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Long Gone Days

Long Gone Days has enough going for it for RPG veterans to enjoy, and also keeps things simple enough for newcomers and would serve as an excellent entry point for those who are new to the genre. This is perhaps one of the greatest strengths of the game. Playing it safe doesn't always pay off, but in this case, with the help of a few great moments peppered throughout, the largely reliable pillars of classic RPG mechanics hold up very nicely in this title.
Long Gone Days Game Cover
85%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
grinding, character development
88% User Score Based on 338 reviews
Critic Score 70%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

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Long Gone Days Game Cover

About

Long Gone Days is a single player role playing game with a warfare theme. It was developed by This I Dreamt and was released on March 27, 2018. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

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
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
Long Gone Days screenshot
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88%
Audience ScoreBased on 338 reviews
story163 positive mentions
grinding17 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique turn-based combat system that allows players to target specific body parts, adding a strategic layer to battles.
  • The pixel art and overall art style are visually stunning, with beautifully animated scenes that enhance the storytelling experience.
  • The narrative is engaging, exploring themes of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the impact of war on individuals, making it a thought-provoking experience.
  • The ending is heavily influenced by player choices, which can lead to frustration if players miss opportunities to achieve the ideal outcome.
  • The combat can feel repetitive and lacks depth, with a limited enemy roster and simplistic strategies that may not challenge experienced players.
  • Some side quests can be tedious and may disrupt the pacing of the main story, making exploration feel less rewarding.
  • story
    446 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Long Gone Days" is a compelling exploration of war, morality, and personal transformation, centered around Rourke, a young sniper who grapples with the consequences of his actions after deserting his military organization. While the narrative is rich with political intrigue and emotional depth, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues and predictable elements, with some characters lacking development. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging storytelling, well-crafted dialogue, and the ability to evoke empathy, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven RPGs.

    • “The heart of this game (and frankly the best part) is its story with all its political intrigue, moral quandaries of ends vs means, and found families spanning past country boundaries.”
    • “Rourke’s transformation from obedient soldier to disillusioned wanderer is handled with sensitivity and restraint, and the supporting characters, such as the medic Adair and the interpreter Lynn, provide contrasting perspectives that enrich the moral complexity of the story.”
    • “It's not a story about victory or defeat but about survival, regret, and the search for meaning in a world fractured by lies and fear.”
    • “The story is very predictable and simple.”
    • “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.”
    • “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
    135 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Long Gone Days" combines traditional RPG mechanics with unique elements, such as a sniper mode and a body part targeting system, which add depth but often feel underdeveloped. While some players appreciate the narrative and thematic integration of gameplay, many find the mechanics simplistic and occasionally frustrating, leading to a perception that the gameplay is secondary to the story. Overall, the game offers a mix of engaging moments and mediocrity, with room for improvement in combat and mechanics.

    • “At its core, Long Gone Days uses traditional RPG mechanics but applies them in unconventional ways.”
    • “The sniper sequences are a standout mechanic, offering moments of tension and precision where you must locate and eliminate targets across vast distances.”
    • “The gameplay is fun and engaging, the art style is wonderful to look at both in the pixel format and the character sprites, the characters are lovable, and the plot is very interesting.”
    • “Its ambition sometimes outpaces its mechanics, leading to moments where gameplay feels secondary to storytelling.”
    • “Long Gone Days is a game where I mostly tolerated the gameplay in order to experience the story.”
    • “Gameplay is mediocre and boring due to time-wasting quests and mechanics.”
  • graphics
    86 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning pixel art and anime-inspired visuals, which are described as vibrant, detailed, and beautifully animated. Many reviewers highlight the art style's ability to evoke nostalgia while effectively blending charming character designs with atmospheric environments. However, some players noted a dissonance between the game's lighthearted visuals and its darker themes, which may affect immersion. Overall, the artwork is considered a standout feature that enhances the storytelling experience.

    • “The pixel art and general art style is top notch, with the animated scenes oozing with style and flair.”
    • “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 visuals are fantastic, with both the pixel graphics and the anime style cutscenes being extremely detailed, expressive, and beautifully animated.”
    • “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.”
    • “Go into this knowing that you are not buying this game for the graphics, or gameplay.”
    • “The graphics in the battle phase of things is just ordinary to me, I see where all the time and effort was put into.”
  • music
    73 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally well-received, with many praising its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance the storytelling and gameplay experience. While some tracks are described as excellent and fitting, others note that certain pieces can become repetitive over time. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong aspect of the game, contributing positively to its immersive environment.

    • “The soundtrack, composed of atmospheric electronic and orchestral pieces, enhances this mood with restraint.”
    • “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 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 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 soundtrack, is also, incredibly boring.”
  • emotional
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Long Gone Days" is highlighted by its deep narrative that intertwines military fiction with moral introspection, creating a poignant experience that emphasizes empathy and realism over traditional combat mechanics. Players resonate with the characters' struggles and emotional arcs, although some feel that the short runtime limits the development of supporting characters. Overall, the game is praised for its heartfelt writing, engaging themes, and the ability to evoke genuine emotional responses, making it a standout in the genre for those seeking introspective storytelling.

    • “Long Gone Days is a narrative-driven role-playing game that merges military fiction, moral introspection, and social commentary into a single, emotionally charged experience.”
    • “By grounding its narrative in empathy and realism rather than spectacle, it achieves an emotional authenticity that few games in the genre attempt.”
    • “The emotional moments hit hard and make you appreciate things more.”
  • grinding
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game effectively eliminates traditional grinding, focusing instead on narrative-driven encounters and exploration, which allows for a more cohesive experience. While this design choice enhances storytelling, some players find the combat repetitive and the sidequests tedious, leading to a mixed reception regarding gameplay engagement. The absence of grinding and random battles is appreciated, but it may leave some players wanting more depth in combat and quest navigation.

    • “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.”
    • “Part of why the game only took me around 13 hours to beat is because there's no experience system, no difficulty spikes, and no grinding (thank god).”
    • “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.”
  • character development
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highlighted by its relatable, everyday characters and impressive art direction, which balances realism and emotion. While the character designs are simple yet appealing, players express a desire for deeper character growth and more advanced gameplay mechanics in future updates. Overall, the aesthetic and emotional depth of the characters contribute significantly to the game's charm.

    • “The main cast of characters are mostly just a bunch of everyday people, and the character design shows that by making the characters look rather normal, but in the best way.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • atmosphere
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive and emotional depth, enhanced by a well-crafted soundtrack that blends electronic and orchestral elements. Set in a brutal, dystopian war environment, the vibrant art style and relatable characters contribute to a genuine sense of connection and poignancy throughout the narrative. Overall, players commend the game's ability to create a compelling atmosphere that complements its story and character-driven gameplay.

    • “The soundtrack, composed of atmospheric electronic and orchestral pieces, enhances this mood with restraint.”
    • “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. There are a lot of touching moments while you help people stay in high spirits during these difficult times.”
    • “The soundtrack and the places you move around complement the atmosphere the game aims to create, set in a pre-war zone.”
    • “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.”
  • replayability
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is limited, with many users noting a lack of random encounters and meaningful choices that would encourage multiple playthroughs. While some potential for varied outcomes exists, the current version is seen as short and unfinished, leading to a consensus that replay value is minimal. Enhancing dialogue options could improve this aspect in future updates.

    • “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 count 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.”
  • humor
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is well-received, with characters like Rourke and Adair providing amusing moments as they navigate life outside the core. Atiye and Pascal also contribute with their cute and funny interactions, adding to the overall enjoyment of the game's comedic elements.

    • “The characters were a delight, and it was funny at times seeing how Rourke and Adair were experiencing life outside of the core.”
    • “Atiye and Pascal were fine additions; they had their funny and cute moments.”
    • “It was enjoyable, and I liked the humor.”
  • optimization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is praised for its solid and smooth performance, enhancing the simple yet engaging turn-based gameplay. Players appreciate the unique targeting system and character abilities, which contribute to a well-optimized combat experience.

    • “Performance is extremely solid and smooth.”
    • “The gameplay is really simple but interesting; it's a classic turn-based game with a twist: you can target single body parts and deal different status ailments depending on the part you target. Every character brings their own set of abilities, along with a morale mechanic that impacts your performance in combat.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized, with users feeling that the gameplay does not live up to the standards of classic JRPGs, suggesting that the focus on monetization may detract from the overall experience.

    • “The monetization system feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money to enjoy the game fully.”
    • “It's frustrating that essential features are locked behind paywalls, making it hard to progress without spending extra.”
    • “The constant prompts to purchase in-game currency disrupt the experience and make it feel more like a cash grab than a game.”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, users praise the game's stability, highlighting it as a well-functioning early access title that avoids the common pitfalls of being a buggy or broken experience.

    • “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
    • “I experienced constant lag and frame drops, which ruined the overall experience.”
    • “There are numerous bugs that disrupt gameplay, and the stability is a major concern.”
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70%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
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5h Median play time
4h Average play time
2-6h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 3 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Long Gone Days is a role playing game with warfare theme.

Long Gone Days is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

The main story can be completed in around 5 hours. On average players spend around 4 hours playing Long Gone Days.

Long Gone Days was released on March 27, 2018.

Long Gone Days was developed by This I Dreamt.

Long Gone Days has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Long Gone Days is a single player game.

Similar games include Long Gone Days, Small Saga, Celestian Tales: Old North, Jack Move, Bloomtown: A Different Story and others.