Fragments of Memory: A Heartfelt Journey Through Alzheimer’s - As Long As You're Here Review

As Long As You’re Here is not the kind of game you play for flashy mechanics or endless replayability, it’s a quiet, intimate experience that feels more like stepping into someone’s memories than playing a traditional video game. From the moment you begin, the atmosphere is heavy with emotion, and it quickly becomes clear that this is a story about fragility, love, and the painful erosion of identity. The game centres on Annie, a woman living with Alzheimer’s, and it invites players to walk with her through the blurred lines of past and present. What makes the introduction so powerful is how ordinary it feels at first: a bus stop, a conversation, a fleeting recollection. But as Annie’s memories begin to fracture and overlap, the player is drawn into a deeply human narrative that resonates far beyond the screen.

The story unfolds in fragments, mirroring Annie’s own experience. You don’t simply watch her memories fade and you feel the disorientation as the game shifts between timelines, blending moments of clarity with confusion. One moment you’re reliving tender exchanges with her brother, the next you’re pulled back into the present, where reality feels unstable and fragile. This narrative design is deliberate, and while it can be unsettling, it captures the essence of Alzheimer’s in a way that is both respectful and emotionally devastating. The writing is understated but poignant, never resorting to melodrama, and it leaves space for the player to reflect on their own experiences with memory and family.

Gameplay mechanics are minimal, but they serve the story well. Rather than complex puzzles or combat, progression is achieved through exploration and dialogue. You move through environments that shift and transform, symbolizing Annie’s fractured perception of time and place. Choices are limited, but they carry emotional weight, often forcing you to confront the inevitability of loss rather than offering easy resolutions. Some players may find the mechanics too passive, but in truth, the simplicity allows the narrative to breathe. The game is closer to an interactive short film than a traditional adventure, and its strength lies in how it uses interactivity to make you feel complicit in Annie’s journey.

By the time the credits roll, As Long As You’re Here leaves a lingering impression. It’s short as most players will finish in two to three hours but its brevity is part of its impact. Like a fleeting memory, it doesn’t overstay its welcome, and the emotions it stirs remain long after you’ve put down the controller. For players who value narrative-driven experiences, it’s a rare gem that manages to be both heart breaking and beautiful.

Pros:

• Deeply emotional and authentic storytelling

• Respectful portrayal of Alzheimer’s and memory loss

• Atmospheric visuals and sound design that enhance immersion

• Short runtime that delivers a sharp, lasting impact

Cons:

• Very limited gameplay mechanics, closer to an interactive film

• Linear progression with little replay value

• Some may find the brevity unsatisfying

As Long As You’re Here is a game that asks you to slow down, listen, and feel. It doesn’t rely on spectacle or mechanics to keep you engaged; instead, it trusts its story to carry the weight. And it succeeds by delivering an experience that is as much about empathy as it is about entertainment. For players who appreciate narrative-driven titles like To the Moon or What Remains of Edith Finch, this is an unforgettable journey worth taking. It’s not perfect, but its imperfections are part of its humanity, and that’s what makes it special.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

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