Looking Back

Looking Back is an autofictional exploration and visual novel game presented in a classic J-RPG style, with choices that affect the story. You play as Kris, a PhD student, and work toward confronting the Thesis, a boss monster that haunts Kris’s everyday life and causes anxiety. Before facing it, you need to build up Mental Health, Energy, Skillfulness, Wits and Endurance to earn the degree.

Life and choices

You strengthen your stats by exploring, making decisions, building relationships and trying to improve everyday life, rather than grinding through endless hordes of monsters. Choices—from deciding which breed of dog to have to choosing which of two friends to save—affect your stats, the world and yourself. The story has branching paths, hundreds of dialogue options, 10 allies who may join your party, and a combination of different endings. You can also take an adorable dog with you everywhere, if you choose.

Memories and dreams

Memory triggers scattered throughout Toronto let you explore the past and may change outcomes or your chances against the Thesis. Some memories can be altered at the cost of Mental Health points. Memory shards unlock dream sequences that embody your subconscious, and over 15 memories and dreams are explorable. Running out of Mental Health leads to utter despair, and changing the past too often may lead to your demise.

Inner demons and references

Once your Identity Level is high enough, you can choose to try to defeat inner demons. The game also features quirky characters, atmospheric music, references to famous and infamous thinkers, pop culture icons and politicians, and retro video game references.