75
MONSTER
Close your eyes, take a deep breath and let yourself be carried away by the great journey of Season, a third-person atmospheric adventure bicycle road trip game. Explore the world through the eyes of a young woman. Collect artifacts and memories before a mysterious cataclysm washes everything away.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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81
A poetic meditation on memory and time, SEASON dazzles with atmospheric storytelling and existential themes but falters under disjointed pacing, underdeveloped characters, and an abstract narrative that feels aimless, leaving players torn between emotional resonance and frustration.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
68%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
31%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
A poetic meditation on memory and time, SEASON dazzles with atmospheric storytelling and existential themes but falters under disjointed pacing, underdeveloped characters, and an abstract narrative that feels aimless, leaving players torn between emotional resonance and frustration.
Gameplay Mechanics
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73
Praised for its meditative exploration and creative storytelling, SEASON dazzles with atmospheric immersion but stumbles on clunky mechanics, repetitive tasks, and a sluggish pace that tests patience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
29%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
67%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Praised for its meditative exploration and creative storytelling, SEASON dazzles with atmospheric immersion but stumbles on clunky mechanics, repetitive tasks, and a sluggish pace that tests patience.
Graphics and Visual Design
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88
Stunning art direction and immersive visuals praised for painterly style, vibrant colors, and evocative environments. Minor technical flaws and stylistic trade-offs (pop-in, awkward aspect ratios) noted but overshadowed by the game’s breathtaking, hand-drawn charm that anchors its emotional narrative.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
88
Positive Reviews (80-100)
86%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
12%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Stunning art direction and immersive visuals praised for painterly style, vibrant colors, and evocative environments. Minor technical flaws and stylistic trade-offs (pop-in, awkward aspect ratios) noted but overshadowed by the game’s breathtaking, hand-drawn charm that anchors its emotional narrative.
Music and Sound Design
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80
Critics rave about SEASON’s immersive, atmospheric sound design and emotive soundtrack, which elevate its meditative, magical tone through lush environmental audio, DualSense haptics, and Spencer Doran’s delicate compositions. While minor issues—like muffled volumes, uneven voice acting, and overwhelming ambiance—surface, they’re overshadowed by universal praise for the audio’s role in crafting a serene, introspective experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
61%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
39%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics rave about SEASON’s immersive, atmospheric sound design and emotive soundtrack, which elevate its meditative, magical tone through lush environmental audio, DualSense haptics, and Spencer Doran’s delicate compositions. While minor issues—like muffled volumes, uneven voice acting, and overwhelming ambiance—surface, they’re overshadowed by universal praise for the audio’s role in crafting a serene, introspective experience.
Voice Acting
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75
Voice acting in SEASON shines with emotional depth and authenticity, praised for Maureen Adelson’s restrained power and Estelle’s charm, but stilted delivery, inconsistent performances, and technical flaws undermine immersion, creating a mixed experience where standout moments clash with frustrating shortcomings.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
75
Positive Reviews (80-100)
50%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
43%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Voice acting in SEASON shines with emotional depth and authenticity, praised for Maureen Adelson’s restrained power and Estelle’s charm, but stilted delivery, inconsistent performances, and technical flaws undermine immersion, creating a mixed experience where standout moments clash with frustrating shortcomings.
Technical Performance
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62
SEASON: A Letter to the Future shines with polished storytelling and artistry but stumbles on PS5 and PC with erratic performance—frame drops, glitches, and controls—though fixes and minor wins hint at potential, leaving its indie charm as both its flaw and its saving grace.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
62
Positive Reviews (80-100)
9%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
79%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
12%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
SEASON: A Letter to the Future shines with polished storytelling and artistry but stumbles on PS5 and PC with erratic performance—frame drops, glitches, and controls—though fixes and minor wins hint at potential, leaving its indie charm as both its flaw and its saving grace.
Replay Value
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60
While rich environments and branching narratives offer fleeting replay appeal, SEASON’s brevity, linearity, and lack of structured incentives make it a one-time journey—its poetic design prioritizes depth over repetition.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
60
Positive Reviews (80-100)
2%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
83%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
15%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
While rich environments and branching narratives offer fleeting replay appeal, SEASON’s brevity, linearity, and lack of structured incentives make it a one-time journey—its poetic design prioritizes depth over repetition.
Overall Verdict
75
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
75
Positive Reviews (80-100)
65%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
34%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
SEASON: A Letter to the Future dazzles with poetic storytelling and emotional depth, but its minimal gameplay, clunky controls, and abrupt ending undermine an otherwise beautiful, introspective experience.
75
MONSTER
Reviews
111 reviews found92
The Games Machine
Jan 26, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Season is described as a phenomenal experience that is emotionally engaging and rich in storytelling, making it a must-play for sensitive players.
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91
RPG Fan
Jan 31, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
SEASON: A letter to the future is a beautiful and ethereal gaming experience that is genuinely moving and inspiring. Adventure game fans will want to experience it.
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90
Finger Guns
Feb 1, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
SEASON: A letter to the future is a beautifully crafted indie game that excels in storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional engagement, making it a strong recommendation for fans of exploration and narrative-driven experiences.
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90
GameSpew
Jan 26, 2023
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The reviewer highly praises the game, describing it as a delicious, fascinating, and confusing world that is a joy to explore. The freedom given to the player and the ability to create a personal journal are highlighted as special aspects. The reviewer wishes for more content in the game.
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90
The Indie Informer
Jan 26, 2023
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SEASON: A letter to the future will likely be one of the reviewer's favorite games this year. Recommended for scrapbook fiends, fans of stunning scenery, and those who enjoy thoughtful reflection.
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90
God is a Geek
Jan 26, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, the game is an emotional adventure with relatable characters, gorgeous locations, and satisfying scrapbooking, despite some gameplay issues.
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90
TheSixthAxis
Jan 27, 2023
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Sympathetic and thoughtful game that manages to achieve a balance between satisfaction, substance, and imperceptibility
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90
Press Start Australia
Jan 26, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
SEASON: A letter to the future is described as a solid and clever take on storytelling within the medium. Despite some technical issues, it is considered an unforgettable experience.
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90
Gaming Nexus
Jan 26, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
SEASON: A letter to the future is a beautiful work of art that captures powerful motifs of humanity and themes of preservation. It may not be for everyone, but if you approach it with the right expectations and mindset, you might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
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90
IGN Portugal
Jan 27, 2023
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is praised for its unique experience and beautiful world, but the gameplay options are limited.
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