Wide Ocean Big Jacket
- March 18, 2020
- Turnfollow
- 5h median play time
Impressive efforts with a few noticeable problems holding them back. Won't astound everyone, but is worth your time and cash.
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIn "Wide Ocean Big Jacket," players follow the story of a teenage couple and their younger cousin and brother on a camping trip. The game features short vignettes of dialogue and exploration, allowing players to get to know the characters and their relationships. With its simple yet charming art style and focus on character development, "Wide Ocean Big Jacket" is a memorable and heartwarming experience.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Phone
Windows
Linux
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- Wide Ocean Big Jacket offers a charming and heartwarming narrative experience that captures the essence of camping and relationships, with well-developed characters and witty dialogue.
- The game's minimalist art style and engaging writing create a cozy atmosphere, making it a delightful way to spend an hour or so.
- Players appreciate the emotional depth and relatability of the characters, often finding themselves laughing and reflecting on their own experiences while playing.
- The game is very short, typically taking only about an hour to complete, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- Some players feel that the lack of meaningful choices and gameplay mechanics makes it feel more like a visual novel than a traditional game.
- A few reviews mention that the pacing can be slow, and the linear nature of the story may not appeal to those looking for more interactive gameplay.
- story152 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game's story is a charming, lighthearted narrative centered around a camping trip, featuring relatable characters and witty dialogue that create a wholesome experience. While the plot is simple and linear, it effectively captures intimate moments of life, love, and personal growth, enhanced by beautiful visuals and a calming atmosphere. Overall, it offers a delightful, short escape that showcases the potential of video games as a storytelling medium.
“Sweet story, witty dialogues, surprisingly beautiful environment... all in all a very wholesome narrative experience.”
“It manages to tell an engaging story with minimal gameplay and a wholesome narrative that's one of the most heartwarming hours I've spent with a game in recent memory!”
“A wonderful story about the smaller, more intimate moments in life with a cute visual style that plays into a sort of storybook feel.”
“There are not many genuine choices in the game; you basically just follow a linear story.”
“It's a story where you might think you have any influence, but you don't.”
“A little slow to start story/action-wise.”
- emotional56 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its heartwarming and wholesome narrative, filled with witty dialogue and relatable moments that resonate deeply with players. Many reviewers noted the game's ability to evoke nostalgia and joy, often leading to tears of happiness, while its charming art and music enhance the overall cozy experience. Overall, it is described as a touching and delightful journey that leaves players feeling uplifted and connected to the characters.
“So endearing and wholesome, I have shed a couple of tears.”
“This game was a lovely and heartwarming experience.”
“It manages to tell an engaging story with minimal gameplay and a wholesome narrative that's one of the most heartwarming hours I've spent with a game in recent memory!”
- humor48 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its charm and relatability, featuring genuinely funny and wholesome dialogue that resonates with players. Reviewers highlight the balance of lightheartedness and emotional depth, making the experience both entertaining and poignant. Overall, the writing and character interactions create a cozy, feel-good atmosphere that leaves players smiling and laughing throughout the short story.
“Such a cute and chill game with funny and wholesome dialogue that can really hit you in the feels at times.”
“I couldn't get enough of the writing and dialogue; it even made me laugh out loud multiple times.”
“Poignant and genuinely funny writing make for a wonderful bite-sized bundle of wholesome summer vibes.”
- graphics44 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by their charming simplicity, featuring bold colors and loosely drawn environments that evoke a strong indie aesthetic. While some may find the visuals too minimalistic, many players appreciate the endearing art style and how it complements the game's wholesome narrative and engaging dialogue. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the laid-back experience, enhancing the emotional journey throughout the gameplay.
“The graphics are striking in their simplicity, with bold colors and loosely drawn environments, and the music is so jaunty and spirited that it invokes happiness.”
“The visuals also mix very well with the mood the story goes for and allow for some really good scene transitions.”
“It's the perfect length for what it is, the writing is great, the visuals are the perfect amount of style and minimal - this was just such a pleasant experience.”
“The graphics are a bit on the simpler side, but the minimalist models and 2D sprites give the game a big indie feel, which only adds to the experience of playing out an indie film.”
“The artwork was, er... I guess I'll just say 'enough'.”
“The art style was jarring at first, but I really fell in love with it by the end.”
- gameplay34 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by minimal mechanics, primarily involving walking and interacting with characters, which may not appeal to everyone. However, the game's charming visuals, engaging dialogue, and well-implemented mechanics create a rewarding experience for those seeking a laid-back narrative journey. While it is short and simple, the emotional depth and quality of writing elevate the overall experience, making it a heartwarming adventure.
“I wasn't expecting to feel so many fleeting emotions throughout the playthrough, and navigating them was as much a part of the game as the cute graphics and the simple mechanics.”
“There is a lot of care given to all the mechanics too: the text is easy to speed up, the sound design is never intrusive, and even the control scheme for the walking/exploration sequences is streamlined to perfection (only one stick).”
“It manages to tell an engaging story with minimal gameplay and a wholesome narrative that's one of the most heartwarming hours I've spent with a game in recent memory!”
“There is no gameplay besides slowly walking around, but the charming visuals and funny dialogue more than make up for it.”
“There's pretty much no gameplay to speak of other than walking around and chatting, but the writing is very good and the experience is quick, charming, funny, and heartfelt.”
“There are some gameplay elements, like getting wood for a fire and things like that, but I guess it would best be called a walking simulator.”
- music28 mentions
- 93 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its upbeat and spirited quality, enhancing the overall experience and complementing the heartfelt writing and charming visuals. Reviewers appreciate the soundtrack's ability to evoke happiness and create a relaxing atmosphere, making it an integral part of the storytelling. Overall, the combination of music and art is described as beautiful and essential to the game's emotional impact.
“The graphics are striking in their simplicity, with bold colors and loosely drawn environments, and the music is so jaunty and spirited that it invokes happiness.”
“The whole experience is curated by an excellent soundtrack.”
“The art is lovely and the music complements the game very well.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its calming and immersive atmosphere, enhanced by strong characterization and a well-crafted narrative. Reviewers highlight the emotional depth and the wholesome "slice of life" elements that contribute to a unique and engaging experience. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate games with a rich atmosphere and storytelling.
“Goes to show how much a well written story can do when supported by clever game design and a great atmosphere.”
“Character design is awesome, atmosphere very calming.”
“Wonderful game full of great atmosphere and storytelling.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its short length, which may limit replayability, yet it still offers enough engaging storytelling to encourage players to revisit it. While some reviewers find the replay value lacking, others appreciate its simplicity and narrative depth, suggesting it can be enjoyable on multiple playthroughs.
“Only downside is that it is short, but replayable for sure.”
“Not much here for replay value, and mercifully unsullied by achievements, but easily a title that raises the storytelling bar in its earnest simplicity.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While users praise the character design as impressive, there is no specific mention of character development or growth within the narrative, suggesting that the focus may be more on aesthetics and atmosphere rather than deep character progression.
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that "Wide Ocean, Big Jacket" effectively avoids unnecessary grinding, focusing instead on delivering a compelling narrative and character development without any padding. This approach enhances the overall experience, making it feel more like a well-crafted short story than a typical game burdened by grind.
