Do we ever forget our first love? Find out more in our The Last Time I Saw You Review!

Step into the world of The Last Time I Saw You by Maboroshi Artworks, where young love intertwines with the supernatural. This romantic, spirit-filled adventure invites players to explore the tender highs and lows of young love set against a backdrop of enchanting hand-drawn visuals, interactive mechanics, and a cosy lo-fi soundtrack. Ready to embark on this intimate journey? Grab your tissues and find out more in our The Last Time I Saw You Review!

We’ve all been there.

The Last Time I Saw You Review – Story

If you’ve ever longed for the one that got away, The Last Time I Saw You might feel achingly familiar. The story follows Ayumi, a young boy haunted by strange dreams of a young woman and a mysterious connection to the dark, forbidden woods. What begins as a story of adolescence—balancing school, friendships, and budding crushes—soon transforms into a tale of guilt, longing, and greed. Ayumi’s town faces both personal and supernatural demons brought to the surface by a looming typhoon.

Cursed skies and still school goes on!?

While players glimpse the struggles of the townspeople and spirits, the focus stays on Ayumi. He is joined by Amibitsu, a wraith-like forest spirit from his dreams, who needs his help to lift a curse from the vengeful Goddess of Rain. With the fate of his family, friends, and an adorable Shiba Inu (whom you can name) at stake, Ayumi must confront supernatural forces in the woods. He takes on tasks from various characters inspired by Japanese folklore, including a hungry Kappa, a lost spirit, and Samurai Crows.

Maybe he just needs a Kappa’ Joe

Ayumi also receives guidance from a Nekomata and a Celestial Fox, both of whom grapple with their own unrequited quarrels. The winding paths of characters and stories show us that love takes many forms, and no one is immune to its sting. Along the way, Ayumi begins to realise that both the supernatural forest and his everyday life are filled with those who have hurt and been hurt in the name of love.

This pairing might raise some questions – don’t worry they cover it!

Through Ayumi’s journey, the story explores the unintended consequences of our actions. His childlike and clumsy avoidance of family troubles and relationships has left those closest to him feeling forgotten, a gap that players will have to work to repair. But as Ayumi begins to understand the heartache of others—and that the curse afflicting his town is more profound than his own heartbreak—he’s faced with a truth bigger than he imagined. Ayumi soon discovers that Amibitsu has not been forthcoming. He must confront the painful reality that what was never truly his cannot be lost, especially as Amibitsu transitions into the Goddess of Rain and, in doing so, quite literally transcends him.

Nothing a bath can’t fix

With a sense of heartbreak resonating through the narrative, the story finds resolution in an epilogue set six months after the events. Here, Ayumi and the townsfolk begin to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the typhoon, and players are presented with the opportunity to rekindle his childhood romance with Nao. This delicate conclusion offers hope and underscores the resilience of love and community.

The Last Time I Saw You Review – Gameplay

The Last Time I Saw You is a cosy, occasionally spooky, 2D exploration game with a strong narrative focus. The game immerses players in environmental puzzles—often involving ceremonial bells—side quests from townsfolk and spirits, plus a variety of nostalgic collectibles. Each day ends with a wrap-up sequence where Ayumi goes through his evening routine: awkward talks with his parents and a bath before bed. While this effectively reinforces the coming-of-age theme, the repetition can feel stale. Gameplay features light combat as Ayumi periodically uses his bat to disperse shadowy spirits and break apart stubborn rock spirits. However, with three lives that frequently replenish, these encounters feel low-stakes, testing patience rather than skill.

Swing batter batter swing

The platforming elements involve basic jumps, ladders, and relying on Ami’s help to cross obstacles. However, instead of simply jumping onto a ladder, you must hit a prompt, which felt a little clunky. Additionally, taking a wrong turn often leads to unnecessary and timely backtracking. For a break from this, you can enjoy 5 Dragons Legends, played on an old-style television in the living room—oh the nostalgia!

Just one more game of 5 Dragons Legends, Mum!

The Last Time I Saw You Review – Visuals

The hand-drawn style casts a beautifully nostalgic light over Amatsu, reminiscent of 80s Josei manga with its large-eyed characters and soft colour palette. Hazy lighting effects and fluid animations create an immersive atmosphere, enhanced by lens flares and rainbow overlays that give a unique glow to the hand-drawn artwork. While these effects can occasionally feel overdone, distorting characters and dialogue, Maboroshi’s artistry still shines through, leaving me pining for the sun after a rainstorm.

“When it rains look for rainbows, when it’s dark look for stars” – Oscar Wilde.

The Last Time I Saw You Review – Audio

The game’s atmospheric details, from gentle rain and thunderstorms to its meditative lo-fi soundtrack, make it perfect for background play during daily life. While the dialogue is silent, ambient sounds like distant birdsong, rustling leaves, and echoing footsteps enhance its otherworldly tone. Although it may not be ground breaking for fans of this genre, it still offers a pleasurable experience.

Enjoy the moment

The Last Time I Saw You Review – What Else?

While The Last Time I Saw You is packaged as a story about love and acceptance, it delves into much deeper themes as the story unfolds. Set in a post-World War II world, it subtly weaves in elements of trauma, loss, and strained relationships, explored through various viewpoints of the living, dead and celestial. These layered themes add complexity, giving the game an emotional depth that transcends its romantic premise.

Painful memories and generational trauma

The Last Time I Saw You Review – Conclusion

While The Last Time I Saw You may not redefine the coming-of-age romance genre, it offers a haunting twist that will likely prompt reflection on your own past experiences. At its core, its key takeaway is the importance of communication, a sentiment that is hard to fault. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking, heart felt story that shines with the love and dedication it embodies.

If only it was that simple

So, why should you play The Last Time I Saw You?

• Beautiful hand-drawn visuals and atmospheric detail
• Engaging narrative story
• Ambient lo-fi soundtrack to relax to

But why shouldn’t you play The Last Time I Saw You?

• Slow pacing
• Limited character movement and exploration
• You’re not a fan of coming-of-age narratives

A review code was kindly provided by Maboroshi Artworks for the purpose of our The Last Time I Saw You Review.  You can check out our other reviews here and if you haven’t already, be sure to join the Qualbert Discord to find out about the latest game and review updates!