gameplay, which reviewers call boring and outdated. They also mention the slow pace and a predictable plot, despite the emotional depth. The game currently has 74 on Metacritic and 73 on OpenCritic, where 61% of critics recommend it. You can read some of the reviews below:

The Outerhaven – 90/100:

Forever Ago delivers a deeply moving narrative about aging, grief, and human connection, anchored by soulful voice performances and thoughtful presentation. Its pacing is deliberate, but as one of the most empathetic games of the year, it’s worth hitting the road for this scenic indie title.

Gaming Trend – 90/100:

I was sold on Forever Ago from the trailer alone because I’m a sucker for these tear-jerking narrative experiences that happen to hit all the emotions. After being fully engrossed in Alfred's life, I know Third Shift has created something truly special. Forever Ago is an example of creative expression that the industry needs more of, and is definitely worth your time.

PlayStation Universe – 75/100:

Forever Ago is a quiet, somber yet hopeful exploration of grief, anchored by two wonderful performances in particular, that is unfortunately lacking from a gameplay perspective, but ultimately marks a solid debut for developer Third Shift.

Meristation – 75/100:

Forever Ago is a celebration of life, a beautifully written road-trip on tragedy, love and healing. Despite its technical issues and lack of player agency, it's an example of how walking simulators create unique experiences.

Insider Gaming – 70/100:

Forever Ago is a moving narrative about love, loss, and rediscovery, carried by strong writing and a powerful soundtrack. While its minimal gameplay and rushed pacing hold it back, the emotional resonance makes it a memorable experience for the right audience.

Meanwhile, players are more positive than critics. Forever Ago has a rating of nearly 90% on Steam, and players praise the atmosphere, the story, and the soundtrack, calling it one of the year’s best indie discoveries. Still, its peak player count was only 144. If you want to try it, the game is 10% off through October 22.

Forever Ago tells the story of an old man named Alfred who, after a tragic event, sets out on a trip in his camper van. Along the way he meets new people and takes photos of the world around him, but the real goal of his trip is to find meaning in life. The game is available on PC, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.