If Found... is one of those experiences that demonstrates how video games can be a powerful way to tell stories. It isn't a game that bets on grand mechanics, intense action, or complex challenges. Its focus lies almost entirely on the narrative and the emotions it manages to convey over the course of the journey. And that's precisely where its greatest strength lies.
From the very first moments, If Found... presents a very distinct identity. The story follows Kasio, a young woman who returns to her hometown in Ireland after facing difficulties related to her identity and to how she's seen by the people around her. What follows is a deeply human narrative that addresses themes like acceptance, belonging, family, friendship, and self-discovery with extreme sensitivity.
The game doesn't seek to offer simple answers to complex questions. Instead, it presents situations, emotions, and conflicts that feel genuine, allowing each player to draw their own interpretations. It's a story that manages to be personal and universal at the same time — something that isn't always easy to achieve.
One of the most striking aspects of If Found... is how it uses its visual presentation to reinforce the narrative. The art direction is absolutely distinctive and impossible to mistake for any other game. The whole world feels hand-drawn, with delicate illustrations and a creative use of visual transitions that helps convey emotions without the need for long explanations.
The game's core mechanic revolves around the act of erasing. As we progress, we literally erase memories, objects, and important moments from Kasio's life. It's a simple idea, but an extremely effective one from a narrative standpoint, creating a direct link between the player's interaction and the story's central themes.
The soundtrack also plays a fundamental role in the experience. The music arrives at exactly the right moments, amplifying the emotional impact of certain scenes without ever feeling excessive. There's a constant harmony between image, sound, and narrative that makes everything feel carefully considered.
What impressed me most about If Found... was the sincerity with which it approaches its themes. The portrayal of identity, the search for acceptance, and the difficulty of finding our place in the world is handled with enormous respect and sensitivity. It never feels forced or artificial. On the contrary, it conveys an authenticity that makes the story even more powerful.
Naturally, this won't be a game for everyone. Those looking for more traditional gameplay challenges may feel there's little interaction along the adventure. But for anyone who appreciates narrative experiences focused on emotion and reflection, If Found... offers something truly special.
In the end, If Found... is much more than a simple interactive story. It's an emotional experience that uses every tool the medium offers to convey an important message about identity, acceptance, and change. Its distinctive art, its moving narrative, and the way it approaches deeply human themes make it a memorable game.
It's one of those works that stays with us long after the final credits — not for what it made us do, but for what it made us feel.
out of 10
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Game If Found... Released 2020 Available on PC · macOS · Nintendo Switch · iOS Reviewed on PC |  Cover: IGDB |
| PL | Pedro Lopes Writer · Portugal |
A games writer from Portugal running on a highly irresponsible amount of coffee — his blood type is officially "espresso". He has been a content creator at Lisbon Games Week, a jury member at Over & Out ’25 and an attendee of DevGAMM Lisbon 2025 (mostly for the free coffee). He has a Pac-Man tattoo on his finger, which contractually obliges him to chase ghosts forever.