Castle Rock's Brainteasing Banquet: 'We Were Here Forever' Reviewed
An enthralling co-op puzzle adventure that transcends space, time, and friendship patience levels.
last updated Dec 02, 2023
If you can survive 'We Were Here Forever' with your gaming buddy, you can survive pretty much anything.
The Trials of Brain and Brawn
Stepping into 'We Were Here Forever' feels like enrolling in the fictional Castle Rock university of puzzles, with each challenge cleverly designed to test the limits of your grey matter. The gameplay mechanics invite players to bask in the glory of success after navigating through a series of intricate, mind-bending challenges. The sense of accomplishment is tangible—when you solve a puzzle that's been stumping you, you can't help but feel like a genius. A steep learning curve elevates the thrill, making victory taste even sweeter, much like the final bite of a perfectly prepared, yet frustratingly complex, three-course meal.
Melodies from the Depths of the Castle
The game performs a symphony of ambient sounds that cunningly complements the eerie yet majestic air of the lonesome castle. The clang of your metallic prison at the outset gives way to the meticulous melodies that haunt the corridors, crafting an audio realm that's equally as immersive as the perplexing visual world. Solving each puzzle is like hitting the right note, with adrenaline-fueled tunes escalating as you edge closer to triumph. The in-game voice chat adds an organic layer to the experience, with the cling-clang of the walkie-talkie reinforcing the need for clear communication—though it certainly makes you appreciate Discord just a tad more.
A Visual Feast for the Eyes
Graphically, the game doesn't shy away from flexing its proverbial muscles. Combining aesthetic elegance with a smooth and cooperative performance, 'We Were Here Forever' savors each detail as if it were a love letter to visuals in puzzle games. While it may not make your eyeballs pop from their sockets in sheer disbelief, the environments are woven with a fine touch, ensuring that puzzle-solving is not just mentally, but also visually, satisfying. There are a few hiccups in the form of bugs that occasionally interrupt your visual feast with unexpected fasting, but these moments are far and few between.
The Social Weaver of Puzzles
Let's talk about the social dynamics this game effortlessly interweaves into its design. This isn't just a game that you play alongside someone—it's a cooperative endeavor that could very well serve as the foundation for a friendship... or the ruins of one. The game's co-op system pushes players into situations that demand communication, patience, and a shared sense of humor to overcome the often brutally challenging puzzles. It's equal parts bonding session and litmus test for your friendship's strength. Remember, if you can survive 'We Were Here Forever' with your gaming buddy, you can survive pretty much anything—dinners with the in-laws included.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Total Mayhem Games
Release Date
May 10, 2022
The Verdict
'We Were Here Forever' ultimately triumphs as a beautifully crafted co-op experience that's as maddening as it is mesmerizing. With unrivaled puzzle design, chilling audio, and a visual landscape that sets the perfect stage for such a mentally demanding adventure, it's a tour-de-force in the indie puzzle realm. It's a game that entangles you in its enigmatic world and refuses to let go until you've puzzled out your escape—or succumbed to the sweet frustration of the trials within. Whether it's out of sheer will, a test of friendships, or simply the love of a good challenge, this game belongs in every puzzle aficionado's library.
