Finding Paradise

If you like crying and good story telling then this is the game for you!

Oh, how I loved "To the Moon". Yes, it did not have that much actual gameplay in it but the story was so touching and the narrative so good that it really impressed me. So I was excited when Freebirdgames announced a real sequel to this game (Bird Story was supposed to be a sort of interlude so I was not surprised that it did not feel the same). And then they delayed the game again and again and I was wondering what would take them so long? I mean, it's just a simple Pixelart visual novel, right? Wrong. Today I finally finished the game and this is just so much more than what the screenshots might make you think. The story imo is even better and much deeper as it already was in "To the Moon" but also it has so many twists and turns and a big mystery that your head will spin. Freebirdgames also implemented some interesting gameplay features later in the game to make this much more interesting. I won't tell anything about the story other than that you will see some of the characters from "To the Moon" again because I would highly suggest to make this experience without knowing anyithing. But I can say this: if you like emotional, touching storys with good characters, appreciate games that make you think even after you have already finished them (like any good movie should be in my opinion), like a really good soundtrack and if you don't mind that this game as well as its prequel does not really contain actual puzzles (but believe me - this game does not need them) you will HAVE to buy this. The game is not very long (I really took my time and finished it in abot 6 hours) but these good memorys WILL last. Buy it. No, don't even wait for a sale - just buy it. You won't regret it!

Minor positives: + Some very well animated and expressive sprite work Major positives: ++ Achingly beautiful music, especially the song with vocals ++ Moving story about letting go and accepting life Minor negatives: - Some of the humour falls flat - The minigame for the mementos can get monotonous Strongly recommended if you enjoy emotionally charged games with very simple puzzles and sometimes outlandish humour.

As expected, Freebird Games does an amazing job at making a very emotive story. If you played To the Moon previously I can assure you you will be happy to know this sequel won't disappoint you. My only complaint would be about the minigames, they weren't so bad, but I didn't quite enjoy them as much, I kind of distracted me from the story which is why I was playing this game in first place, but I didn't find it so bad either, just the main puzzle game about unlocking mementos. Also this game comes with the ost as an extra which I think it's the second best thing in this game aside from the story and why I think this game is so memorable.

As a follow up to the masterpiece that was “To The Moon”, Finding Paradise finds itself with extraordinarily big shoes to fill. Though it doesn’t quite reach the level of its predecessor, Finding Paradise explores a unique individual and family dynamic that distinctly separates itself from this series’ previous entry. Though not quite as emotionally impactful, the amazing soundtrack, great dialogue, and good story pacing will ensure that this title still resonates with you long after you’ve finished playing it. For those who’ve played To The Moon, its accompanying miniseries follow ups, and A Bird Story, you’ll gain a bit more from the winks and nods to previous entries sprinkled throughout the game. For those coming in fresh, you’ll still find yourself emotionally invested in the story. Regardless of your entry level, everyone wanting to experience a quality story should give this game a shot. + Phenomenal Soundtrack + Emotionally gripping narrative + Great Dialogue