and Roger

and Roger captures the sum and substance of dementia by centering on the perspective of a character with the condition, unveiling a point of view that is often avoided. Seeing the world through Sofia’s eyes leaves a lasting impact, communicating the symptoms of dementia in an understandable language that doesn’t lose nuance in the translation process from idea to game. In much the same way, moments of hope still peek through all the uncertainty and sorrow: Sofia and Roger speaking in different lines—Roger’s wobbly, Sofia’s blocky—but still managing to connect together after some trial and error. For a game so short, and Roger contains countless instances that resonate, that challenge, that linger, that add together to form one of the strongest showings of video games’ outstanding storytelling capabilities.

If you can cope with the sadness and appreciate the glimpses of happier times gone by then you’ll find and Roger a completely unforgettable experience.

‘and Roger’ trusts you to meet it on its own terms, and that trust is rewarded with one of the most affecting stories I've played this year and the last. Its interactive ideas are simple, but every one of them serves a purpose beyond keeping your hands busy. I know for a fact that it's a game I'll remember far longer than the hour it took me to finish.

and Roger is a poignant and meaningful adventure, and the Switch 2 version feels like the strongest console release. This is primarily because it’s so well suited for a mouse-based control scheme, which this offers. It’s a touching tales that leaves an impact on those who play it.

and Roger is one of those games that’s hard to recommend… but only because it’s impossible to talk about it without breaking part of the experience. It’s short, yes. It’s simple in terms of gameplay, too. But what it does with those tools is truly special. If you’re looking for something different, a narrative experience that makes you feel something and doesn’t overstay its welcome, here you have one of those small gems that appears quietly. It’s especially emotional if what it tells resonates with you or somehow represents or identifies with your own experience.

This interactive drama masterfully utilizes gameplay to deliver a deeply emotional and human story. It successfully replaces traditional exposition with symbolic interactions, yet the experience feels derivative of Florence. Despite some unnecessary dialogue and occasional moralizing, it remains a poignant, expertly crafted narrative that proves the unique power of interactive storytelling.

An accomplished interactive novel, and Roger is an impactful, important game. Its one-hour runtime will take you on a ride of emotions leaving its core message to not give up on people, despite how tough, cumbersome or frustrating it, or they, may be.