Seasons after Fall

Seasons After Fall is a beautiful game with lovable fox and a sweet story. The art and the music are lovely and the voice acting is professionally done. The game has full controller support which was appreciated because I currently have my right hand (including 3 fingers) in a cast. I think this would be a tough game to play with a keyboard and mouse, even with two hands!
This a very complicated landscape that can be quite frustrating at times. The absence of a map and the inability to see more than the current screen compound your ability to feel hopelessly lost. Thus, prepare to peek at a guide or to practice patient exploration.
The game auto-saves at regular intervals to a single slot. Achievements are not truly missable, as you can circle back to take care of missing tasks or collectibles. The only exception to this may be the requirement of finding all 4 dreams to activate the full ending.
There is a lot of platforming required and no instructions in-game. The mechanics of the 4 seasons are tough initially but become intuitive after awhile. The good news is that there are no time limits and nothing to chase you.
All in all, a very cool but complex game. I recommend it to those who don't mind A LOT of running and jumping and are not in a hurry. Those who enjoy games like Neva and Gris (sans the monsters) should feel right at home in Seasons After Fall.

It's a simple, and perhaps slightly repetitive game, which I know may be a turn off for many players, but it is a beautiful game, and for me it's a wonderful way to untwist my thoughts and find a sort of grounded peace for a few hours every couple years, once its been long enough that I've forgotten the solutions to the puzzles and can replay with a pretend blindness. The soundtrack is a masterpiece, gentle drone notes with strings sparkling throughout, and the artwork brings a sort of watercolor smokiness to life. Overall, an admittedly niche experience with astounding beauty and peace if it suits your taste, one which I've played multiple times and will play many more.

A decent platformer with beautiful visuals and art. However, it lacks certain elements like map navigation. Sometimes you feel a bit lost and don't know what exactly you have to do or where to go.
Still giving the thumbs up, because it's short and overall a solid game.

After going through my library of games, I came back across this. A gem of a platformer that, while simple in its design, can lead you to explore the beautiful landscape to soak up the atmosphere while trying to figure out what you've yet to find next.
Despite that though, the lack of a map can really hinder progress as you try to figure out where you've been, and how you get back to where you were an hour ago. But, the lack thereof is also a part of it's charm, too. In a way, it hearkens back to times when you didn't have a map to navigate as game at all, and really helps you to lean into the natural vibe that the game conveys.
In all honesty, I lamented the lack of a map, until I started to really enjoy the beautiful graphics and soothing atmosphere.
It's a gorgeous little game that I would totally recommend purely for that alone, and despite it taking me a long time to complete the game 100%, it is easily done within a short period of time, and probably less than the near-10 hours it took me to do. You'd be doing yourself a disservice passing this one up, especially for the price.

Seasons After Fall is a beautifully crafted indie puzzle-platformer that offers a unique and tranquil journey through a mystical forest. Developed by Swing Swing Submarine and published by Focus Entertainment, the game invites players to step into the paws of a clever fox imbued with the magical ability to control the changing seasons. The premise centers on restoring balance to the natural world by recovering lost fragments of each season, a narrative woven subtly through the game's environments and atmospheric cues rather than overt storytelling. This focus on exploration and harmony with nature gives the game a calm and reflective tone, setting it apart from more conventional, combat-heavy titles.
The game's artistic design is one of its most striking features. Every scene feels hand-painted, filled with lush detail and vibrant colors that shift dramatically with the seasons. From the bright, warm hues of autumn leaves swirling in the wind to the stark, icy blues of winter, each seasonal transition is visually stunning and plays a vital role in gameplay. The player’s ability to switch between seasons dynamically alters the landscape, unlocking new paths, freezing lakes to walk on, or causing plants to bloom and grow. This mechanic is not just clever but deeply satisfying, encouraging players to experiment and observe the environment closely to solve puzzles and progress. The world feels alive and reactive, inviting players to slow down and savor its beauty.
Accompanying the gorgeous visuals is an evocative and soothing soundtrack, performed live by a string quartet. The music perfectly complements the game's peaceful atmosphere, enhancing the emotional weight of the journey without ever overpowering the experience. Ambient sounds like the rustling of leaves, gentle wind, and distant animal calls further immerse players in this magical woodland setting. This careful sound design contributes to the game's meditative quality, making it feel like a brief but deeply meaningful escape into nature.
Despite its many strengths, Seasons After Fall is not without its limitations. One of the most notable drawbacks is the game's relatively short length; many players report completing the main story in about four to six hours. While the experience is rich and rewarding, this brevity can leave some wanting more, especially those who enjoy longer or more complex puzzle-platformers. Additionally, the game’s minimalistic approach to guidance means players might occasionally feel directionless or stuck without clear objectives or hints. This lack of hand-holding can frustrate some, though it also encourages exploration and problem-solving through observation and experimentation.
Replay value is somewhat limited as well. Beyond the main quest, there are collectibles scattered throughout the forest, such as hidden flowers and dreams, which encourage thorough exploration. However, these collectibles serve mainly as achievements rather than adding substantial new content or challenges. Once players have completed the game, there is little incentive to return, as the puzzles and season-switching mechanics do not evolve or expand. For players seeking a deeper or more extended engagement, this might be disappointing.
Nevertheless, Seasons After Fall excels in delivering a charming and serene experience that resonates emotionally with many players. Its emphasis on nature, subtle storytelling, and seamless integration of seasonal mechanics make it a standout among indie puzzle games. The game's peaceful pace and beautiful world provide a perfect escape for those looking to unwind and appreciate thoughtful game design and artistry. It is a title that invites contemplation rather than competition, making it ideal for players who enjoy games as a form of artistic expression and quiet exploration.
In sum, Seasons After Fall is a lovingly crafted game that shines through its atmosphere, art, and innovative use of seasonal shifts. While it may not satisfy those craving hours of complex gameplay or fast-paced action, it offers a refreshing alternative — a brief but immersive journey into a magical forest filled with wonder and subtle storytelling. For anyone who appreciates calm, beauty, and the gentle challenge of nature-inspired puzzles, this game is a memorable and worthwhile experience.
Rating: 8/10

Seasons after Fall is a very simple and straightforward platformer. There is backtracking involved, but I do not think this game could be considered a metroidvania. Yet, the main mechanic is complex enough that you do not fall asleep playing it. I think it is alright and that it could be a great entry-level platformer for beginners.

What a little gem this game is! Simple and easy, but full of entertainment. Story is good, music is lovely, characters are relatable, world is gorgeous, achievements are relatively easy, puzzles are lightly challenging, and controls are simple (though jumping can be a bit finicky). Some areas can be a bit confusing to navigate as you don't get a map but overall it's not that tedious to traverse.
Definitely recommend picking this one up.
8/10 Adorable yips