An Emotional Journey Through Memory and Erasure

If Found... is a profound interactive visual novel from Dreamfeel that explores the delicate intersection of identity, memory, and the necessity of letting go. Set against the backdrop of Achill Island in December 1993, the game invites players to step into the shoes of Kasio, a young transgender woman returning to her family home in Ireland. As you navigate through her personal diary, you uncover a deeply moving narrative about her struggles with family, her journey of self-discovery, and the friendships that sustain her amidst isolation.

The game masterfully intertwines Kasio’s terrestrial life with a secondary, cosmic storyline involving an astronaut named Cassiopeia, who is attempting to save Earth from a looming black hole. This framing device serves as a powerful metaphor for how personal traumas and massive, world-altering shifts can feel equally overwhelming. Through its unique presentation, If Found... asks players to confront the past in order to forge a new future.

Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The Power of the Eraser

Unlike traditional visual novels that rely on dialogue choices or branching paths, If Found... utilizes a singular, evocative mechanic: the eraser. To progress through Kasio’s story, players must literally wipe away the diary entries and illustrations they have just experienced. This act of erasing serves as a poignant gameplay metaphor for the difficulty of moving on from painful memories while acknowledging the beauty of the moments worth remembering.

The experience is further enriched by several notable features:

  • Immersive Visuals: The game features hand-drawn, stylized illustrations and lush colors that shift in tone—becoming darker or more muted—to reflect Kasio's emotional state.
  • Atmospheric Audio: A beautiful soundtrack works in tandem with the visuals; the music may vanish entirely during moments of stillness or swell to match the intensity of the narrative.
  • Cultural Depth: For players exploring the Irish setting, the game includes interactive elements where specific terms or locations can be explored to learn about their pronunciation and significance.
  • Tactile Interaction: On supported platforms, players can use touch controls to physically erase the screen, making the act of letting go feel incredibly personal and cathartic.

A Masterclass in Narrative Synergy

Highly acclaimed for its seamless marriage of narrative, art, and sound, If Found... has earned significant praise within the indie community. Its ability to evoke intense emotions—ranging from the joy of found community to the weight of social isolation—makes it a standout title in the adventure genre. While the experience is linear and relatively brief, lasting approximately two hours, every moment is meticulously crafted to ensure the story lingers long after the final page is erased.

This title is an essential experience for fans of "story-rich" indie games, lovers of atmospheric visual novels, and anyone who appreciates deeply personal, character-driven narratives like Celeste. Whether you are drawn to its exploration of LGBTQ+ identity or its stunning hand-drawn aesthetic, If Found... offers a transformative journey through the archives of a human heart.

Availability and Technical Details

  • Genre: Casual, Indie, Adventure, Visual Novel
  • Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), Nintendo Switch, iOS
  • Developer: Dreamfeel
  • Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
  • Release Date: May 18, 2020