Not many games can capture a melancholic and cataclysmic like Season: A Letter to the Future can. In this game, you take on the role of a young woman, leaving her village to discover the mysteries of the world around her. On your journey, you will get the chance to explore Tieng Valley and document what you see.
If you are new to Season: A Letter to the Future, we are here to help you. In this guide, we are going to go over some beginner tips and helpful things to know before getting started. This is intended for those that have little to no experience with games like Season, which has a heavy focus on the journey itself.
Slow Down And Wander
This may seem obvious, but Season: A Letter to the Future is all about slowing down and enjoying the ride. There is so much to see and do, and at times, you may become focused on a goal. For example, when you first leave Caro Village, there will be a path that you follow, eventually taking you to the entrance of Tieng Valley.
You can hone in on this path and ride straight there, or you can look at what's around you. Who knows, maybe you will learn about a little piece of lore when you stray off the path. Your bike ride may feel long at times, but this is all part of the experience.
Recording Sounds
Season: A Letter to the Future emphasizes taking pictures and recording the world around you. At times, you may forget about recording audio and instead focus on taking pictures. Audio recordings can provide interesting information though. For example, many times throughout the game, you will come across a purplish flower accompanied by garbled voices.
It's hard to hear these voices, but if you point your audio recorder at a flower, then the main voice will become clear, and you will learn a bit of information. This can then be placed in your journal on a relevant page, allowing you to listen back whenever you want. Don't forget to whip out that recorder whenever you see a flower and hear voices!
Take Plenty Of Pictures
Chances are, you will take a lot of pictures. Whenever you see something (or someone) new, you will more than likely snap a pic, and this is highly encouraged! Some NPCs might even want to exchange pictures with you. If you don't take enough pictures, then you may struggle to show them something.
If you come to a new location, remember: when in doubt, take a picture.
For example, after helping out Matyora, she will tell you to show her pictures from around the valley. When showing a picture, she will tell you a little about it; if you have taken pictures of a lot of things, then you have plenty to show Matyora. This is optional, but it's nice to talk with the NPCs in the valley and learn about where you are; that's the point of the game, after all!
Decorating Your Journal
Your journal tracks all the information that you have gathered on your journey. Each time you explore something new, a new page will appear. Some of these pages will have set images/objects that need to be added, addressing a question, but most pages let you freely place anything that you want.
From the index of your journal, you can see each page listed. If there is a black dot next to the title of the page, then you have 'completed' that page. This means that you have placed enough stuff to prompt a bit of explanation or exposition on what the page is about. With a black dot, you also have access to stickers that can be placed.
Overall, aim for filling in each page to get the black dot. If the page lets you place it freely, then all you need to do is place some pictures, quotes, and audio. Don't forget to place your stickers after completing the page! It's very satisfying to flip through a filled-up journal once you reach the end of the game.
At the very end of the game, you will have one final chance to add to your journal. If there are pictures that you have yet to place, this is the time.
Backtracking
If you are used to fast-paced games with quick movement, then you may be skeptical of backtracking. In Season: A Letter to the Future, backtracking is necessary at times. Later in the game, you may find yourself going from one side of the valley to the other in order to complete journal pages.
Rather than growing frustrated with bike riding, remember that it's part of the journey, and it gives you time to reflect on everything that goes on around you. The game has a gorgeous soundtrack that accompanies you as you ride through the valley. Sit back, relax, and ride through nature.