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Our Life: Beginnings & Always similar games & best alternatives

Our Life: Beginnings & Always

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Android, Linux • 2020

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Quick resume

A twenty-dollar bill, four summers, fifteen years, and a one of a kind life. Create an experience that’s all your own in this near-fully customizable visual novel where you grow from childhood to adulthood with the lonely boy next door.

Global score

99/100

Genres

Casual, Indie, Free To Play, Visual Novel, Simulator

Similar games

    Pros

    • Extensive character customization and identity options
    • Inclusive and diverse lgbtq+ representation
    • Heartwarming, wholesome, and emotional storytelling
    • High replayability with meaningful choices
    • Affordable dlc adding valuable content

    Cons

    • Some artwork inconsistencies noted
    • Limited explicit romantic content
    • Slow pace may not appeal to all players
    • Lack of complex gameplay mechanics
    • Story still in progress with some dlcs pending

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Intimacy, Survival, Violence, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Fellowship. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Fantasy, Strategy.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      5

      "Players have extensive control over character identity, appearance, personality, and relationship choices, shaping their own story."

    • Competence
      -2

      "Gameplay focuses on narrative choices and character interaction rather than skill-based challenges or technical mastery."

    • Competition
      -5

      "No competitive elements; emphasis is on personal story and relationships without comparison to others."

    • Continuation
      4

      "High replayability and player attachment; many users report multiple playthroughs and long play sessions."

    • Cooperation
      -4

      "Primarily a single-player experience focused on individual narrative choices and relationships, limited multiplayer or teamwork."

    • Creativity
      5

      "Strong customization of player character, love interest, and story outcomes; players create unique personal experiences."

    • Domination
      -5

      "Interactions emphasize mutual respect and emotional connection rather than control or superiority."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Players use the game as a comforting, emotional escape with wholesome, nostalgic storytelling."

    • Expectation
      -5

      "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and emotional connection, not obligation."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Many options and branching paths encourage trying different choices and exploring alternate storylines."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Exploration is narrative and emotional, discovering new relationship dynamics and life stages rather than physical areas."

    • Expression
      5

      "Extensive character customization and personalization options allow self-expression through avatar and story."

    • Fantasy
      -2

      "Focus on realistic slice-of-life and relatable emotional experiences rather than fantastical or improbable events."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Strong sense of community and emotional connection with characters; players feel part of a shared experience."

    • Growth
      5

      "Narrative centers on personal development, identity exploration, and emotional growth over life stages."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay typical of visual novels; no physical activity or health-related mechanics."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused reading and decision-making; not designed for passive or background play."

    • Intimacy
      5

      "Deep emotional bonds and close relationships are core to the experience, including romantic and platonic intimacy."

    • Leadership
      -4

      "No leadership or group management; players focus on their own character's story and relationships."

    • Progression
      4

      "Progression through life stages and relationship development; accumulation of story moments and character growth."

    • Relaxation
      4

      "Calm, wholesome, and emotionally soothing experience with a gentle pace and comforting atmosphere."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Appealing art, music, and emotional storytelling provide sensory and emotional enjoyment."

    • Status
      -4

      "Focus on personal narrative without social ranking or recognition systems."

    • Story
      5

      "Strong narrative immersion with rich character development and evolving plot across life stages."

    • Strategy
      -3

      "Choices impact story but do not require complex planning or problem solving; straightforward decision making."

    • Thrill
      -3

      "Low suspense or risk; experience is emotionally warm and steady rather than tense or thrilling."

    • Value
      5

      "Highly praised for content quality, replayability, and affordable DLC; players feel good return on investment."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No violence or combat; focus on constructive relationships and emotional connection."

    • Survival
      -5

      "Stable, low-risk narrative environment without threats or resource management."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026