I don't post a lot of reviews as I feel they generally get lost among all the others but in this case I had to make an exception. This is a thoroughly wonderful, heart-warming experience that should be experienced by anyone looking for something different from the usual games about conflict and killing.

First, I want to address what kind of game it it. I see a lot of people calling this a walking simulator and that is just plain wrong. Walking simulators are largely passive. You generally walk along a mostly linear path reading notes, maybe observing events and there is generally very little interaction. This game is definitely an adventure game. It has more in common with the old point and click adventure games than with games like The Vanishing of Ethan Carter.

It is an open world game that you can navigate as you please, baring a few "gates" that require completing quests to open. You play as an artist who has traveled to an island that was a special place to your recently departed mother. Your main goal is to paint four of her favorite locations on the island. In the process you will travel the length and breadth of this wondrous island, having conversations, helping people with their problems, taking in the sites, engaging in some light puzzle solving and even doing some crafting, though not of the "survival" type.

As stated earlier, there is no conflict or combat. You can not die. The worst that happen is if you get caught outside after sundown before you have bought a coat or crafted a tent, you will get sent back to the nearest inn you rented a room at. You gather materials to craft caravans to paint on, brew teas and build items that will allow you to reach new parts of the island or travel faster. As you explore and complete quests you'll earn inspiration which is required to paint paintings.

The dialog is all well written and you'll actually care about the characters you come into contact with and feel invested in their stories. You'll find yourself wanting to help them and do good. The scenery is uniformly beautiful. As is the music.

It all adds up to an extremely relaxing, enjoyable experience. When I realized I had completed all the quests and I would be leaving this place, I felt a genuine touch of sadness, as it had all be so delightful. Yes, I encountered a few bugs regarding graphics or physics but nothing that ruined the experience and certainly nothing game breaking.

As a bonus, the game runs perfectly on the Steam Deck.

I really can't say enough good things about this game. It's highly recommended and I wish there were more like it.