And Roger is a short game, but mostly because I was simply unable to put it down after playing through the opening chapter. Walking the tightrope between some of the darkest subject matter we can experience in life, toying with the expectations of the player and yet still showcasing the warmth and love of human connections during these dark times. It’s especially challenging to explain why And Roger is probably one of the most memorable experiences of the year. For a tale like this, to be told in this particular way just makes sense. It’s medium and message working hand in hand and building on one another. No fat needs to be trimmed, no minigames for the sake of expanding the time spent with it. And Roger might be another one of the perfect examples of why games aren’t just art, but elevate our conception of what art can be, and how it can explore our own humanity. Frankly, it’s a fantastic feeling to be reminded of every once in a while and I’d urge you to seek it out for yourself.

And Roger left me feeling a whirlwind of emotions, from distressed to sympathetic to hopeful, using little more than a mouse cursor. The best compliment I can give is that it reminds me so much of 2018’s Florence, a game I adore, in how it uses clever interactions to communicate relatable feelings and situations. While I wouldn’t wish the plight of its protagonist on my worst enemy, I would happily recommend this experience as another strong example of video games' strength as a storytelling medium.