Forgotton Anne

The majority of critics praised Forgotton Anne for its rich narrative depth, emotional resonance, and thematic complexity. Reviewers highlighted its exploration of moral dilemmas, class struggle, and existential questions, with many noting how player choices significantly shape the story. Cubed3 emphasized the non-linear, thought-provoking nature of the plot, while Everyeye.it drew comparisons to Studio Ghibli, praising its philosophical reflections on memory and identity. Games.cz and God is a Geek lauded the game’s unique world-building, where forgotten objects gain sentience, and its focus on rebellion and consequences. Push Square and Twinfinite celebrated the emotional engagement, witty writing, and impactful choices that drive Anne’s personal growth, while Adventure Gamers and GameSpew admired its fable-like storytelling and immersive character interactions. The narrative’s ability to balance whimsy with darker themes, such as oppression and self-sacrifice, was a recurring highlight, with critics like The Digital Fix and Xbox Tavern noting its "wonderfully crafted" emotional journey. However, some reviewers pointed to structural and thematic shortcomings. PSX Extreme and Wccftech criticized the plot for being predictable and lacking meaningful branching choices, with the latter noting abrupt tonal shifts and unresolved character motivations in the third act. Gamer.nl and PC Gamer found the story overly conventional, with familiar rebel dynamics and a somewhat simplistic moral framework, while GameCritics argued that the final choice undermined earlier decisions. Additionally, some critics, like Jeuxvideo.com (PC) and Multiplayer.it, felt the narrative’s focus on memory and ethical implications occasionally clashed with its linear structure or failed to fully capitalize on its potential. While these issues were acknowledged, they were often framed as minor blemishes against an otherwise compelling story. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing Forgotton Anne as a standout narrative in the adventure genre. The game’s emotional depth, character development, and thematic ambition resonated strongly, even if some felt its execution had flaws. Critics like IGN Japan and Nintendo Life praised its exploration of identity and existence, while Xbox Achievements and Adventure Gamers highlighted its immersive world and impactful choices. While a few reviewers noted inconsistencies or predictability, the majority agreed that the story’s strengths—its moral complexity, artistic inspiration, and emotional investment—far outweighed its weaknesses. As GamesBeat observed, even with its predictable elements, the narrative’s commitment to its consequences and layered decisions made it a memorable experience, reinforcing its status as a critically acclaimed tale of rebellion, identity, and redemption.

The gameplay of Forgotton Anne receives praise for its creative puzzle-solving mechanics and narrative-driven exploration. Many reviewers highlight the use of the Arca tool and Anima abilities as innovative elements that allow players to manipulate environments in unique ways, fostering a sense of creativity. For instance, Jeuxvideo.com and Push Square commend the balance between skill and creativity in challenges, while PlaySense draws favorable comparisons to classic platformers like Prince of Persia, noting the engaging and accessible nature of the mechanics. Additionally, Nintendo Life and Xbox Tavern appreciate the game’s emphasis on storytelling, with puzzles that are logical, progressive, and designed to complement the narrative without causing frustration. The variety of traversal methods—such as mechanical wings and energy manipulation—also earns nods for adding depth to exploration. However, the gameplay is frequently criticized for its technical shortcomings and repetitive design. Multiple reviewers, including Cubed3, Games.cz, and God is a Geek, point to clunky controls, sluggish movement, and imprecise platforming that hinder immersion. The reliance on precise inputs for Anne’s mechanical wings and jumps leads to frustration, with some calling the mechanics "rigid" (Jeuxvideo.com) or "unresponsive" (Wccftech). Puzzles are often deemed simplistic or repetitive, with Everyeye.it and PSX Extreme noting a lack of variety that diminishes engagement. Issues like tedious backtracking for collectibles, under-explained solutions, and overly complex trial-and-error mechanics further detract from the experience, as highlighted by TheXboxHub and COGconnected. Even the final boss battle is criticized for its disjointed design, according to The Digital Fix. Overall, critics agree that Forgotton Anne’s gameplay is a mixed bag, with its strengths in puzzle creativity and narrative integration overshadowed by technical flaws. While the Arca-based mechanics and exploration are lauded as standout features—particularly by reviewers like Push Square and Nintendo Life—the platforming and control responsiveness consistently draw criticism. The consensus leans toward acknowledging the game’s artistic vision and accessibility but recognizing that its gameplay mechanics, though functional, lack the polish and innovation to fully elevate the experience. As PC Gamer notes, the "outdated" platforming mechanics and repetitive puzzles create a divisive impression, yet many reviewers concede that the game remains a worthwhile, story-focused adventure despite these shortcomings.

The overwhelming consensus among critics is that Forgotton Anne’s graphics and visual design are a standout achievement, with nearly all reviewers praising its hand-drawn anime aesthetic inspired by Studio Ghibli. Cubed3 lauds the “stunning hand-drawn anime aesthetic reminiscent of Studio Ghibli,” while Hardcore Gamer highlights the blend of “20th-century Disney whimsy” with Ghibli’s soft palettes. The game’s 2D environments are celebrated for their intricate details, vibrant color palettes, and immersive world-building. For instance, Games.cz notes the “enchanting aesthetic” that complements the story’s melancholic yet whimsical tone, and PSX Extreme calls it a “cinematic masterpiece” with “hand-drawn 2.5D animation.” Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Twinfinite emphasize the dreamlike atmosphere created by fluid transitions between cutscenes and gameplay, as well as meticulous attention to lighting and environmental design. The art direction is frequently compared to classic anime and Studio Ghibli films, with Nintendo Life noting a “distinct anime style” blending Edwardian England and dystopian elements, while Adventure Gamers praises the “multi-layered environments” that evoke a sense of wonder. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some critics point to minor flaws in the visual design. Everyeye.it notes that 2D character models feel “less refined due to budget constraints,” and IGN Japan mentions “awkward animations” in certain event scenes alongside a “mismatched font choice.” PlayStation Country observes that cutscenes and character designs are “slightly less polished” compared to the game’s environments, while Multiplayer.it criticizes the “less polished” character designs of Anne and Master Bonku. Additionally, PC Gamer acknowledges “indie budget limitations” in some moments, and USgamer points out that “environmental elements blend too well with the background,” causing confusion during exploration. These critiques, though notable, are generally framed as minor drawbacks rather than major issues, with most reviewers agreeing that the art style’s strengths far outweigh its imperfections. Overall, the critics’ analysis reflects a strong consensus that Forgotton Anne’s graphics and visual design are a defining strength of the game. The Ghibli-inspired hand-drawn aesthetic, detailed environments, and immersive world-building are consistently highlighted as exceptional, with many reviewers likening the experience to classic anime films. While some critiques about character polish and technical limitations exist, they are overshadowed by the widespread admiration for the game’s artistic vision. As noted by GameSpew and Xbox Tavern, the visuals create an “enchanting and immersive world,” while Nintendo Life emphasizes the “cohesive, artistic aesthetic” that enhances storytelling. The majority of critics agree that Forgotton Anne’s visual design is not only beautiful but integral to its emotional and narrative impact, solidifying its reputation as a visually stunning achievement in indie gaming.

The overwhelming majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Forgotton Anne, with many highlighting the orchestral score by the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra as a standout element. Reviewers consistently noted how the music enhances the game’s cinematic quality, emotional depth, and atmospheric immersion. For instance, Everyeye.it described the soundtrack as “harmonious and emotionally resonant,” while Games.cz called it “equally enchanting,” emphasizing its role in complementing the surreal and melancholic world of forgotten items. God is a Geek and IGN Japan both lauded the score for its ability to blend seamlessly with the narrative and environments, creating a cohesive and evocative experience. PlaySense and PlayStation Country similarly praised the “excellent” audio and “atmospheric orchestral score,” underscoring how the music elevates the game’s storytelling and emotional tone. The orchestral elements were frequently described as exceptional, with Multiplayer.it calling it “stupenda” (wonderful) and Worth Playing noting its ability to balance whimsical and melancholic tones effectively. While the majority of reviews celebrated the music, a few critics pointed out minor flaws in the sound design. Cubed3 noted that some voice acting accents were “overly exaggerated and annoying,” which occasionally detracted from the experience. Additionally, Adventure Gamers criticized the background music for sometimes drowning out dialogue, requiring players to rely on subtitles for clarity—a limitation they found frustrating. These critiques were relatively isolated, with most reviewers focusing on the strengths of the orchestral score rather than its technical execution. The lack of detailed discussion about sound effects or ambient audio in several reviews (e.g., Xbox Tavern and Nintenderos) also suggests that while the music was a focal point, other auditory elements were less scrutinized. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music widely regarded as a key strength of Forgotton Anne. The orchestral score by the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra was consistently praised for its emotional resonance, cinematic quality, and ability to enhance the game’s narrative and atmosphere across platforms. While some reviewers noted isolated issues—such as voice acting or audio balance—the majority emphasized how the music elevated the experience, making it a memorable and immersive component of the game. As Jeuxvideo.com and COGconnected highlighted, the score not only complemented the visuals but also deepened the emotional impact of the story, reinforcing the game’s artistic vision. This widespread acclaim underscores the significant role that sound design and music played in shaping Forgotton Anne’s unique charm and storytelling.

The voice acting in Forgotton Anne is widely praised for its creativity, diversity, and emotional resonance. Critics highlight the game’s ability to bring anthropomorphic characters to life through distinct personalities and regional accents, such as the grumpy teddy bear and anxious lampshade noted by Cubed3, or the Cockney and Yorkshire dialects mentioned by Nintendo Life. The performances are lauded for their charm and depth, with standout roles like Magnum, a Magnum pistol character, receiving particular acclaim from God is a Geek. Reviewers like Everyeye.it and The Digital Fix emphasize the effort in crafting unique voices, even with limited budgets, while PlayStation Universe and Worth Playing commend how the voice acting humanizes the "Forgotlings," fostering emotional connections despite their inanimate origins. The inclusion of French subtitles (as noted by Jeuxvideo.com) and strong English performances further enhances accessibility and immersion. However, some critiques point to uneven quality and occasional missteps. Cubed3 criticizes extreme accents that occasionally distract from the experience, while Twinfinite notes awkwardly written or rushed dialogue for minor characters. TheXboxHub mentions varying vocal conviction, with certain performances feeling less impactful, and Adventure Gamers points out repetition in secondary characters’ voices. Additionally, PC Games highlights a lack of German audio localization, which may inconvenience some players. These issues, though not universally severe, suggest that while the voice acting is generally strong, it occasionally falters under the weight of its ambitious design or narrative pacing. Overall, the consensus among critics leans overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Forgotton Anne’s voice acting significantly enhances its storytelling and charm. While minor flaws exist—such as uneven character delivery or occasional dialogue issues—the majority of reviews celebrate the game’s creative use of voices to enrich its world. The Digital Fix’s praise for Rachael Messer’s performance as Anne, along with GameSpew’s acknowledgment of regional accents adding "charm," underscores the broad appreciation for the cast’s contributions. Despite some critiques, the voice acting is consistently viewed as a key strength, contributing to the game’s immersive and emotionally engaging experience.

The technical performance of Forgotton Anne varies across platforms, with some notable strengths. On PS4, critics like Cubed3 and God is a Geek acknowledge the game’s artistic merits despite minor polish issues, while PlayStation Universe highlights its general stability. For Nintendo Switch, Nintenderos praises smooth frame rates in handheld mode and acceptable load times, and Nintendo Life notes that technical limitations are framed as trade-offs for the game’s visual style. On PC, Adventure Gamers and PC Gamer commend reliable performance with no major crashes, while USgamer highlights consistent gameplay despite mechanical quirks. These positives suggest the game is technically sound overall, even if not flawless. However, several platform-specific negatives emerge. On PS4, multiple critics (e.g., Everyeye.it, Games.cz, IGN Japan) criticize sluggish controls, awkward animations, and camera issues that disrupt flow, with God is a Geek noting stuttery movement. Xbox One sees similar concerns: TheXboxHub mentions text errors and camera glitches, while Xbox Achievements highlight imprecise platforming. On Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Life points to low frame rates (8–12fps) affecting precision, which contrasts with Nintenderos’ positive remarks about performance. For PC, GameCritics, Gamer.nl, and Gamersky all cite clunky controls and animation glitches, while GamesBeat and USgamer describe floaty jumps and input delays that hinder gameplay. These issues collectively point to platform-specific technical challenges. The overall consensus among critics is that Forgotton Anne suffers from minor but persistent technical flaws across all platforms, particularly in control responsiveness and animation polish. While PS4 and PC receive the most criticism for unresponsive mechanics and glitches, the Switch’s performance stands out as more stable despite its graphical trade-offs. Critics like Cubed3 and God is a Geek emphasize that these issues don’t entirely detract from the game’s charm or artistic vision, but they do create friction in core gameplay. TheXbox One and PC versions face similar challenges, with some reviewers noting that minor bugs and design quirks are more noticeable on those platforms. Ultimately, while Forgotton Anne is technically competent, its platform-specific shortcomings reveal a need for refinement to fully realize its creative potential.

The reviewers generally acknowledge that Forgotton Anne offers several elements that enhance its replay value. Multiple critics highlight the game’s branching narrative and moral choices, which encourage players to revisit decisions for different outcomes. For instance, Games.cz emphasizes that key decisions lead to multiple endings, while PlayStation Universe praises non-linear choices and collectibles as incentives for exploring all story paths. Adventure Gamers notes the “The Bridge” mode, allowing players to revisit decisions and collect items, and Xbox Achievements points out hidden achievements and collectibles that add variety. Additionally, Cubed3 mentions checkpoint-based exploration and alternative choices, even if unskippable dialogue slightly hinders convenience. These features collectively create a foundation for replayability, particularly for players interested in narrative experimentation or collecting content. However, several critics point to significant limitations that reduce long-term replay appeal. The game’s short runtime—often cited as 6–10 hours by PSX Extreme, Multiplayer.it, and PC Gamer—is a recurring concern, with some arguing that the brevity makes repeated playthroughs feel redundant. Jeuxvideo.com (multiple mentions) and Nintendo Life note that while choices exist, their impact is often minimal or predictable, leading to a lack of meaningful variation. PlaySense explicitly states that story and gameplay offer little new on subsequent plays, and PC Gamer criticizes repetitive exploration and unskippable dialogue as drawbacks. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and Gamer.nl highlight the game’s linear structure and predictable endings, which dampen incentives for multiple playthroughs despite collectibles or branching paths. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward moderate replay value. While Games.cz, PlayStation Universe, and Adventure Gamers celebrate the narrative depth and collectible-driven exploration as strong positives, others like PSX Extreme, Multiplayer.it, and PC Gamer argue that the game’s short length and limited decision impact diminish its longevity. The divide reflects differing priorities: some players may appreciate the game’s unique setting and moral choices enough to revisit it for different outcomes, while others find the lack of substantial variation and repetitive elements unappealing. Ultimately, Forgotton Anne seems to offer a decent but not exceptional replay value, with its strengths in narrative experimentation tempered by structural constraints.