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Perfect Tides

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2022

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Quick resume

Perfect Tides is a point and click adventure game about the agony and anticipation of being a teen. Set in the year 2000, you follow Mara, an internet-obsessed young writer who lives on a so-called island paradise.

Global score

98/100

Genres

Adventure, Point-and-click, Indie

Pros

  • Deep, relatable narrative and character writing
  • Nostalgic and authentic setting
  • Emotional and personal storytelling
  • Charming pixel art and animation
  • Engaging soundtrack

Cons

  • Obtuse and sometimes frustrating puzzle design
  • Lack of gameplay guidance and direction
  • Pixel hunting required
  • No autosave and ui quirks
  • Short game length

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players make choices affecting story outcomes and explore the world at their own pace, reflecting personal decision-making rather than fixed routines."

  • Competence
    -2

    "Gameplay involves simple point-and-click puzzles and pixel hunting with some obtuse elements, offering limited skill challenge."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal narrative and exploration without social comparison."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players report emotional attachment and desire to revisit the game, though it is relatively short and can be completed in a few hours."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual story; no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Some freedom in exploration and puzzle solving, but mostly uses predefined narrative and environments with limited player modification."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions emphasize empathy and personal growth."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to emotionally engage with a fictional coming-of-age story, providing a form of escape and reflection."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and emotional connection rather than obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Exploration and puzzle solving encourage trying different interactions and discovering multiple story outcomes."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Game encourages discovering new areas, secrets, and side stories on a small island setting."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; players experience a fixed protagonist and world with no avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Grounded in realistic, autobiographical teenage experiences without fantasy or improbable events."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "Focus on individual narrative with some social interactions, but no community or multiplayer aspects."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong emphasis on personal development, emotional growth, and self-reflection through narrative."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements; sedentary point-and-click experience."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention on story and puzzles; not designed for background or casual play."

  • Intimacy
    4

    "Deep emotional connections and relationships are central to the narrative experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; player follows protagonist's personal journey."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players collect items and complete puzzles that influence story endings, reflecting narrative progression."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Laid-back pacing and reflective tone promote relaxation and emotional flow."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable pixel art, animation, and soundtrack provide moderate sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; focus is on personal story."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative-driven game with strong character development and emotional storytelling."

  • Strategy
    -2

    "Simple puzzles with limited strategic depth; gameplay focuses on exploration and narrative."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Game avoids suspense or risk; emotional tone is contemplative rather than thrilling."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report strong emotional payoff and meaningful experience relative to game length and price."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on constructive narrative and relationships."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat avoidance mechanics; stable, low-risk environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026