Carry Onward Impressions

Carry Onward is a melancholic story-experience game, the brief but powerful experience allows the player to take on the character of a sorrowful man as he departs his home, and recollecting feelings and memories associated with his belongings. The game employs top-down view through minimalist 3D graphics, similar to games like 12 Minutes. As one interacts with objects in the home of the protagonist, each of which is associated with a memory or a concept, the player makes choices that influence the story, with the bonus of replayability despite the brevity of the game, as it takes approximately 30 minutes. The precise nature of the activity involved in packing and relocation to the car serves to emphasize the importance of the emotional development of the protagonist.

In essence, Carry Onward is a quest of loss, transformation, and the strength of memories. It is an intimate story, engaging players right from the start with the grief and determination of the protagonist. The voice acting, though genuine, sometimes comes up short in emotional impact to really draw one in. The game’s music makes up for it, though, as its timely swells contribute depth to each moment’s emotional pull.

The minimalist aesthetic might not appeal to all, but it works for the story by placing the focus on the decisions and the story. The design selection seems deliberate and fits the introspective and minimalist nature of the game.

Carry Onward is not for action addicts or those who crave confusing complexity. Instead, it offers a contemplative experience that lingers in the back of one’s mind long after the credits roll. Its short length and emotional depth make it fit into the narrative adventure game genre as an odd entry. While not flawless, its sensitive storytelling and thematic presentation are commendable.

If you’re craving a game that prioritizes emotional storytelling over standard gameplay, Carry Onward is an experience to be attempted.