Serena - Quick Review (Free Steam game)

How long has it been? A man sits alone in a worn out cabin somewhere deep in the woods, waiting for his wife Serena. Where is she, and why can't he remember her face? Serena is surprisingly powerful for a free game that you can complete in less than an hour. The game’s realistic and subdued appearance is enhanced by the area you’re in; an open plan wooden cabin that was once home to two people, the man you’re playing and a woman called Serena who’s not present. It’s eerie from the moment you start playing; the photograph on the table leaves the woman’s face completely blank, just a white smear, as the man cannot remember what she looks like. The cabin looks as though nobody’s been there for weeks and as you point and click your way around the cabin you’ll get the man’s remarks that revolve around his memories of Serena. He’ll comment on her cooking, their love for one another, the books she read curled up in the armchair by the window and things of that assortment. The controls are very simple; you click the edges of the screen to move to different parts of the room, open drawers and look at objects.

You’ll guide this man to remember something best left forgotten and his memories will gradually return as you find things of Serena’s or things which remind him of her. The tone changes midway through the game and the remarks he makes about the few objects and pieces of furniture in the cabin changes as well. The build up to the ending is incredible and, though you see the ending coming from a mile away, it’s the emotion in his voice which is so memorable. It’s beautifully voice acted and looks the part; dirty, dusty but cosy and confined. The atmosphere is chilling and the creeping sensations that build up as you piece together the lost memories are the work of an undeniably emotional tale. Serena is a game you won’t soon forget, even if it is just a free game on Steam I highly recommend it. Check out the link below if you want to try this game and find out what makes it worth the experience. 

Score: 8/10

Serena - Free Indie game on Steam website.