Info about If Found...:

Official game description:
If Found… is a game about searching for connection.  
On December 31st 1993 in the crumbling ruins of a mansion on Achill Island, Kasio destroys her diary.  
It tells the story of her return home to the West of Ireland, her conflict with her family, the friends she makes, and the challenges she goes through.  
Everything leads to this night when a black hole will destroy the entire world. Where did it come from? Is there any way to stop it?  
With brand new gameplay mechanics, beautiful hand-drawn art, and a stunning soundtrack, players will relive Kasio's experiences and see the moments both happy and painful that make up the month of December 1993.  
Features include: awkward crushes, the planet Jupiter, many kisses, a punk concert, confusion, happiness, a cute dog, and a break in.

Release date: May 19, 2020

Categories: Visual Novel, Interactive Fiction, Hand-drawn Animation, Story-driven Gameplay, LGBTQ+ Themes, Emotional Storytelling

Feature scans:
- Proton/Linux: score 5; verdict: Works Well; summary: All evidence points to flawless Proton compatibility; no issues reported.
- Steam Deck: score 30; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: The majority of reviews report the game works well with touch input and Proton, but one review calls out poor mouse emulation as a dealbreaker. No evidence of required Proton Experimental forcing, launcher issues, or broken behavior. The overall friction is low but not seamless due to input complaints.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews indicate that the full price is too high for the amount of content, with strong recommendations to wait for a sale. One review explicitly calls the Steam price 'slightly expensive' and suggests a cheaper alternative. Conversely, one review says 'for such a small price, the experience is absolutely worth it', implying the current price is already low for some. The consensus suggests a fair base-game price lies below the current full price, likely in the range of typical sale prices for such a short visual novel. Based on common pricing for similar games and the sentiment expressed, a range of $5 to $10 USD is reasonable.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 2.5h
  - Story completion: 1.7h
  - Session length: 2.5h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews consistently state that the main story/campaign can be completed in approximately 100 minutes (1.67 hours) to 2 hours without the epilogue. The overall game completion (including epilogue and achievements) typically takes 2–3 hours. Many players recommend a single sitting of 2–3 hours, indicating the session length is the full playthrough. Endgame content (epilogue) is mentioned but no specific hours are provided, so endgame is set to null due to weak evidence.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: 'If Found...' is a short visual novel that initially feels slow or boring, but quickly becomes engaging through its story and character development, despite repetitive erasing mechanics and a slow start.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: The point when the story's curiosity hooks the player
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: repetitive erasing mechanic; tedious transition between scenes; minimalist style may not appeal immediately
  - Unlock drivers: captivating story and character development; curiosity about the narrative
  - Conditions: playing with an open mind to the story; accepting the minimalist style; playing with friends for shared experience
- Player Archetypes:
  - Identity-Driven Empath (buy)
    - Motivation: Catharsis through authentic representation
    - Playstyle: Sits in one session, emotionally invests, focuses on relatable moments
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: queer and trans community; LGBTQ+ seeker
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Art-Forward Narrative Connoisseur (sale)
    - Motivation: Appreciation of artistic storytelling and emotional atmosphere
    - Playstyle: Slow, deliberate reading; admires hand-drawn visuals and musical cues; often plays on touchscreen
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: visual novel enthusiast; art lover; short-story fan
    - Reference games: 500 days of summer; Ethan Carter
  - Achievement Completionist Grinder (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Quick completion and achievement hunting
    - Playstyle: Speedruns, repeats chapters, uses AFK or grinding techniques for specific achievements
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: achievement hunter; trading cards collector; casual genre fan
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Cautious Trigger-Aware Critic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Avoidance of triggering content and value for money
    - Playstyle: Skips or watches instead of playing; checks warnings; compares to other media
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: cautious reviewer; trigger-wary player
    - Reference games: 500 days of summer; Ethan Carter


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Story is beautiful and emotional (weight 0.39): Players frequently praise the story as beautiful, moving, and heartfelt, with many finding it deeply personal and inspiring. It evokes strong emotions and is described as raw, touching, and heart-wrenching.
- Music and art synergy (weight 0.2): The combination of beautiful art and music is praised for its profound and touching quality. Players note that music elevates the material, fitting the emotional tone and enhancing the overall experience.
- Erasure mechanic satisfying (weight 0.19): The erasing mechanic is highlighted as clever, satisfying, and emotionally impactful, with simple yet captivating gameplay. It is a unique feature that conveys emotions and enhances the experience.
- Art style like sketchbook (weight 0.18): The art style is described as feeling like walking through someone's sketchbook, with hand-drawn, fragmented, and stream-of-consciousness elements. Players appreciate its unique, colorful, and appealing nature.
- Visual novel format well-received (weight 0.16): The game is celebrated as a wonderful example of a visual novel, with smooth storytelling, unique style, and engaging features. It feels like a true member of the genre, offering a colorful and trippy experience.
- Hand-drawn art appealing (weight 0.09): The hand-drawn art style is repeatedly appreciated for its beauty, uniqueness, and compelling nature. Players find it distinctive and human, adding to the game's charm and visual appeal.
- Unique and human art style (weight 0.08): The art style is uniquely human and distinct, with a hand-drawn quality that stands out. Players appreciate its beauty and how it adds a personal touch to the visual experience.
- Story well-told (weight 0.08): The story is described as awesome, beautifully told, and unique, with wonderful narrative quality. Players appreciate its depth and how it is presented, noting its exceptional storytelling.
- Visuals immersive and strong (weight 0.07): Players praise the strong visual style and immersion, with rich and gorgeous visuals that create tension. The experience is enhanced by the art's ability to draw players into the game world.
- Soundtrack enhances experience (weight 0.07): The soundtrack is highlighted as great and wonderful, with dynamic elements that strengthen the game's emotional tone. It contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere and impact.

Common complaints:
- Ending feels rushed and unsatisfying (weight 0.26): Multiple reviews highlight that the ending is abrupt, unclear, and fails to provide a satisfying or earned conclusion. The lack of smooth pacing undermines the emotional weight of the story.
- Erasing mechanic becomes repetitive (weight 0.21): The erasing mechanic is described as a repetitive and tedious chore, especially as the game progresses. It wears off its novelty and can feel like a frustrating gimmick.
- Story is underdeveloped and shallow (weight 0.19): The story is criticized for not being fleshed out enough, especially in the latter half. It is described as shallow, boring, and mundane, failing to be memorable or interesting.
- Erasing controls are frustrating (weight 0.14): The controls for erasing are considered gimmicky and annoying, leading to a sense of fighting against the input method. This adds to the overall fatigue of the erasing action.
- Poor value for short playtime (weight 0.07): The game is seen as too short for its full price, with a lack of meaningful choices in a short playthrough. The price-to-value ratio is considered poor, especially given the limited content.

Gameplay feedback:
- Core eraser mechanic (weight 0.53): The primary interaction is erasing diary entries, text, and drawings to reveal the story. Players use a mouse-controlled eraser, with an optional auto-erase key (F).
- Visual novel format (weight 0.35): The game is an interactive visual novel with a diary or journal format, featuring evolving art, dual narratives, and heavy reading, but minimal gameplay beyond erasing.
- Story-driven progression (weight 0.25): The erasing mechanic is deeply tied to narrative progression, allowing players to uncover memories and advance the story by removing text and drawings from the diary.
- Minimal gameplay interaction (weight 0.19): The game is mostly passive, with linear story progression and no branching choices. Players mainly erase and sometimes draw, with little else by way of interactivity.
- Short playtime (weight 0.11): The game is short and best played in one sitting, as feedback indicates a concise, audiovisual-rich experience.

Performance notes:
- Resolution fix makes text unreadable (weight 0.03): There is no way to stop the coil whine without reducing resolution, but doing so makes text unreadable. This highlights a trade-off that affects usability.
- Linux Proton works well (weight 0.03): The game works without issues on Linux using Proton 8.0-4, indicating strong compatibility and a positive experience for Linux players. This suggests the game is well-supported on this platform.
- Coil whine on PC (weight 0.03): Users report noticeable coil whine on PC systems, which is distracting and impacts the gaming experience. This issue is hardware-specific and may require driver or power supply adjustments.
- Steam Deck mouse emulation poor (weight 0.03): Mouse emulation on the Steam Deck feels awful, likely due to input latency or incorrect sensitivity mapping. This makes the game difficult to control on the device.
- Buggy on macOS (weight 0.03): The game runs poorly on macOS with various bugs, indicating poor platform optimization or compatibility issues. This may affect a smaller user base but reduces overall reliability.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for emotional LGBTQ+ stories (weight 0.97): Multiple clusters strongly praise the game for its emotional depth and queer representation, making it a top choice for players seeking heartfelt narratives about identity and acceptance.
- Appeals to visual novel and story lovers (weight 0.26): The game is repeatedly recommended for fans of visual novels, emotional stories, and artistic narratives, with specific praise for its storytelling, art, and music.
- Strongly recommended for queer and trans audiences (weight 0.24): A recurring theme is that the game is particularly meaningful for LGBTQ+ players, especially those exploring identity and acceptance, with many calling it a must-play for queer and trans individuals.
- Worth the price or on sale (weight 0.24): Many reviewers find the game to be good value, often recommending it at full price or on sale, though a few suggest waiting for a discount.
- Not for action or gameplay-focused players (weight 0.1): The game is text-heavy and slow-paced, relying on reading and emotional storytelling rather than traditional gameplay, which may not appeal to those seeking action or interactive elements.
- Potential performance and mechanic issues (weight 0.09): Some reviews mention performance problems or an erasing mechanic that can be tiring or cause wrist strain, leading to mixed recommendations.
- Best experienced with minimal prior knowledge (weight 0.05): Several reviewers suggest going into the game blind or without expectations to fully appreciate the emotional impact and unique storytelling.
- Not recommended for older or established players (weight 0.02): A few reviews suggest the game may not resonate with older players who have already solidified their identity or goals, as it focuses on self-discovery and acceptance.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.08): The primary cause of frustration is the erasing mechanic, which is repeatedly described as tedious, repetitive, tiring, and feeling like a chore rather than engaging gameplay. Additional sources include clunky controls, a confusing story with poor integration of the space storyline, a rushed ending, and technical issues like achievements not appearing or chapters getting stuck. The player's immersion is also broken by a stiff, unreadable font and strange translation, while some community and narrative elements, such as the protagonist's attitude or transphobic comments, compound the negative experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.08): Players highly appreciate the game's beautiful hand-drawn art style and evocative music, which create an immersive and emotionally resonant atmosphere. The central eraser mechanic is praised for its thematic use, cleverly tying the act of erasing to memory and self-discovery. The story's faithful and delicate portrayal of queer struggles and minority groups, combined with a personal touch like the inclusion of Irish language, is widely admired for its authenticity and emotional depth.
- Sadness (weight 0.07): The game's narrative evokes profound sadness through its raw, heart-wrenching depiction of Cassiopeia's struggle with isolation, family non-acceptance, and the pain of staying true to oneself. Many players were moved to tears by the intimate story moments, the melancholic atmosphere of the youth story, and the tragic theme of alienation and lost connection. The conflict between Kasio and her family, paired with a deeply relatable exploration of loneliness and the desire to erase the past, reinforces the overwhelming sorrow felt throughout the experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): Admiration stems from the game's stunning visual style and powerful, meaningful story, which many consider the best visual novel storytelling they have encountered. The excellent soundtrack and innovative eraser mechanic are frequently highlighted as clever and immersive, creating a perfect audiovisual synergy. Players also respect the game's courage in covering serious topics with authentic portrayal of marginalized groups in the 90s, balancing sense and skill in expressing intense emotions.
- Disappointment (weight 0.05): Disappointment centers on the ending, which many describe as rushed, idealistic, abrupt, and disconnected from the strong, painful emotions built throughout the story. Players also criticize the lack of gameplay depth, with the mechanic becoming monotonous, and the weak integration of the space storyline, which disrupts narrative pacing. Issues with translation, shallow character development, and an unsatisfying resolution of key themes like transgender discussion further fuel disappointment despite the positive art and music.
- Moved (weight 0.04): Players report being deeply moved by the emotional, heartfelt story about loss, healing, and family conflict, which closely mirrors the personal journeys of many, particularly those with transgender experiences. The honest portrayal of growing up in a conservative family and finding one's own people, paired with relatable characters, creates a powerful resonance that leaves many in genuine tears. The narrative is described as feeling like a personal letter from afar, offering cathartic and gut-wrenching moments.
- Love (weight 0.04): Players express love for the game's authentic representation of trans identity and queer experiences, combined with a beautiful art style and innovative interactive mechanic. The character arcs, especially Kasio's, and the heartwarming message of the story create a profound personal connection, with many citing it as a personal favorite. The overall aesthetic and emotional journey are so impactful that some players even consider getting a tattoo of the game.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.03): Enjoyment arises from the unique eraser mechanic and the immersive narrative rhythm, with perfect coordination of visuals, music, and story that keeps players engaged. The beautiful art and relatable story, particularly the LGBT theme, are repeatedly praised, alongside a wonderful soundtrack that remains memorable even outside the game. Many players describe the overall experience as amazing, with a simple but heartfelt story that ties all elements together harmoniously.
- Hope (weight 0.03): The game instills hope through its final message of love, acceptance, and the ability to write one's own story, offering a positive resolution even after intense struggles. Players feel reminded of found family and the possibility of finding peace, with the protagonist's journey providing a beacon for the future. The theme of humanism and solidarity, showing that love can reconcile despite hardships, is emphasized as a comforting and uplifting closure.
- Confusion (weight 0.03): Confusion primarily stems from the complex dual narrative, especially the obscure space storyline and its metaphorical meaning, which many find difficult to understand. The excessive amount of information and Irish references at the start, along with an unclear protagonist gender initially, compound the disorientation. The erasing mechanic's purpose is also questioned, as players feel it adds unnecessary complexity to a story that is already hard to follow.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.02): Satisfaction comes from the overall emotional experience, where the story atmosphere and visual transitions are well matched, and the unique erasing mechanic feels both satisfying and sad. Players appreciate the game's representation and engaging story, with good ending variety and easy achievements that add to the sense of fulfillment. Many describe the game as worth the money and a wonderful experience that met or exceeded their expectations.
- Awe (weight 0.02): Awe is generated by the game's hypnotizing visuals and innovative interactive presentation, which together create a dreamlike and unforgettable experience. The gorgeous score and sound design, blending everyday sounds with an audiovisual storm, elevate the emotional impact of the story. Players are left processing the game for hours, amazed at how it powerfully evokes complex emotions and artistic representation of mental health and healing.
- Empathy (weight 0.02): Empathy is deeply felt through strong identification with the characters' struggles, particularly the protagonist's conflict with gender identity, self-isolation, and family trauma. Players without direct experience connect with the main character's personality and the story of inner struggle and self-destruction, allowing them to understand the inconceivable. The realistic handling of family non-acceptance and the difficulty of forgiveness resonates on a personal level with many.
- Discomfort (weight 0.02): Discomfort is physical and visual, caused by wrist pain from the repetitive eraser mechanic and light pollution in the visuals that leads to eye strain. The realistic portrayal of mental health crises is uncomfortable to read, while flashing, high-contrast scenes without warning create a painful, unsettling experience. The eerie sounds and space scenes add to the overall sense of unease, making some parts of the game hard to look at.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise arises from the game exceeding expectations, with the erasing mechanic catching players off guard and the story delivering more depth than anticipated, especially for those not in the target audience. The discovery that the main character is trans rather than gay, and the innovative interactive method with dynamic backgrounds, adds to the unexpected freshness. Many players were positively surprised to find the game by chance and enjoy it despite initial reservations about visual novels.
- Gratitude (weight 0.02): Gratitude is expressed for the game's ability to help players come to terms with their own feelings, with many thanking the developers for telling such a personal story. The representation of trans women and minority struggles deepens understanding and provides a sense of fulfillment, as the game becomes important in the lives of LGBTQIA+ players. Players feel grateful for the experience, which reminds them of the value of friendship and the love woven into the narrative.
- Emotional (weight 0.02): The game is described as deeply emotional, pulling on heartstrings and causing a mix of tears and smiles through its tear-jerker story. The underlying theme is presented soberly yet hits hard with the journey of being an outsider and the representation of queer experiences. The erasing action at the end is particularly poignant, making the story emotionally touching and reflective for many players.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy comes from the beautiful art style and narrative metaphors, combined with heartwarming moments like the ending picrew that is celebrated as peak trans culture. Players finish the game with a smile, having laughed during the experience and feeling a strong personal resonance with the trans protagonist. The overall great game experience, including a Christmas tradition aspect, is described as beautiful and uplifting.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom stems from the perceived lack of gameplay, with many describing it as a slideshow where the story is slow, plain, and predictable. The eraser mechanic becomes tedious over time, and the lack of interactive elements leads to a mundane experience. The story's uninteresting pacing and the repetitive nature of the interaction fail to sustain engagement, resulting in overall boredom.
- Catharsis (weight 0.01): Catharsis is achieved through the powerful emotional impact of the story's resolution, especially the journey from erasing to creating one's own story. Players bawl their eyes out over the queer experience and the sense of relief that comes with emotional closure. The game's ability to balance intense sorrow with eventual acceptance provides a deeply cathartic experience, leaving players feeling cleansed and renewed.}