Without spoiling anything, there was a particular moment really not that far in that pulled on a heartstring of mine. Nothing massively profound happens, but it’s easy to feel that Meredith is relatable in some way to most who may have a ‘life left behind’. It’s strange because I say this because Lake also has this fantastic ability to encapsulate and evoke emotion almost immediately. The game is visually lovely and everything feels so simple and unproblematic when playing it. Lake immediately exudes calmness and reminds me of games like that of Life Is Strange but perhaps on a much smaller, indie scale.

There’s no fancy bells or whistles and the game isn’t trying to be anything that it is not. Exploring, doing your job and re-introducing Meredith to her old life. You get to explore all of these dynamics whilst undertaking her temporary job as a postie delivering letters and parcels around her neighbourhood and beyond. Buildings and locations have changed and improved, familiar neighbours have moved and the chapters of childhood friends have been written without her. Although her friendly townsfolk recognise her, time had marched on. It’s clear from the get-go that it has been a while since Meredith had returned home. However Meredith needs to return to her small, cosy hometown for two weeks whilst her parents take a trip, and whilst on her excursion back home, assume the job of her father as a postal service officer. Meredith is a city gal, with a lot of head smarts and a busy schedule to fill her day. I will however give some footnotes for context You are placed within the roots (or routes if you will pardon the pun) of Meredith. This review will mostly be highlighting its experience on the PlayStation 5.

I won’t go through the ins and outs of Lake as I would be doing a dis-service on the wonderful words of Rossko, so please do make sure you check that out. I think in Lake’s case, that answer is a resounding no. We spoke about this a few weeks ago on the pod, the idea of if a game becomes less fun because you are reviewing it.

It had slipped his mind that he had written about this wonderful game. Rossko, quiet a bit confused, checks the website and as sure as sure can be, the review was there. After a short conversation, I am all set to review Lake, but I remind Rossko that he has already reviewed this. Fast forward to the release on PlayStation and I’m stoked that I finally can get my hands on a game I have anticipated since its release on alternate consoles. Rossko had played Lake on its initial release on the Xbox last year, from which he decided to write a review (you can read that review here). Well this is exactly what happened at Finger Guns HQ. Those experiences tend to stick in the memory. It means that it’s unlikely the reviewer had their time disrespected by poor controls, a lack of story or experienced just an overall mediocre game to the add to the already long list in the gaming stratosphere. I know that might sound odd, but I think that’s true even if the game was given a high score. In my opinion, it’s likely a huge compliment that someone forgot that they reviewed a game.

Wytchwood ps5