Long Gone Days

Awkwardly straddling the line between unnerving war drama and vapid teen adventure, Long Gone Days is embroiled in an uncomfortable identity crisis.

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Long Gone Days is a JRPG following Rourke, a sniper for the subterranean paramilitary state, The Core. After completing his first mission, he discovers the dark truth about The Core and becomes determined to expose it. The game features real-world settings and language barriers, requiring players to recruit interpreters to communicate with others and build relationships beyond borders. It explores the impact of modern conflict on civilian life through a blend of intense combat and slower, slice-of-life gameplay.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 314 reviews

story154 positive mentions

grinding15 negative mentions

The game features a compelling and nuanced story that explores the horrors and uncertainties of war from the perspective of everyday people.
The pixel art and character designs are stunning, contributing to an immersive visual experience.
The game includes interesting mechanics, such as a morale system that affects combat, and a unique language barrier that enhances the narrative.

The combat system can feel tedious and unbalanced, with slow animations and a lack of depth in strategy.
The interface is clunky, with no option to change keybindings and a frustratingly slow movement speed.
Some side quests can be vague and lead to confusion, making it difficult to progress without extensive exploration.

story
396 mentions
39 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of the game is a nuanced exploration of the horrors of war, focusing on the moral dilemmas faced by soldiers and the impact of military indoctrination. While the narrative is engaging and features well-developed characters, some players feel it suffers from predictability and a lack of depth in certain areas, particularly in its pacing and character interactions. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate story-driven experiences, despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and quest design.
- “Recommended if you want a story about the horrors and uncertainties of war from the perspective of everyday people.”
- “The story is very engaging, and I would personally say its strength lies not so much in the (sort of sci-fi) alternate universe plot, but in its snapshots of how war, and elements surrounding war, affect people.”
- “Long Gone Days is an extremely well-told story about the dark sides of war and what it is to be a soldier.”
- “The main plot is hurt quite a bit by the fast pacing and somewhat nonsensical opening that bristles against the main more serious plot that it doesn't take the time or have the quality of writing to deal with in any meaningful way.”
- “Characters make decisions and arrive at conclusions that the story does not set them up for, making the plot points seem disjointed and ridiculous.”
- “Unfortunately, the game doesn't go in-depth into these topics, but I also believe doing so would detract from the pacing of the main storyline.”
gameplay
118 mentions
39 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating its unique mechanics, such as the morale system and the ability to target specific body parts during combat. However, several reviewers noted that the combat can feel simplistic and unchallenging, with some mechanics underutilized or poorly implemented, leading to a somewhat repetitive experience. Overall, while the gameplay may not be the main draw, it is often seen as serviceable and enjoyable enough to complement the game's strong narrative and character development.
- “The gameplay is fun and engaging, the art style is wonderful to look at both in the pixel format and the character sprites + CGs, the characters are lovable, and the plot is very interesting.”
- “The gameplay is well balanced.”
- “The story is brilliant and exciting, gameplay is evolving and fun, with good side quests that provide a look at the effects of war in the life of citizens...”
- “The body/head mechanic is also useless because a headshot induced paralysis has never occurred throughout my 15-20 hours run.”
- “Gameplay mediocre and boring due to time-wasting quests and mechanics.”
- “Let's start with the gameplay.”
graphics
83 mentions
52 % positive mentions
45 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their beautiful pixel art and anime-inspired designs, which effectively blend nostalgia with modern aesthetics. Players appreciate the attention to detail in character and environment designs, as well as the expressive animations that enhance the overall experience. However, some critiques mention that while the visuals are stunning, they occasionally clash with the darker themes of the narrative.
- “I fell in love with this game a couple of years ago thanks to the beautiful art style, and waited for it to be out of early access to buy it.”
- “The art deserves a special mention; Camila's anime-inspired art style on the game's set pieces and character designs forged a striking balance between realism and emotion. It is very inspiring to look at and carries the feel of the game a ton.”
- “The graphics in pixel are incredible and invoke very nostalgic feelings with the old graphic adventures we used to enjoy in the 90s.”
- “Unfortunately, these two greatest assets clashed with each other, with the cartoony visuals and unexpectedly dark themes (human trafficking, democratic backsliding, murder of children) just not really going together in my opinion.”
- “It's faithful to older 2D JRPGs to a fault; despite a more modern art style, it can be pretty slow with animations, transitions, and prompts to perform actions.”
- “Go into this knowing that you are not buying this game for the graphics, or gameplay.”
music
70 mentions
43 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players praising its ability to enhance the storytelling and atmosphere, featuring a variety of tracks that suit different scenarios. While some find the soundtrack beautiful and fitting, others note that it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's experience, though there are mixed opinions on its memorability and effectiveness during combat.
- “The music is good throughout the game from story tracks, exploration tracks, and battle tracks.”
- “The beautiful artwork, the genuine tense moments, the lovely soundtrack that really enhances the important moments during the game and most importantly the story that just keeps you playing.”
- “The music is so good and sets the mood wonderfully, the environmental and character design is appealing, and the screen never feels boring because something is always moving, even in battles with the enemies having animated portraits.”
- “The soundtrack used in this game isn't memorable or particularly even enjoyable to listen to most of the time -- it's just kind of there to fill in the background so it isn't dead air.”
- “Music: some of the tracks bore me out quickly unfortunately.”
- “The only thing I didn't like was the battle music.”
grinding
18 mentions
11 % positive mentions
6 % neutral mentions
83 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be minimal, with no traditional grinding for experience or resources, which allows for a more focused storytelling experience. However, some players note that the combat can become tedious due to its one-dimensional nature, and while the lack of grinding encourages exploration, certain sidequests can feel overly time-consuming and unclear. The game is praised for its cohesive narrative and unique style, but the slow pace of movement and occasional tediousness in sidequests detracts from the overall experience.
- “Just as there's no grinding, there are no stores either; items have to be found scattered throughout the map or through side quests. It's a nice way of encouraging exploration and appreciating the effort put into laying out the maps.”
- “The game is not grindy.”
- “Combat system is very one-dimensional and boring after a while; many battles are there just for the sake of it, and it gets extremely tedious.”
- “Some of the boss battles are genuine gameplay, but most of it is grinding.”
- “If you walk into this game expecting an RPG that requires grinding, leveling up, and shooting lots of enemies, then you will be disappointed.”
emotional
11 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its impactful storytelling and relatable characters, which evoke a strong sense of empathy and reflection on real-world issues, particularly in the context of war. Players appreciate the touching themes and the genuine bonds between characters, although some feel the game could delve deeper into morally complex situations. Overall, the emotional moments resonate deeply, enhancing the overall experience and engagement with the narrative.
- “The emotional moments hit hard and make you appreciate things more.”
- “That said, the story was very much carried by the themes it represented, which felt rather touching especially in these days where armed conflicts and rivalries have become increasingly commonplace.”
- “The atmosphere in this dystopic modern setting during a war feels real and brutal, the characters are all adorable and you genuinely believe the bonds that bring them together, and there's a lot of touching moments while you help people to stay in high spirits during these difficult times.”
character development
9 mentions
22 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted by well-written narratives and engaging character designs that balance realism and emotion, enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the subtle changes in expressions during conversations and express a desire for more advanced character progression in future updates. The aesthetic appeal, combined with a captivating story and music, contributes to a rich atmosphere that keeps players invested.
- “The art deserves a special mention; Camila's anime-inspired art style on the game's set pieces and character designs forges a striking balance between realism and emotion. It is very inspiring to look at and carries the feel of the game a ton.”
- “Well-written story, twists, character development.”
- “First of all, I would not recommend buying it at full price, unless you are like me and absolutely stricken by the character design.”
- “I look forward to a lot more character development in the future and I hope to see a more advanced and reactive/user-friendly combat system as this game continues its way to being a finished product.”
- “I love the character designs even though they aren't anything elaborate.”
replayability
5 mentions
60 % positive mentions
-20 % neutral mentions
60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is limited, with some users noting potential for varied outcomes based on choices, while others criticize the lack of random encounters and meaningful dialogue options that could enhance replay value. Many reviewers express that the current version feels short and unfinished, contributing to a general sense of low replayability.
- “It has different outcomes depending on what you choose, so there is a good amount of replayability.”
- “I can see it being fairly easy to incorporate replayability into the game.”
- “Make the dialogue options meaningful like in actual visual novels, so that the replayability is truly present.”
- “Expect a short, unfinished game with little replayability.”
- “While I struggle to see any replayability in the current version, I can see it being fairly easy to work into the game.”
- “However, there are no random encounter-style enemies; everything is set in place, so I will concede that there is little to no replay value.”
atmosphere
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is vividly crafted, immersing players in a brutal, dystopian war setting where genuine character bonds and touching moments shine through. The combination of a fitting soundtrack, detailed environments, and a unique combat system enhances the overall experience, making it highly recommended for those seeking a rich narrative and emotional depth.
- “The atmosphere in this dystopic modern setting during a war feels real and brutal. The characters are all adorable, and you genuinely believe in the bonds that bring them together. There are a lot of touching moments as you help people stay in high spirits during these difficult times.”
- “I cannot recommend the game highly enough if you want an amazing atmosphere, story, and character-focused narrative, with a lovely twist on the classic JRPG-style combat system that allows you to target specific limbs like in Fallout's VATS.”
- “The atmosphere in this dystopic modern setting during a war feels real and brutal. The characters are all relatable, and you genuinely believe in the bonds that bring them together. There are many touching moments as you help people stay in high spirits during these difficult times.”
- “The soundtrack and the environments you explore complement the atmosphere the game aims to create, depicting a pre-war zone.”
optimization
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is generally well-received, with a straightforward yet engaging turn-based system that allows for strategic targeting of body parts and unique character abilities. The inclusion of a morale mechanic adds depth to combat performance, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
- “The gameplay is really simple but interesting; it's a classic turn-based game with a twist: you can target single body parts and inflict different status ailments depending on your choice. Each character brings their own unique set of abilities, along with a morale mechanic that impacts your performance in combat.”
humor
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Users generally find the humor in the game enjoyable and appreciate its comedic elements.
- “It was enjoyable, and I liked the humor.”
- “The humor in this game is absolutely hilarious and kept me laughing throughout.”
- “I appreciate the clever jokes and witty dialogue that add a fun twist to the gameplay.”
stability
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Overall, users praise the game's stability, highlighting it as a well-developed early access title that avoids the common pitfalls of being a buggy or broken experience.
- “I thought I'd write up a quick review since this is one of those few good early access games, none of that broken, buggy mess junk.”