I Was a Teenage Exocolonist

 PC
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 5 out of 28

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  1. GVB
    Nov 29, 2022
    7
    Pros:
    -The Card system is fun and adictive.
    -Some characters and situations are engaging. -Decisions with real consequences. -Plot a bit wasted (IMHO it has potential for something more), but well written in general, like reading a young adult novel. Cons: -The romance. Underdeveloped, a bit forced, with more soap opera than genuine tenderness and sadness and fun. And it should has    Pros:
    -The Card system is fun and adictive.
    -Some characters and situations are engaging.
    -Decisions with real consequences.
    -Plot a bit wasted (IMHO it has potential for something more), but well written in general, like reading a young adult novel.

    Cons:
    -The romance. Underdeveloped, a bit forced, with more soap opera than genuine tenderness and sadness and fun. And it should has more relevance in the plot. And some routes only have bad endings, no matter what you do, which is annoying.
    -A bit repetitive sometimes.
    -There were some really tragic moments where i was like: ok, ok, whatever... and I consider myself a very emotional person, so...    … Expand
  2. cryborne
    Sep 2, 2022
    10
    This game is incredible and offers a unique and new experience that you must play to appreciate. A beautiful game that you will find yourself obsessed with and thinking about even when you’re not playing, it has been a completely unexpected joy since I picked it up shortly after release on a whim. The characters are incredible. If you’ve found yourself playing an RPG, gotten bored withThis game is incredible and offers a unique and new experience that you must play to appreciate. A beautiful game that you will find yourself obsessed with and thinking about even when you’re not playing, it has been a completely unexpected joy since I picked it up shortly after release on a whim. The characters are incredible. If you’ve found yourself playing an RPG, gotten bored with repetitive gameplay elements that descend into tedium, and wished you could move on to getting to know well-developed characters and making story-impacting decisions, this is the game for you. Don’t let the “teenage” in the title fool you, this game has an emotional maturity games typically lack.… Expand
  3. Ekoshiin
    Sep 2, 2022
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played. So good I can't even express it in a review. Don't expect this game to be a dating sim tho, it isn't a one.
  4. Gameboii
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Surprised me however it was a bit slow to start and I found parts of it confusing. If you persist through your first play through it gets much better. I recommend it… Expand
  5. Rubenh
    Jan 3, 2023
    10
    A whirlwind of an narrative driven RPG that deals in emotional gut punches while leaving the player agency to develop the story according to their heart's content. Amazing and genuinely moving experience that will render you anything from joyous to wistful. Northway hit a bullseye with this one. Couldn't recommend more.
  6. madibeck
    Dec 8, 2022
    10
    I just finished my fifth playthrough, which is WAY more than I play most games - but with so many different possible endings, there's nothing to get bored of! Sure, past your first three plays or so, things may start to get a bit repetitive (it's the nature of the game; you're stuck in a timeloop and the game ACKNOWLEDGES this), but there's always so much to discover. Especially when youI just finished my fifth playthrough, which is WAY more than I play most games - but with so many different possible endings, there's nothing to get bored of! Sure, past your first three plays or so, things may start to get a bit repetitive (it's the nature of the game; you're stuck in a timeloop and the game ACKNOWLEDGES this), but there's always so much to discover. Especially when you start getting to the truth about Vertumna and the life on it.

    I also very much appreciated the diversity in every aspect, especially when it comes to gender. You can be any gender, use custom pronouns, and choose what you look like in your later years (all of which can be changed at any time, for maximum realness)! There are different body types, monogamy vs polyamory preferences, you can romance any of the dateable characters no matter what gender you are, and so many people of color.

    I've had an incredible time playing this game, and it has even motivated me to try coding/writing visual novels. Go get this game. Do it.    … Expand
  7. cloneofkahless
    Feb 20, 2023
    9
    I really enjoyed this game a lot more than I thought I would. Fun, thoughtful and engaging with great replay value. I did not find the card-based gameplay to be even remotely challenging as someone who likes TCGs a lot but the concept was great. Great little indie game that is truly worth your time.
  8. Cramso
    Feb 21, 2023
    9
    lovely characters, lovely gameplay. very engaging. One of the most-slept on games of last year.
  9. Danfriedz
    Feb 25, 2023
    10
    Probably the best narrative game of 2022. The replayability via interesting late game mechanics make this an all time great!
  10. Demigod115
    Jul 5, 2023
    10
    This game makes you feel emotions you don't even know you have, and there's so much of the narrative to discover

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best PC Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. GameGrin
    Mar 27, 2023
    100
    I Was A Teenage Exocolonist is not short of becoming an exemplary title in fantastic writing and storytelling, and easily my favourite entry into the visual novel genre thus far.
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  2. GamesHub
    Feb 14, 2023
    100
    These small efforts to make the experience enjoyable mean the mechanics of the game receded as I played, allowing me to immerse myself in Exocolonist’s narrative and philosophical reflections. I Was a Teenage Exocolonist is a beautiful game, a synth-laden ode to growing up and allowing yourself to fall, fail, succeed and explore in a posthuman world that asks thoughtful questions about what it means to exist alongside the natural environment.
    Read full review
  3. Destructoid
    Jan 24, 2023
    95
    I Was a Teenage Exocolonist is a game to get lost in, from its heartbreaking, hopeful storytelling to its engaging gameplay. I think it’s a shame that this title probably didn’t get as much widespread recognition as it deserves, because it has to have one of the most touching stories about what it means to be human that I’ve seen in games. I’m so thrilled that this title is meant to be played on a loop, because it’s a game I’m looking forward to returning to, and learning from, again and again.
    Read full review
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