Back Then by Octopus Embrace

“For who do we become when we forget who we are?”

Back Then is a poetic journey outlining a man’s experience with Alzheimer’s. From a first-person perspective, you navigate through what appears to be the varied seasons of the writer Tom’s life.

No actual memories or instances are featured, but rather voices familiar to Tom comment as he tries to maneuver the daunting world of dementia. The eerie and emotive recollections will grip at your heartstrings, but the slow and sometimes confusing gameplay can be a drawback.

Difficult to Navigate

Developed and published by Octopus Embrace, Back Then is an empathic portrayal of what it might feel like to be an elderly person who has Alzheimer’s.

Beginning in a snowy forest, you slowly saunter down a path. Both female and male voices can heard, one extremely dark and ominous.

No faces are ever shown throughout Back Then except for photographs sprinkled in, so at times you’re unsure of Tom’s recollections. But perhaps that’s the point: dementia is perplexing that way.

A lot of Back Then is solving puzzles and finding key items to trigger a memory. It’s easy to get turned around in the larger environments, and the riddles can be a bit of a headscratcher. Tom’s lifelong home is the primary zone of discovery, notes plastered on the walls and doors reminding him of where things are.

If you look down, you can tell he occupies a wheelchair during these sequences. Naturally, he moves a little slowly, so getting from point A to point B can feel a little sluggish.

Some elements of Tom’s journey echo Spiral, another story-rich Alzheimer’s tale I played that reminisced on sentimental memories of a fellow named Bernard. The concept here is similar: environments become distorted or turned upside down, emphasizing the protagonist’s discomposure.

Regrets and Missed Opportunities

He hears his caring daughter’s voice reflecting on – and yearning for – the past. His son’s regretful voice sounds through the phone, stumbling to blurt out the words “I love you” to his father.

Back Then captures the complicated emotions of “should haves” and “what ifs” that everyone considers at the end of a loved one’s life. The growing fear Tom observes through forgotten memories also becomes apparent as you progress onward.

Though every journey with dementia differs, Tom clings to love and displays a tender heart. How can you not adore his persona? I know I did.

The game is seemingly split into chapters or “seasons” and only saves your progress once one is completed. I made the mistake of quitting the game before completing a season and had to restart the chapter entirely. Luckily, chapters aren’t terribly long.

However, key items don’t exactly stand out, nor does the objective, so being mindful of Tom’s surroundings helps pick up the pace.

A few cryptic environments highlight the darkness that inevitably clings to dementia. A region representing war embodies a somber atmosphere, bringing to light Tom’s sorrowful childhood. Back Then accentuates how Alzheimer’s is not a one-way street, and it’s illustrated well.

The Verdict:

Back Then is a short exploration experience that offers a first-hand look at Alzheimer’s. Ambling aimlessly around the various mazes and locations made it feel like I wasn’t getting anywhere.

However, it didn’t deter too much from the engaging dialogue and artistic charm. Most of all, Back Then hits a high note with an evident message: turn to love, and everything will be okay.

Back Then is available via the Sony PlayStation Store and Steam.

Watch the official trailer for Back Then below: