After Us

{
"short": "In *After Us*, players embody Gaia, the Spirit of Life, in a third-person platforming adventure. Explore a stunning, abstract world, revive extinct animals, and confront the Devourers amidst a poignant narrative on humanity's impact.",
"long": "## Introduction\n\n*After Us* is a single-player, third-person platform adventure game developed by Piccolo Studio and published by Private Division. Released on May 23, 2023, the game casts players as Gaia, the Spirit of Life. The core gameplay revolves around navigating visually striking, abstract environments while striving to salvage the souls of extinct animals. Players revive these creatures after witnessing their final fates, such as the last whale's harpooning or the final eagle's capture. Throughout the experience, Gaia must survive encounters with the dangerous, oil-covered Devourers, who roam the wasteland seeking remnants of life.\n\n\n## Development & Release\n\nPiccolo Studio developed *After Us*, and Private Division published it. The game was released on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S. The game blends elements of platforming, adventure, and puzzle genres, offering a unique blend of gameplay mechanics and thematic depth. The game's narrative focuses on fantasy and drama, exploring the consequences of humanity's actions on the environment and its inhabitants. The game's release marked a significant moment for the studio, delivering a compelling and evocative experience for players.\n\n\n## Gameplay & Content\n\nThe gameplay loop in *After Us* centers on platforming through a post-apocalyptic world. Players explore this desolate landscape, collecting remnants and navigating environmental puzzles. The game's world is rich in detail and visual artistry, showcasing the beauty and devastation of the setting. Players can expect a respectful duration with plenty of collectibles to collect. The completionist playtime for *After Us* is approximately 12.1 hours, allowing players to fully experience the story and world. The game's structure encourages exploration, with a focus on environmental storytelling and emotional resonance.\n\n\n## Critical Reception\n\n*After Us* has received positive reviews, earning a "Fair" rating on OpenCritic. Critics have lauded the game's emotional depth, visual design, and core gameplay. MondoXbox described it as a \"wonderful, dream-like journey,\" while NoobFeed called it a \"masterpiece level game.\" PlayStation Universe highlighted the game's ability to find beauty in a dark and desolate world, stating it is \"a haunting tale of humanity's atrocities.\" These reviews underscore the game's ability to resonate with players through its powerful message and immersive experience.\n"
}