Long Gone Days

Release Date: October 10, 2023

RPG, turn-based, 2D, manga and anime, visual novel, adventure elements, indie games, jRPG, singleplayer

7.4

OpenCritic

89%

Steam

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Long Gone Days is a two-dimensional hybrid of a turn-based RPG, dialogue-based visual novel and a shooter. In the dystopian version of modern Russia a sniper named Rourke discovers secrets about an operation conducted by his commanders in an underground base. The man deserts from his unit and together with a group of friends he tries to discover the truth about the war.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects
Misc.

Long Gone Days is an unusual mix of a few genres, including a team role-playing game. The title was developed by Bura studio from Chile. The small team was founded specially for developing this game.

Plot

The game takes place in an alternative version of modern times, and it tells the story of a sniper named Rourke. The boy was trained to be a sniper ever since he was a child. He is a member of an elite force in a secret underground facility called the Core. Bored and eager to join the action, the boy accidentally discovers a secret that forces him to escape the facility that is the only place he could call a home. He leaves the corridors located hundreds of meters under the Kaliningrad and starts a journey in search for answers. He is accompanied by soldiers who think alike – always serious medic named Adair, cheerful specialist Lynn and a veteran translator Ivan Cherevatenko.

Mechanics

Days Long Gone uses mechanics from various genres, combining them in a unique way. The advanced story aspect of the game is presented in a manner similar to Japanese visual novel games. By talking with various members of the team, the players discover more about them, can impact their morale in combat and make important decisions. When the players are forced to participate in direct confrontation with the enemy, the fights are played in a turn-based system similar to one available in typical jRPGs. In order to win, the players must manage party members, use unique abilities of each character and decide whom to attack. The game lacks repeatable random encounters or typical grinding. The protagonists are gaining strength as the story progresses further – there are no typical experience levels.

Main protagonist’s unique advantage is his elite sniping training. Whenever it is possible, he can eliminate opponents from distance in another mode available in the game. It is similar to typical shooter games and it enables players to silently eliminate single important enemies like guards, commanders etc.

Technical aspects

The game is powered by Unity engine and it combines two graphics styles. The majority of locations and protagonists are presented with pixel-art, toned visuals. Because the conversations are an important aspect of the game, the developers created many scenes drawn in Asian-like style. During the dialogues and combat, the players can observe detailed characters, enemies, machines, and situations while fighting in front of a very detailed background.

Misc.

Days Long Gone is an important project for Camila Gormaz – the co-founder of Bura studios. She thought about the game since 2003 and worked on it whenever she had free time. The development fully started in 2015, and in 2016 a successful crowdfunding campaign launched on Indiegogo.

Last updated on April 26, 2018

Originals

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Videos and Screens

[2:33] Long Gone Days launch trailer

[1:26] Long Gone Days trailer #3

7.4

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 56% of Critics. There are 18 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

NintendoWorldReport: 7 / 10 by Joe Devader

It also should be mentioned that for some bizarre reason the game can only be controlled with the D-pad, which I found caused a lot more hand cramps than usual especially when playing in handheld mode. [UPDATE: We have been informed that this was the result of a bug, a patch has been submitted addressing this issue]. A lot of what's here is good, but more than anything I think it just makes me more interested in what the dev team comes out with next with the lessons learned from this project's completion.

Full Review

Cultured Vultures: 5.5 / 10 by Abigail Shannon

Awkwardly straddling the line between unnerving war drama and vapid teen adventure, Long Gone Days is embroiled in an uncomfortable identity crisis.

Full Review

Use a Potion: 8 / 10

Long Gone Days offers a desolate representation of war, but the engaging storytelling and neat RPG mechanics ensure that players will be hooked into its perilous adventure. Rourke and his allies stand out as believable characters who find themselves in the midst of the devastation, whilst it’s easy to find yourself wanting to take The Core down – even IF the odds are firmly stacked against you. With a clever twist on combat and some unique ideas in gameplay, it makes for an enjoyable RPG experience. It might not be as meaty as some of its counterparts and there are some aspects of its design that can feel a little repetitive towards the end, but Long Gone Days still stands out as an eye-opening release in the genre that isn’t afraid to tackle dark and sombre themes.

Full Review

89%