• Price: $9.99 USD (currently on sale for $8.99 until January 3rd)
• Developer: Made Up Games
• Publisher: Fellow Traveller
• Release Date: December 13, 2024

A review code was kindly provided by Fellow Traveller on behalf of Made Up Games. We thank them for allowing us to cover something they’ve worked so hard on.

Content warning: Depicts the grieving process after the loss of the main character’s wife. Player discretion is advised.

Pine: A Story of Loss is a brief interactive experience that allows the player to witness the grieving process of a woodworker whose wife has just passed away. The seasons go by as he continues to mourn, seeing his late wife in everything he does.

Without words, the game relies on beautifully animated visuals to tell its story. As the woodworker, you complete his daily chores – such as tending to his garden – using the joystick or directional buttons to complete each task.

Some chores require you to participate in mini games or complete simple puzzles, and these remind the woodworker of the happy days with his wife. He uses his woodcarving skills to bring these bittersweet memories to life.

I really liked the woodcarving segments, and almost wish there were more. However, given that the game lasts about 2 hours or so, that probably would have disrupted the pacing of everything.

It’s just such a lovely idea and experience. I thought that a scene with the carvings close to the end was very moving and cathartic. By the end I did have some questions about the relationship between the woodcarver and his wife. (How did they meet? What year does this take place?)

But the story is about the grieving process – the end, not the beginning. And I think that telling the story without words was ultimately the right decision, as in the end grief transcends language and culture. Most people can relate to this story.

The Kickstarter page for the game does state that while it’s rated E, it’s not a story meant for children. If you think you can handle its themes, Pine: A Story of Loss is a gorgeous work of art.