In Simpler Times, you step into the shoes of Taina as she prepares to move out of her childhood home and begin the next chapter of her life. Relive her memories and learn how she grew into the creative, expressive person she has become.
This is a contemplative, cosy experience. There is no failing or fighting. As developers Stoneskip say, there are “just vibes”.
A Journey Through Memories
The subtle narration unfolds through careful observation and exploration, rewarding those who embrace Simpler Times’ reflective nature. Although the game is set in a single room, the environment changes, encouraging players to take their time and absorb the emotional weight of each memory.
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Gameplay mechanics are straightforward yet deeply satisfying. There’s no walking around per se, you click on parts of a room and move to that location. You can also get a closer look by using the left and right triggers to adjust your field of view.
The developers recommended using a controller to play through it, but a mouse and keyboard work just as nicely.
There’s a checklist of tasks to complete, and it’s rewarding to tick them off. Each memory has different activities, such as crafting a rocket ship, painting a constellation, constructing a birdhouse to attract birds, and taking photos in the spring.
Once you’ve placed an object in the correct spot, or completed a task, a little bell chimes, letting you know you’ve done a good job. Yay!
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While it’s a mostly cosy time, I admittedly had a tough time with a couple of the puzzles. Untangling a web of lines to cut out the pieces of a birdhouse took way longer than I anticipated. As did playing dot-to-dot to map out a constellation in the stars — lack of clear instruction was my downfall in this case.
The Soulful Centerpiece
Music is the soulful centerpiece of Simpler Times. As Taina relives her childhood memories, she spins records on a turntable, each transporting her back to different stages of her life.
The exceptional lo-fi soundtrack is complemented by the lyrical poetry of Taina’s real-life voice actor, Maeve Kroeger. I didn’t expect to hear any vocals, so it was a nice surprise.
There’s also a Walkman in each chapter where you can find batteries and a tape and listen to more tunes.
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Visually, Simpler Times excels in creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. The rain hitting the rooftop while lo-fi beats play in the background creates an immersive and relaxing environment.
Searching through a childhood bedroom filled with toys and memories taps into a sense of nostalgia and fond memories — though I couldn’t help but feel like I’ve played a similar game before; it’s not too dissimilar to Annapurna’s Open Roads in some ways.
The settings menu itself is another level of creativity. Pausing the game takes you over to a visually stunning record player where the buttons offer menu options, enhancing the immersive experience.
Should I buy Simpler Times?
Simpler Times is an absolute vibe. It’s super relaxing, offering a nostalgic journey through Taina’s past with no rush or pressure.
I completed the game in under two hours, which felt like a good length for this type of experience. Priced at $14.50, though currently on sale for $13.05, it offers reasonable value for the emotional journey it provides — cheaper than a movie ticket.
For those looking for a cosy, reflective game that pairs well with a cup of coffee and a rainy day, Simpler Times is an excellent choice.
Simpler Times is out now on PC via Steam. A short demo has also been released, so there’s no excuse not to give it a try.
Quest Daily scores Simpler Times:
8/10
This game was reviewed using the Allied Stinger-A: RTX 4060 Ti 8GB Gaming PC.
