Kioku: Last Summer – Review (Steam)

There’s a particular kind of summer that only really exists in memory. The kind where the days feel warm in a way you can’t quite describe, and the air hums with the promise that something, anything might happen if you just wander far enough. Kioku: Last Summer taps into that feeling immediately. It doesn’t shove you into quests or overwhelm you with systems; it just lets you arrive. You step off the ferry as Asti, a kid with a backpack full of half‑formed expectations, and the island greets you with the kind of quiet that feels like an invitation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3EDvNGuVYA

The island itself is the star. It’s a compact, beautifully stylised space full of winding paths, cosy houses, and little secrets tucked into corners. The art direction blends soft colours with a slightly retro, almost storybook aesthetic that makes the whole place feel like a memory you half‑forgot you had. It’s the kind of world you want to explore at your own pace, and the game encourages exactly that.

The story follows Asti as she settles into island life and bonds with a trio of local kids. Their dynamic is messy, sweet, and recognisably childlike, awkward bravado, sudden loyalty, and the occasional emotional wobble. The narrative isn’t trying to be twisty or dramatic; it’s more about the texture of those friendships and the way a single summer can feel like a turning point. Some scenes land beautifully, especially the quieter moments where the game lets you just be with these characters.

Gameplay is deliberately light. You wander, chat, poke at small mysteries, and take part in a handful of minigames. The standout is Marubi, a marble‑battling playground obsession that feels like it was ripped straight from a 2000s schoolyard. It’s simple but surprisingly engaging, and collecting new pieces scratches that “one more pack” itch. There’s also crab fishing, scavenger‑hunt‑style tasks, and a few environmental puzzles that keep the pace varied without ever overwhelming the laid‑back tone.

Where Kioku stumbles is in its polish. The movement can feel a bit too fast for such a gentle game, occasionally making Asti zip around like she’s late for a bus. Some animations especially during dialogue lack the expressiveness the story deserves, and the looping “talking” sound effect can grate if you read quickly. There are also moments where the game’s refusal to use modern waypoint systems leaves you wandering in circles, unsure whether you’ve missed a trigger or the game simply wants you to explore more.

Performance is generally fine, though there are occasional bugs and rough edges that remind you this is a smaller‑scale project. Nothing game‑breaking, but enough to pull you out of the moment now and then.

Despite those issues, Kioku: Last Summer has a genuine heart. It understands the emotional weight of childhood summers, the friendships that feel like the centre of the universe, the rituals of collecting and exploring, the sense that something magical might be hiding just out of sight. When the game settles into that rhythm, it’s lovely. It just doesn’t always stay there consistently.

Pros

• Warm, nostalgic atmosphere that feels authentic

• Charming island setting with great visual personality

• Sweet, grounded coming‑of‑age story

• Fun minigames, especially Marubi

• Encourages slow, exploratory play

Cons

• Occasional bugs and rough edges

• Dialogue animations feel stiff

• Movement speed can be unintentionally comedic

• Lack of guidance may frustrate some players

• Audio quirks during conversations

Kioku: Last Summer is a heartfelt, summery adventure that shines brightest when it lets you soak in its atmosphere and bond with its cast. It’s not the most polished cozy game out there, but it is one of the more sincere ones. If you’re drawn to nostalgic, low‑pressure storytelling and don’t mind a few scuffs along the way, this island getaway is worth the trip.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Kioku: Last Summer is available now!