Our Life: Beginnings & Always similar games & best alternatives
Our Life: Beginnings & Always
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
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
Motivations
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Autonomy5
"Players have extensive control over character identity, appearance, personality, and relationship choices, shaping their own story."
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Competence-2
"Gameplay focuses on narrative choices and character interaction rather than skill-based challenges or technical mastery."
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Competition-5
"No competitive elements; emphasis is on personal story and relationships without comparison to others."
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Continuation4
"High replayability and player attachment; many users report multiple playthroughs and long play sessions."
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Cooperation-4
"Primarily a single-player experience focused on individual narrative choices and relationships, limited multiplayer or teamwork."
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Creativity5
"Strong customization of player character, love interest, and story outcomes; players create unique personal experiences."
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Domination-5
"Interactions emphasize mutual respect and emotional connection rather than control or superiority."
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Escapism5
"Players use the game as a comforting, emotional escape with wholesome, nostalgic storytelling."
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Expectation-5
"Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and emotional connection, not obligation."
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Experimenting4
"Many options and branching paths encourage trying different choices and exploring alternate storylines."
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Exploration3
"Exploration is narrative and emotional, discovering new relationship dynamics and life stages rather than physical areas."
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Expression5
"Extensive character customization and personalization options allow self-expression through avatar and story."
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Fantasy-2
"Focus on realistic slice-of-life and relatable emotional experiences rather than fantastical or improbable events."
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Fellowship4
"Strong sense of community and emotional connection with characters; players feel part of a shared experience."
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Growth5
"Narrative centers on personal development, identity exploration, and emotional growth over life stages."
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Health-5
"Sedentary gameplay typical of visual novels; no physical activity or health-related mechanics."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused reading and decision-making; not designed for passive or background play."
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Intimacy5
"Deep emotional bonds and close relationships are core to the experience, including romantic and platonic intimacy."
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Leadership-4
"No leadership or group management; players focus on their own character's story and relationships."
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Progression4
"Progression through life stages and relationship development; accumulation of story moments and character growth."
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Relaxation4
"Calm, wholesome, and emotionally soothing experience with a gentle pace and comforting atmosphere."
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Sensation3
"Appealing art, music, and emotional storytelling provide sensory and emotional enjoyment."
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Status-4
"Focus on personal narrative without social ranking or recognition systems."
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Story5
"Strong narrative immersion with rich character development and evolving plot across life stages."
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Strategy-3
"Choices impact story but do not require complex planning or problem solving; straightforward decision making."
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Thrill-3
"Low suspense or risk; experience is emotionally warm and steady rather than tense or thrilling."
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Value5
"Highly praised for content quality, replayability, and affordable DLC; players feel good return on investment."
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Violence-5
"No violence or combat; focus on constructive relationships and emotional connection."
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Survival-5
"Stable, low-risk narrative environment without threats or resource management."
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Last update: 06/03/2026