The Kids We Were: Complete Edition Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The Kids We Were is an adventure game originally released worldwide for smartphones in February, 2020. The Complete Edition includes the full story available in the app, in addition to a new bonus episode set after the events of the main game. There are also brand-new collection items to find!
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Dec 7, 2021
    100
    Despite the apparent frivolity of its setup, it’s an honest, heartbreaking story about an extremely difficult subject, approached with utmost care and all the more confronting for it. But it’s a painful journey that needs to be taken, with a hopeful message at the end of it, and the warm embrace of close friends and treasured childhood memories to carry you there.
  2. Dec 6, 2021
    90
    Take three cups of Back to the Future, add two teaspoons of Murakami and Ganbare Goemon, cream it together with Stranger Things and, at the end, spice it up with Earthbound: this is The Kids We Were, by Gagex. A narrative game, not for everyone, but excellent: one of the best indie titles of the year, for sure.
  3. Dec 15, 2021
    90
    I didn’t have any expectations of The Kids We Were when I went into it, but it turned out to be an extremely compelling game that I had trouble putting down until I finished. There’s a blend of tones here that probably shouldn’t work well together but somehow do. Romping around the streets of Kagami and getting to know its residents while solving mysteries big and small in service of a far bigger goal is quite entertaining. The voxel-style graphics may or may not appeal depending on tastes, but the story is well-written and the sense of nostalgia comes through clearly. If you enjoy narrative adventures, you should definitely give this one a look.
  4. Dec 6, 2021
    85
    The Kids We Were on Nintendo Switch is an excellent voxel-styled adventure game with memorable characters and an emotional story. If you enjoyed games like To the Moon and Sumire, you will love The Kids We Were.
  5. Jan 27, 2022
    80
    Aside from the relatively minor issues of movement, and how the various endings are discovered, The Kids We Were is a captivating nostalgic trip for those who lived in the '80s regardless of if that was spent in Japan, and a worthy education for those born in later years. The finely balanced mix of humour and seriousness of the issues explored, coupled with the cute style makes it feel at home on Nintendo Switch. Having collectables provide a reason to replay it for completionists, and the intricacy of the plot with the highly likeable characters make replaying it a strong possibility for others just to experience the heartfelt story once more.
  6. Mar 6, 2022
    75
    The Kids we were tells a compelling story in a fascinating setting, but takes very few risks gameplay-wise.
  7. Dec 7, 2021
    60
    It’s really hard to say whether or not I recommend The Kids We Were. I don’t hate it. As much as I feel the narrative was sloppy, it’s not a total loss and I’m sure some will readily attach to it. Atmospherically, it’s on point. The music is sparse, but it does well to get you through the five-six hours the game will probably take you.

See all 9 Critic Reviews