Forgotton Anne Review (Nintendo Switch)

Game: Forgotton Anne
System: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Throughline Games
Publisher: Square Enix Europe LTD
Price:  £15.99 | $19.99 | € 19,99
Rating: EU 12+| America 10+
Release date: 9th November 2018
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox and PC

No review code was provided for this game

Wow, what a game!

It’s fitting to play Forgotton Anne at this time of year. Having just come through another Christmas period, I’ve spent time reminiscing over long-forgotten toys and objects. The game’s story takes place in the Forgotten Lands, which is inhabited by discarded items such as old suitcases, blankets, lava lamps, scarfs, toys etc.

All of it reminds me of Toy Story 3, where Woody and the gang struggle to come to terms with Andy’s coming of age. Humans abandon their once much-loved objects for newer, better up to date items. At other times we merely outgrow things.

But what if these long-forgotten items were sentient beings with feelings?

Heaven for Forgotlings

If you were an old scarf (imagine for a moment that items have feelings), I wonder what your idea of heaven would be? In Forgotton Anne, Heaven is called the Ether. The Ether is a magical place in which Forgotlings and their humans are reunited. To make access to the Ether possible, Master Bonku is building a bridge, and Anne’s job as the enforcer is to police the Forgotten Lands. A large number of Forgotlings support Bonku, but there’s a small rebel group that opposes him at all costs. There’s plenty of twists in the tale, but the story is expertly told, wonderfully acted, and very emotive.

The game also does a great job of making the player ask questions. Just who is Anne? What are Master Bonku’s real intentions? Are the rebels villains or are they fighting a just cause? Has Anne and the majority of Forgotlings been misled to believe a lie? Just whose telling the truth?

The game not only encourages you to see that not all is black and white. It also sheds a new light on items that we often carelessly discard. Isn’t one person’s rubbish potentially another’s treasure? Why are humans so quick to outgrow and discard items which could still be useful to others. Could a scarf have feelings? What about unplayed consoles at home which are gathering dust. O poor 3DS!!!

Even more importantly: what about human relationships? Aren’t we also prone to forget people? Perhaps New Year Celebrations and singing Auld Lang Syne made be more thoughtful about the game.

About Anima

Forgotten Anne is a high-quality cinematic adventure. The story begins with Anne investigating a serious of rebel-caused explosions. Players must control Anne, and get to grips with her renowned Arca glove.

Anima is the life and power source of the Forgotten Land. With her Arca glove, Anne absorbs and uses Anima to activate switches, solve puzzles, open up new areas and even interrogate rebels. Very soon into the story, it becomes apparent just how lethal the Arca can be to Forgotlings. This thing can suck out their soul. Anne herself uses it to drag confessions out of Forgotlings!

Each area is made up of well-drawn environments which include run-down buildings, train carriages, warehouses, tunnels etc. As well as puzzles, the game consists of platforming and exploration. Thankfully, everything is designed so well that both novice and expert players can enjoy it. Whether you’re interrogating rebels, running and jumping from rooftop to rooftop, or investigating a crime scene, there’s something for everyone.

Regarding sound, the game boasts a great soundtrack, as well as voice acting. This along with the game’s visual presentation makes it feel so alive!

A Touching Story

Forgotten Anne’s story is very touching. The way writers develop Anne by causing her to question herself, past actions, and her motivations are brilliant. It deals with issues such as abandonment, forgiveness, restoration, love, and sacrifice.

The game’s character development, in general, is so powerful that you even begin to feel for old blankets, quills, and an old dressing dummy.

I love Forgetton Anne! I can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone that’s looking for a unique cinematic adventure experience on Switch.

My one criticism is that gameplay elements can feel a little basic. If you’re looking for deep gameplay then Forgotton Anne isn’t for you but what it lacks in gameplay, it makes up for with a deep storyline.

Warning

Forgotton Anne does force players into making hard choices. For instance, on one occasion, Anne must torture a Forgotling in order to make progression. There may be other times when the only way forward may involve distilling (killing) a Forgotling. Forgotten Anne really pulls at your heartstrings at such moments. Also throughout the game, players are given options that allow them to interact with Forgotlings in either a harsh or compassionate way. I personally always leaned towards compassionate but sometimes a situation may demand otherwise.

Conclusion

I’m giving Forgotton Anne a I Like it a Lot, though I was even tempted for a moment to give it the Two Thumbs Up if not for the basic gameplay.

Have you played Forgotton Anne too? I’m very interested to hear your thoughts in the comments. Do you share my enthusiasm or completely disagree with me?