Coming of age stories are not typically common subject matter for video games. Most of the time, game narratives tend to revolve around apocalypses and hordes of enemies that march in single file to be slaughtered by a charged-up laser rifle. Wide Ocean Big Jacket, however, is not a typical video game. It's an interactive story about two teens experiencing new, scary feelings, and two young adults experiencing doubt for the first time in their marriage. It's also incredibly charming.

A Nice Summer Day In Game Form

Wide Ocean Big Jacket could be called an adventure game, but the most adventurous thing that happens is buying firewood from a guy in the park, or practicing some cartwheels. Gameplay mostly consists of walking up to people, which then initiates a black screen with a picture of that person's face and some text. The player then reads the conversation and... that's the game. It's essentially an interactive novel that you have more direct control over.

At its core, Wide Ocean Big Jacket is about four people going on a nice family camping trip. There's Mord, a hyperactive, manic 13-year old girl; Ben, her neurotic, anxious partner; Brad, the laidback cool uncle; and Cloanne, the aunt who just wants to bird-watch, smoke cigarettes, and be left alone. Along the way, the usually confident and well-put-together married couple need to contend with the awkward questions coming from their teenage companions. There's also an important question that pops up between the two that could change the dynamic of their relationship. Meanwhile, Mord and Ben try to figure out exactly what being in a relationship even means.

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Much like Brad, this experience is very laidback. Even calling it a game might be going a little overboard. Aside from moving everyone around, talking, and occasionally interacting with some objects, there's not a whole lot to do. But that's not a bad thing, because the dialogue is incredibly amusing and sometimes even sweet. There are some serious moments, but even when things get a bit heavy, it never gets too intense. It feels like someone had the script to a mumblecore indie movie and turned it into a game instead.

The main characters are all quite likable. It's easy to be amused by Mord's precociousness or Ben's nervous energy. Even Cloanne - who may be the prickliest of the bunch - has moments that make her relatable. When Cloanne awkwardly tries to have "the talk" with Mord, or Brad helps Ben by lending his flashlight to help with his fear of the dark, they feel like realistic, human moments. Some other characters show up, but everything is mostly centered around these four. Thankfully, they seem like lovely people.

Can't We Stay A Little Longer? Please?

Graphically, the game reminds me of Frog Detective 2. Lots of simple character designs, primary colors, and blocky, polygonal backgrounds. Even though Wide Ocean Big Jacket isn't as ridiculous as the title may suggest, it still works here and gives the world the appearance of being drawn or painted by hand.

Also like Frog Detective 2, this is a very short game. The entire story from start to finish can be completed in under an hour. There are some alternate dialogue choices here and there, but for the most part, there's not much when it comes to replayability. Not that games like this need to be massive, sprawling 20-hour epics, but for some gamers, spending eight to ten bucks on a short, cute little story might not seem worth it.

It's A Shame When Vacations Have To End

Wide Ocean Big Jacket is a simple, nice little vacation with some goofy characters. It's not exactly a must-play title, as the story sort of just begins and ends. It doesn't do much more than simply be funny and sweet, but I enjoyed my short time with it regardless. For what it is, it's hard to fully recommend it for ten bucks. Frog Detective is a very similar game, and its asking price of five bucks seems a bit more appropriate considering its brevity.

But, if you're looking for a relaxing, calm, amusing short story, Wide Ocean Big Jacket should be a perfect choice to help pass the hour.

A Nintendo Switch copy of Wide Ocean Big Jacket was purchased by TheGamer for this review. Wide Ocean Big Jacket is available for Nintendo Switch and PC.

Wide Ocean Big Jacket

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