Dordogne Review: A Watercolour Journey Through Memory and Family
A beautifully hand painted, memory soaked adventure that captures the quiet magic of childhood, family, and the art of slowing down
Available on: PC, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Xbox Game Pass
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch, PS5
Genre: Casual, Short, Adventure, Emotional
Developer: UN JE NE SAIS QUOI, UMANIMATION
Publisher: Focus Entertainment
How Cozy? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Game Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the pod! 🫶
If you're a fan of serene, narrative-driven games like A Short Hike or Alba: A Wildlife Adventure, then Dordogne is a must-play. This charming indie title invites you to step into the shoes of Mimi, a young woman revisiting her grandmother Nora's home in the picturesque French countryside. Through a blend of childhood memories and present day exploration, Dordogne offers a heartfelt story and stunning visuals that may have you reflecting on your own childhood memories.
Story
In Dordogne, you navigate both the past and present as Mimi, uncovering fragments of her childhood spent with her grandmother. The game unfolds over eight chapters, seamlessly transitioning between young Mimi's summer adventures and adult Mimi's introspective journey. The narrative is rich with emotion, exploring themes of family, loss and the passage of time. The use of text messages and handwritten notes adds a personal touch, deepening the connection to Mimi's relationships, especially with Nora.
Related: Looking for more emotional games?
Check out my list of games with heartfelt stories
Gameplay
Dordogne is about the joy of life’s quiet moments. From kayaking down sun sparkled rivers to gardening and cooking with Nora, the gameplay invites you to slow down and savour the simple things. The puzzles are gentle and intuitive, often revolving around familiar, homely tasks, making tea, finding keys, or diving into the river to find lost items. These activities beautifully reflect the game’s themes of connection and memory.
One of my absolute favourite features, though, is the scrapbooking. At the end of each day, you gather mementoes from your journey, photos taken with your camera, stickers found around town, and poetic keywords that appear organically as you explore the scenery. These moments of creative reflection give you the space to craft a personal diary of your time in Dordogne, which feels like a quiet ritual in itself. It’s peaceful, a little nostalgic, and incredibly charming.
Graphics and Visuals
Visually, Dordogne is just stunning. The game is entirely hand-painted in watercolours, with over 200 stunning backgrounds created by illustrator and game director Cédric Babouche. The result is a moving storybook where every scene, whether a panoramic view of the French countryside or a quiet corner of Nora’s kitchen, feels like a painting come to life. The soft, dreamy aesthetic enhances the game’s nostalgic tone, and it’s easily one of the most visually striking games I’ve played.
Voicework and Sound
The audio design is just as thoughtful. The soundtrack, filled with mellow synths and touches of French jazz, perfectly complements the dreamy visuals. There’s a subtlety to the voicework that’s really well placed, just enough to add emotional depth without breaking the tranquil atmosphere. It’s a careful balance of sound and silence that encourages mindfulness and immersion.
Longevity
At around four to five hours long, Dordogne offers a compact, impactful experience. It doesn’t rush, nor does it drag and you can enjoy the journey at your own pace. Its short length makes it perfect for a weekend playthrough, offering just enough story and interaction to leave a lasting impression without demanding a huge time commitment.
Conclusion
Dordogne is a gentle, emotional, and visually stunning game that celebrates the beauty of small moments and personal connections. Whether you’re kayaking under painted skies, frying potatoes with your Grandmother, or crafting a heartfelt scrapbook of memories, this game is like a warm, nostalgic hug. With its unique art style, thoughtful gameplay, and soul soothing soundtrack, Dordogne is an essential play for cozy gamers and narrative lovers alike.
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