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For those whose childhoods were filled with the gentle, heartwarming animated films of Studio Ghibli, Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery will undoubtedly capture your attention from the very first glance. And the game doesn’t disappoint in delivering that Ghibli-esque charm. This narrative-driven puzzle game promises a touching story, presented with delightful, Ghibli-inspired visuals and a soothing soundtrack. But does it live up to the hype?

Behind the Frame

A Serene and Evocative Experience

From beginning to end, Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery remains remarkably consistent in the experience it offers. The game tells the story of an aspiring artist striving for recognition and success through her artwork. However, on this journey, she realizes she’s left something behind, a piece of her heart. This poignant narrative unfolds gradually, becoming clearer as you progress through the game. The story is further enhanced by the dreamlike, vibrant visuals and the utterly serene and captivating soundtrack.

This method of storytelling draws you into a world reminiscent of classic Ghibli films, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wonder. It rekindles those familiar feelings of childhood comfort and tranquility, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the game’s peaceful world and connect with the protagonist.

The gameplay itself contributes to this immersive experience. Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery doesn’t adhere to a single, rigid gameplay mechanic. The core experience revolves around puzzle-solving, but these puzzles are never overly challenging. They draw inspiration from the protagonist’s daily life and past experiences, cleverly illustrating how she revisits her memories to find what she has lost.

Behind the Frame

A Fleeting Beauty: The Game’s Shortcoming

The game manages to deliver such a cohesive and emotionally rich experience partly because of its concise length—approximately 1.5 hours. Unless you intentionally take your time, it’s unlikely you’ll spend enough time with the game to trigger Steam’s refund policy. While the short playtime arguably demonstrates the developers’ focused vision, it also raises questions. For a product so meticulously crafted in terms of visuals, sound, and narrative, the brevity of the content feels somewhat peculiar.

Unfortunately, this short length prevents Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery from leaving a truly lasting impression. A compelling story and beautiful presentation are simply not enough when the playtime is so limited. It doesn’t give the player enough time to form a deep connection with the world and characters, ultimately leading to a quicker fade from memory.

Behind the Frame

Conclusion: A Beautiful but Brief Escape

Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery presents a unique and emotionally resonant experience. If you don’t appreciate narrative-driven games, captivating visuals, or evocative soundtracks, this game likely won’t satisfy you. However, even if you adore these elements, the game’s short 1.5-hour playtime might leave you wanting more. Ultimately, Behind the Frame offers a beautiful but fleeting escape into a world of art and memories.