The Great Perhaps

An interesting story and the core gameplay mechanic promise a lot of entertainment. Unfortunately, the game falls short in many areas. I still recommend it. If you want to know what axes I have to grind with The Great Perhaps, watch my review, where I go into more detail:

Picked this up during the Steam Winter Sale and I am so glad I did. This game is simple side scroller game and yet the story is rich with great art and music to back it up. The mechanics of switching back and forth between past and present is what initially drew me in and is what kept me engage even when some of the game tasks began to feel repetitive. I am not an advanced or highly skilled gamer by any means and found the game to be decently challenging, I died so many times mainly because I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to do next which I would say is the only downside but once I figured it the next task it stopped being frustrating and went back to being fun. I thought it was overall a very clever and enjoyable game and while other reviewers may be disappointed in the ending, I think it was fantastic. I managed to complete the game with all achievements in 192 minutes with some pauses for snacks, and the occasional sneeze/cough (I had the flu while playing).
100% recommend playing this game.

Medium story with bad ending that answers nothing. But on sale for 1 euro it's a nice atmospheric time-killer with an pretty interesting gameplay element.

The Great Perhaps, developed by Caligari Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment, offers players an emotionally charged narrative-driven adventure that explores themes of loss, memory, and the fragility of time. At its core, the game tells the story of an astronaut returning to a post-apocalyptic Earth, only to find a world devastated by natural disasters. This bleak setting sets the stage for a reflective journey as the protagonist discovers a mysterious lantern that allows him to travel back and forth between the present and the past. This mechanic is central to both the storytelling and gameplay, giving players a unique way to engage with the environment and unravel the mysteries behind the world's collapse.
The narrative unfolds gradually, with the player piecing together the events that led to Earth's destruction by shifting timelines. This time travel element is cleverly used to provide context and emotional weight, allowing players to witness moments before catastrophe as well as their aftermath. It encourages exploration and careful observation, rewarding players who pay attention to subtle environmental storytelling and details. The story itself is introspective and contemplative, leaning heavily into a melancholic atmosphere that invites players to reflect on themes of regret, hope, and human resilience.
Visually, The Great Perhaps impresses with its hand-drawn art style that perfectly balances beauty and desolation. The backgrounds are richly detailed, vividly contrasting the vibrant past with the desolate present, and evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. Character designs are minimalistic yet expressive, allowing the emotional undertones of the story to resonate without distraction. The visual design supports the game’s atmosphere superbly, creating an immersive world that draws players into its haunting narrative.
The audio experience complements the visuals with a haunting and evocative soundtrack that enhances the game’s emotional tone. Music swells during pivotal moments, guiding the player’s emotional journey without overpowering the gameplay. Subtle sound effects provide necessary cues and enrich the world’s ambiance, making the experience feel alive and cohesive. Together, the visuals and audio form a compelling sensory backdrop that elevates the story’s impact.
Despite its strong artistic and narrative presentation, The Great Perhaps has received mixed feedback regarding its gameplay mechanics. While the time travel concept is innovative and holds great narrative potential, some players and critics have found that the puzzles and interactions feel simplistic and occasionally underdeveloped. The gameplay often takes a backseat to the story, which may disappoint those looking for more complex or challenging gameplay elements. Additionally, the game’s pacing can feel uneven at times, with slow sections that may test the patience of players seeking more action or engagement.
The game is undoubtedly tailored for players who prioritize atmosphere and story over traditional gameplay complexity. Its appeal lies in its thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth, rather than in providing extended gameplay variety or difficulty. For those who enjoy games that are reflective and narrative-driven, The Great Perhaps offers a rewarding experience, but it may not satisfy players looking for more dynamic or intricate gameplay systems.
In summary, The Great Perhaps is a visually striking and emotionally resonant indie adventure that explores profound themes through its use of time travel and a post-apocalyptic setting. While it may falter somewhat in gameplay depth and pacing, its compelling story, beautiful art, and evocative soundtrack make it a memorable experience for those willing to engage with its somber tone and introspective narrative. It stands as an example of how games can convey powerful emotional stories, even when gameplay mechanics take a simpler form. For players interested in a contemplative journey through memory and loss, The Great Perhaps is a worthwhile exploration.
Rating: 8/10

Control are super janky, not a good ending, mid game at best. Only reason for the thumbs up is the price, for a $1.40 you get what you pay for.

Challenging platforming at times.

This is a 2D scrolling platform game.

The graphics, voice acting and music are good.

I'm hopeless at platforming but managed to eventually work through it with a lot of frustrating do-overs.
For anyone adept at this genre it probably would be easy going. I used mouse and keyboard, maybe a controller would be better.

I didn't encounter any of the bugs reported in the forum and other reviews.

it was on sale for $1 and I do like other Daedalic games so I tried it - is it great, no - is it worth a dollar if you like games like this, yes - that being said, it's nothing special, it's not challenging, it's a linear story, there are no alternate endings, and it looks and plays like it's 15 years old..
it auto saves but luckily you never lose much when you die (I'd say under 2 minutes tops at the worst)