Dear me, I was...

“Dear Me, I Was… isn't just a game: it's an interactive reflection on life, choices, and feelings. In just 45 minutes, it manages to move more than many long narratives, leaving scars and colors that linger even after the final credits. A delicate, profound, and unforgettable experience.”

“Do I recommend the Dear Me, I was…? Absolutely. Do I think the game is worth it at $7.99? I’m going to say no here. If there was just a little bit more to do in the game from a gameplay perspective, like Florence? I would. I’d say $5 is the sweet spot here, so I’d definitely hop on it if I saw it on sale.”

“Dear Me I Was is a marvelous visual novel that manages to tell a lot without ever uttering a single line of dialogue. When it comes to its presentation and storytelling, I have no qualms, this is gold. But if the damn thing was released in a gaming storefront, I have to review it as a game, even if it barely qualifies as one. As such, it’s a one-and-done experience with the bare minimum of interactivity, often relegated to a handful of cutscenes. That being said, let me reiterate: it’s a beautiful little gem, one that will make the most cynical of human beings feel something for the first time in forever.”

“Dear Me, I Was looks absolutely stunning, with every screen of the game feeling like a work of art in its own right. But taking less than an hour to complete, the story here lacks substance, and being told entirely through visuals makes it more difficult to connect with.”

“"Dear me, I was…" is one of those difficult games to analyze, because the experience is entirely about the emotions it makes you feel, and you have to be very careful not to reveal too much. But I can safely say that this is a very easy game to recommend to lovers of narrative adventures and that it reminds you why video games should also be considered works of art.”

“Dear Me, I Was... is a flawed and very short gem, one that chooses to be more emotional to witness than fun to play. Taisuke Kanasaki's style and art are so good that they manage to tell a simple yet moving story without using any word, in what is a beautiful and unprecedented experiment in storytelling techniques. However, its Switch 2 exclusivity leaves much to be desired: interactivity is basically nonexistent, and its very plain puzzles are very generic as they don't take advantage of the console's gimmicks.”

“Dear Me, I Was is a stunning example of visual storytelling. I was trying to say something profound, but it doesn't stick around long enough for it to make an impact. Yes, it's moving and beautiful. But it seems like the start of something, not the end.”

“This thrilling journey with its striking artistic beauty is stunning to behold, but it's extremely difficult to believe that you're watching a video game.”

“Dear Me, I Was... is a classic example of a video game that's more than the sum of its parts. It's clearly aimed at a very specific niche, and for those who enjoy this story, despite its gameplay shortcomings, it might be worth experiencing.”

“In some ways, it feels counterintuitive to write a review of Dear me, I was… - a title which centres upon capturing heavy feelings that can't be so easily put into words. However, it's not every day that a visual novel successfully manages to craft a moving narrative about art, life, and the passage of time solely on the merit of its visual and musical storytelling.Even if the game itself remains silent, Dear me, I was… is worth talking about.”

“Take a moment to sit down, put on a headset, drink a cup of tea and get lost in this artwork. It's something you'll remember.”

“Dear Me, I was… is quite an emotional experience, and I absolutely adored it from start to finish. A few control issues hold it back when playing docked, but I give it my highest possible recommendation if you enjoy moving narratives and want something short to experience on Nintendo Switch 2.”

“Dear me, I was... doesn't want you to play, it wants you to feel. It's more of a visual poem than a video game. It lasts barely a moment, but it can leave your heart in your mouth. Its gameplay is almost non-existent, but if you're drawn to intimate stories that speak of everyday life with brutal sensitivity, this little story can leave a lasting impression.”

“Dear Me, I Was is a short interactive drama by Arc System Works that tells the story of a woman's life through emotional, hand-painted visuals and subtle point-and-click mechanics. Using rotoscoped animation and watercolor art, the game blends narrative and visual storytelling in a unique, deeply personal way. Though minimal in gameplay, every interaction carries emotional weight, making it a heartfelt reflection on memory, loss, and the beauty of everyday life. It’s not for those seeking action, but for players open to unconventional storytelling, it’s a powerful, unforgettable experience.”

“Dear Me, I Was offers reflection on a life accompanied by eye-catching art and gentle piano music. There's very limited interactivity though, and while the story is relatable at some points, it's not particularly unique. It is worth picking up if you're looking for something that will make you sit back and reflect, but it feels as though Dear Me, I Was will only appeal to a very specific audience.”

“Dear Me, I Was is a masterpiece that transcends the traditional limitations of a video game to become pure art. Arc System Works and Maho Taguchi have created something extraordinary: an experience that uses interactivity not as a game, but as a means for direct emotional connection.”

“In just under two hours, Dear Me I Was delivers a profoundly moving and artistic narrative experience without a single word, proving that brevity and visual storytelling can leave an indelible mark on the soul. It's a poignant journey through the nuances of a human life, masterfully crafted to resonate universally.”