Developed by Scavengers Studio, Season: A Letter to the Future is an open-world game about traveling and documenting moments. It tells a story of a woman in a world on the brink of a cataclysmic change.
The key to this game is capturing the details of the world around you and recording them in Estelle’s journal. These minor details are what will help you really immerse yourself in the game’s world.
1. Don’t rush through the game
As you explore the world, you place photos, recordings, and sketches in a journal. Each area gets two pages, and it’s easy to capture more than you can fit. This adds to the sense of discovery and makes each play-through unique.
Scavenger Studio’s SEASON: A Letter to the Future takes you on a meditative exploration journey that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The game’s premise is simple: leave home to record the world before a cataclysmic event changes it forever.
The game’s basic watercolor presentation is stunning, but it’s the world’s use of ambient sound that really sets it apart. It’s subtle, but it does so much to accentuate the experience.
2. Take your time to explore the world
There are plenty of games about the end of the world, but few are as calm and soothing as Season: A Letter to the Future. This narrative exploration game from Scavengers Studio isn’t your typical survival or action-packed end of days experience.
This is a game that’s about introspection, appreciating where you come from, and recording what’s around you before it’s too late. It’s not a game that’s meant to be rushed through, and in fact, it won’t make any sense at all if you do.
So take your time and explore everything that this strange and beautiful world has to offer. It’ll be worth it in the long run.
3. Don’t be afraid to backtrack
Many parts of the game require backtracking, especially later on when it becomes necessary to go from one side of the valley to the other in order to complete journal pages. It is easy to grow frustrated when you must ride your bike for hours, but remember that this is part of the experience! You never know what you might discover.
This game is all about slowing down and taking your time to enjoy it. Trying to speed through the game defeats the purpose, and will leave you feeling less than satisfied when it is over.
4. Don’t be afraid to interact with NPCs
The NPCs in SEASON are one of the game’s strengths, and they can be difficult to get a grasp on without taking the time to interact with them. However, this can be frustrating for players who want to quickly complete the game and move on to new encounters that will yield more EXPs.
Luckily, there is a simple solution: give the NPCs unique quirks that help them stand out. This way, it will be easier for players to remember them and form attachments. Plus, it will make roleplaying with them faster and less arduous.
5. Don’t be afraid to put whatever you want in Estelle’s journal
When it comes to filling in Estelle’s journal, it’s best to not be afraid to put whatever you want. The game is not as linear as it may seem at first, and there are a lot of surprises around every corner.
Players should not be afraid to explore every corner of the Tieng Valley. For example, there is a path that leads to the Artist’s home. Players can interact with the art to start a conversation, and then she will ask for help in capturing the Valley. This is important because it will give players a unique experience.
6. Don’t be afraid to make decisions
Some decisions may be a little risky or scary, but don’t let fear stop you from taking them. Try not to catastrophise, or think about the worst case scenario, because this is a common thinking trap that can lead to anxiety.
This is also important to remember when making larger decisions, like whether to change jobs or move to a different city. It’s okay to make a pros and cons list or spend time considering your options, but don’t get caught up in the perfectionism that leads to procrastination.
7. Don’t be afraid to take your time
Developed by Scavenger Studio, Season is a highly original open-world adventure game that takes a fresh approach to the post-apocalyptic genre. Its core mechanic is Estelle exploring the world on her bike and recording everything she sees before a cataclysmic event destroys it all.
Players can put whatever they want in Estelle’s journal, just like a real diary, so it’s best not to rush through the experience. Doing so can lead to a sense of regret or dissatisfaction in the end (not to mention it defeats the purpose of the game). It’s better to take your time and explore as much of the world as you can.