Half Past Fate

It’s a perfect blend of 2D sprites and 3D environments, and everything from the character models to the tiny cups of coffee burst with personality - it’s one of the most beautiful pixel art games we’ve seen in a good while. Similarly, the music is wonderfully upbeat, and the combination of this along with the colourful visuals make for an incredibly pleasant gaming experience.

Half Past Fate managed to hold my attention even if it didn't entirely sweep me off my feet. The gameplay is a little lacking in variety, but the characters and their world are vibrant and full of life. As you follow their ups and downs across these 12 vignettes, it's impossible not to root for each character to succeed in their quest for love. The in-game achievements give an incentive to explore more thoroughly, and the accessible nature of the game means anyone can enjoy it. If you're looking for the adventure game equivalent of meet-cute, schedule a date with Half Past Fate.

Half Past Fate's laid-back storyline and cute artwork leave you feeling relaxed and fulfilled. If you’re looking for a challenge though, you aren’t going to find it here. If you're new to the genre, it’s a nice way to get a feel for the style without getting overwhelmed by dozens of buttons, options and paths to follow.

With its gorgeous art, energetic soundtrack, and breezy narrative, Half Past Fate exudes positivity from top to bottom. There isn't much actual gameplay to speak of and the writing won't blow your mind, but if you're looking for an experience that just makes you feel good for a few hours, then this is it.

While Half Past Fate is pleasant, that's really all it has going for it. There's nothing bad about it, but it just doesn't do anything to stand out. I'm always excited to see more diverse protagonists and better representation in video games, but I also want to be engaged by the characters and world through writing and gameplay. The fact that Half Past Fate fails to make any of these things consistently interesting is disappointing.

An interactive romantic comedy film isn’t a bad idea. Just not a particularly exciting one. Which perfectly sums up Half Past Fate.

Half Past Fate on the Nintendo Switch brings a good mix of a marvelous visual environment and a funny plot which will find a good place with fans of romantic comedies. Other players might find it less appealing, and the game's short lifespan and rather high retail price is more likely to put them off.