I don't usually take writing a Steam review all that seriously, but for Dordogne I have to make an exception.

What initially drew me in were the visuals. I thought to myself, "If it looks half as good as the screenshots I'm gonna be impressed." Let's just say that "impressed" doesn't even begin to cover it.
Dordogne's world is beautiful. The vibrant colors of days past, contrasted with the desaturated ones of adulthood are so well juxtaposed, almost hauntingly so. The models are low poly, the textures aren't the highest resolution they could be... but it all works in its favor so well. The artwork in Dordogne is pure wonder and whimsy illustrated, just taking in the environments was enough to elicit a reaction out of me, but thankfully this is not where the beauty of Dordogne ends.

I picked this up without knowing anything about the plot, nor well, if there was a plot at all. I was delightfully surprised to find a story that truly encapsulated a lifelong feeling that I've not seen others talk about. A grandparent so seemingly perfect, so willing to go along with all of your child whims... all the while they go through so many hardships from so many directions... none of which you even begin to comprehend until you're all grown- and they're gone.

Getting to, years later, find out the reason your family bickers so much, why there's always so much pain and argument when certain family members cross paths doesn't feel cathartic. It feels stupid. You're like "really? that's it? that's the reason you've torn everyone apart?" and I went through the exact same, play by play, realization within Dordogne. The world is so confusing when you're a child, and when you're old enough to understand it... it's too late.

Dordogne reminded me of my late grandfather. I spent my summers with him in near the same ways that you do with Nora here. I read some of the other reviews, how people felt disappointed that this game didn't feel "gamey" enough. That the gameplay was too shallow. I really don't see it that way. The mundane routines of daily activities are captured in such a perfect way here. From something as seemingly complex as cooking a meal to the simple act of turning a doorknob, the mundane is what actually makes Dordogne as special as it is.

Maybe the ""gameplay"" of Dordogne really isn't all that exciting. But that's not really the point. It's about reminiscing, taking pride in the mundane, and making every moment count.
I miss my grandfather a lot. I miss spending my summers doing boring stuff with him. For the briefest moment, as short as a flicker, playing Dordogne felt like I was spending time with him again. And just for that, I don't think I'll ever be able to forget this game.

If you're reading this to gauge if Dordogne is worth it; I assure you that it's wonderful. It's worth the money. It has a soul.
I wholeheartedly recommend you try it.