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The enchanting world of Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke has captivated audiences for decades. What if that same magic could be bottled and poured into a video game? That’s precisely what ThroughLine Games attempted with Forgotton Anne, a captivating platformer that transports players to the Forgotten Lands, a realm where lost objects from the human world find a new, albeit peculiar, life.

This review explores the strengths and weaknesses of Forgotton Anne, examining its Ghibli-esque charm, emotional narrative, and unique gameplay mechanics.

A Touching Tale of Self-Discovery

Forgotton Anne – Emotional Storytelling

Forgotton Anne prioritizes narrative over challenging gameplay. Instead of perilous pitfalls or formidable foes, the game focuses on gentle puzzles and a deeply moving story reminiscent of classic Ghibli films. Players assume the role of Anne, an enforcer tasked with investigating an explosion in the Forgotten Lands caused by rebellious Forgotlings, the animated lost objects.

What begins as a simple investigation quickly evolves into a journey of self-discovery. Anne’s quest isn’t merely about finding the culprits but about uncovering her own origins and confronting long-buried questions about her identity.

The game’s narrative unfolds like an interactive movie, allowing players to shape Anne’s path through their choices and actions. Will you choose a path of strict enforcement, or will you opt for compassion and understanding? These choices, while not drastically altering the ending, add depth and emotional resonance to the experience. Forgotton Anne invites players to not only witness a compelling story but to participate in it, reflecting on their own values and beliefs along the way.

Forgotton Anne – Anne's Journey

Anne’s journey is filled with emotional highs and lows, culminating in a powerful moment of truth that forces her to confront her past and redefine her future. The game masterfully explores themes of identity, belonging, and the consequences of choice, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

A Visual and Auditory Masterpiece

Forgotton Anne – Stunning Visuals

ThroughLine Games has painstakingly crafted a visually stunning world that truly captures the spirit of Ghibli animation. Every frame is a work of art, with meticulous attention to detail evident in the vibrant environments, charming character designs, and expressive animation. From the intricate architecture to the subtle play of light and shadow, the Forgotten Lands feels like a living, breathing world ripped straight from an animated film.

The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a beautiful orchestral score that perfectly complements the on-screen action. The voice acting is also top-notch, with each character brought to life with nuance and emotion. The combination of stunning visuals, captivating music, and expressive voice acting creates an immersive and unforgettable experience.

Gameplay: A Missed Opportunity?

Forgotton Anne – Gameplay Mechanics

While Forgotton Anne excels in its presentation and storytelling, its gameplay falls short of its potential. The puzzles, while charming, are generally straightforward and lack the complexity to provide a significant challenge. Anne’s primary tool is the Arca, a device that manipulates Arcana, the energy source of the Forgotten Lands. Players will use the Arca to solve puzzles involving energy transfer and manipulation, but these rarely require much thought.

The linear progression and lack of any real threat further diminish the gameplay experience. While the narrative choices add some replayability, they don’t significantly impact the overall story arc.

Forgotton Anne – Linear Progression

Forgotton Anne feels more like an interactive movie than a fully realized video game. While the platforming elements are present, they serve primarily as a vehicle for the narrative rather than a source of engaging gameplay.

Conclusion

Forgotton Anne is a beautiful and emotionally resonant experience that successfully captures the magic of Studio Ghibli. While its gameplay could have been more engaging, its stunning visuals, captivating soundtrack, and touching story make it a worthwhile journey for fans of narrative-driven games and Ghibli animation. It’s a unique and memorable experience, even if it doesn’t fully realize its potential as a game.