Overview
We Were Here Before is an interactive fiction experience developed and published by Inkdrift. This narrative-driven game places players in the role of a governor of a frontier settlement that is slowly being forgotten.
It leans heavily into a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' style, focusing on reading and player imagination rather than complex mechanics or fail states. Each playthrough is designed to be a concise 45-60 minutes, offering a high degree of replayability with over 90 potential story endings, though only four are encountered per session.
Highlights
- Genre Blend: Combines elements of Simulation and Strategy with a strong Interactive Fiction and Visual Novel foundation.
- Replayability: Features over 90 unique story endings, encouraging multiple playthroughs within short sessions.
- Narrative Focus: Emphasizes reading and player choice, with no traditional fail states, allowing imagination to fill the gaps.
Who It's For
This game is ideal for players who enjoy deep narratives, the freedom of choice found in 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books, and text-based experiences. If you appreciate games that prioritize storytelling and atmosphere over complex gameplay loops, and have a fondness for exploring themes of memory, grief, and identity, We Were Here Before should capture your interest.
Its short runtimes also make it perfect for players with limited time.
Game Info
- Developer: Inkdrift
- Publisher: Inkdrift
- Release Date: July 28, 2026
- Genre: Indie, Simulation, Strategy
- Player Mode: Single-player
- Content: Explores psychological horror, cosmic dread, existential loss, memory distortion, grief, and identity erasure. Includes themes of cult-like organizations, manipulation, and disappearances. No graphic violence or sexual content.
- Languages: English
