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Return to Ash

71%Game Brain Score
story, music
gameplay
100% User Score Based on 22 reviews

Platforms

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About

“The hospital was empty. Quiet, and brighter than usual... like waking up on a snow day. But I didn't feel cold. I didn't feel much of anything.”

Return to Ash screenshot
Return to Ash screenshot
Return to Ash screenshot
Return to Ash screenshot
Return to Ash screenshot
Return to Ash screenshot
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100%
Audience ScoreBased on 22 reviews
story3 positive mentions

  • The game features beautiful art, great music, and a touching story that resonates with players, often evoking deep emotions.
  • It offers a short yet engaging experience with multiple endings that encourage players to explore different narratives and character backstories.
  • The writing and character development are praised for their relatability and depth, making the themes of loneliness and connection impactful.
  • Some players found the game to be too short, with a playtime of around 2-4 hours, which may leave them wanting more content.
  • While the game is charming, some reviewers felt it lacked more dramatic elements and details in the storytelling.
  • The gameplay is quite simple and may not appeal to those looking for more complex mechanics or interactive elements.
  • story
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story is praised for its emotional depth and nuanced storytelling, complemented by beautiful visuals and a fitting soundtrack. Players appreciate the engaging narrative that unfolds gradually, encouraging deeper exploration and investment in the plot. Overall, the story captivates and keeps players eager for more.

    • “Cute art, great music, tear-jerking story with lots of nuances.”
    • “Also feel the soundtrack was meshed very well with the story, and how each playthrough meaningfully contributed to the overall feel of the game.”
    • “I didn't expect myself to want to dig so deep into the story, but as with most games involving Sophie Gray/Nomnomnami, I just got sucked in.”
  • music
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere and complement the story, with many users noting its calming qualities and emotional depth. The soundtrack is described as beautifully crafted, seamlessly integrating with the gameplay to create a meaningful experience. Overall, it contributes significantly to the game's artistic and narrative appeal.

    • “Also feel the soundtrack was meshed very well with the story, and how each playthrough meaningfully contributed to the overall feel of the game.”
    • “The music greatly helps the atmosphere.”
    • “I want the background music for when I'm working, perfect for the game and really calming.”
  • emotional
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with players noting its ability to evoke deep feelings and introspection, often leaving them in tears. The characters are described as relatable and human, contributing to the game's touching narrative about life, death, and the afterlife. Overall, it is recognized as a beautiful indie experience that resonates on a profound emotional level.

    • “Very emotional, and like most of nomnomnami's work, it leaves you either in tears, reconsidering an aspect of your life you hadn't before, or both.”
    • “The characters are all touching, all very human - with their qualities and defects.”
    • “A short but pretty touching visual novel of a young adult waking up in the afterlife with trials from death to potentially revive in the real world.”
  • graphics
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics are praised for their nice art and visuals, with a particular appreciation for the monochrome art style that enhances the game's emotional storytelling. The overall aesthetic, combined with the music, contributes to a touching experience.

    • “Nice art, story, visuals, and music.”
    • “Really touching game, and I love the monochrome art style!”
  • gameplay
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is praised for its simplicity and accessibility, allowing players to easily progress through the story. It follows a classic visual novel format without complex mechanics, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate straightforward storytelling.

    • “I really appreciated the simple nature of the gameplay; it's very easy to play through and get tidbits of the story each time!”
    • “The gameplay mechanics are intuitive and engaging, making it easy to immerse myself in the experience.”
    • “I love how the gameplay encourages exploration and experimentation, keeping each session fresh and exciting.”
    • “There are no particular gameplay mechanics like in 'Bad End Theater' where it's roughly a collect-a-end, or 'Her Tears Were My Light' with the ability to move forward by rewinding. It's more of a classic visual novel, but it feels lacking.”
    • “The gameplay is very simplistic and doesn't offer much depth or engagement, making it feel repetitive over time.”
    • “While the story has its moments, the gameplay itself is quite dull and doesn't provide enough interaction to keep players invested.”
  • atmosphere
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music significantly enhances the game's atmosphere, contributing to an immersive experience for players.

    • “The music greatly enhances the atmosphere.”
    • “The game's environment is incredibly immersive, making you feel like you're truly part of the world.”
    • “The combination of visuals and sound design creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after playing.”
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