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Our Life: Beginnings & Always

Mac, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), 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

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

  • 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."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026