Selfloss

Selfloss is a game that really should have been better. It feels like Cocoon or Unravel or one of those other elevated indie titles that critics love to throw laurels at. It dares to explore complex emotional themes within a richly imagined world. Its artistic direction and narrative ambition are great, and this feels close to offering a genuinely worthwhile experience. However, it never gets there. Even with all it gets right, this is a genuine struggle to get through. It is a poorly designed, glitchy mess that is equal parts brilliant and boring. Those willing to overlook its flaws will find a journey that is memorable and emotionally resonant. Unfortunately, it is a lot more likely that journey is going to get cut short and this is the sort of experience a lot of people will quit on before the credits roll.

Selfloss is an incredibly enjoyable game, with well-crafted puzzles, satisfying combat and exploration, and an engaging story that makes us reflect on the pain of loss. Even though it is not localized in Portuguese (at least as of the date of this review), the game is a great option for those who enjoy adventures filled with puzzles and dangers to face.

Goodwin Games' interactive folktale ironically evokes its dour atmosphere in two ways: impressive presentation and unpolished gameplay.

Selfloss definitely worth your time, but in the end its unrealized potential saddens more than its story.

Selfloss is heart-wrenching and wonderful; a game that won’t spare its players the gory details, that tells a clear story in a world still veiled in mysticism. With its focus on rewarding exploration mixed with very satisfying puzzle-solving and light combat (pun intended), Selfloss is one of the best games I have played in 2024.

Showing a tonne of promise, Selfloss just fails to hit the landing in many places. With a lack of polish in some key areas, this one will leave you questioning what might have been.

Selfloss is a hidden gem, with many of its flaws overlooked thanks to its unique personality and captivating setting. While it may not break new ground in gameplay—and certain stumbles are felt throughout—it remains a title worth exploring for those who want to immerse themselves in a thoughtfully crafted world.

Selfloss is not a game worth recommending, at least until some of its elements are thoroughly overhauled. The overly slow pace and uninteresting storyline also contribute to this impression. Yes, the game looks and sounds nice, but it doesn't matter much when the mechanics and the gameplay itself are full of shortcomings and bugs, and what's worse, they don't make it any fun.

Kazimir's journey handles topics like loss, and the frailty of humankind and nature, with such sincerity that makes Selfloss a journey worth shedding a tear or two for.

Selfloss is an adventure with a strong exploratory and contemplative mood. To think that it was created by Goodwin Games, made up of just three people is truly remarkable. The game gives its best in proposing puzzles and secondary objectives, even if they are not immediate to solve. In fact, finding the key to the problem is never a given and the creatures that populate the game world will be fundamental. Fulfilling their requests literally means progressing in the game and reaching the goal. While the narrative is a strong point of the game, some moments are a bit weak. Selfloss unfortunately fails in the implementation of its mechanics, especially in the action phases. For the rest, Selfloss is a game made with love and care and which is not afraid to tackle “uncomfortable” issues. Anyone wanting to enjoy an adventure (about 8 hours) that focuses on exploration and story will be well rewarded.