Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery

I'm gonna get straight to the point. I'll get the con out of the way first. The reason why I can't give this game a higher rating is simply due to its length. The entire time I was playing this I was immersed in the story and visuals. Then it ended. The pros are that while this game is very short, it does everything well. The puzzles weren't too easy or too hard. The music was very mood-setting and relaxing. The entire game was relaxing and I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed the painting elements and all interactions. The visuals are very Studio Ghibli-like. I just wanted more. It's the same way I feel about a game like Coffee Talk. In the end, Behind the Frame is worth playing and experiencing the story, but if length is an issue for you, perhaps get it when it's on sale for $5.

Behind the frame is without doubt a simply beautiful puzzle game/interactive novel. With its flawless art and music, you can see Ghibli oozing from every image and sound within in this game and the Dev and Art team should be praised for the atmosphere and immersion they have created in this visually stunning piece of art. The puzzles in themselves are generally easy but sometimes require a little thought. Nothing too taxing or left field however, so immersion isn't broken through frustration like in some games. The only slight to this is sometimes when painting, you can go a little too big or too small and it doesn't always register and trigger the completion of the area you're filling in. This isn't anything major though. My main criticism? It's too short. I finished it in just over an hour. I do think, however, the pricing is fair based on this in my opinion. Ultimately, Behind the Frame is a sweet little game with a lot of heart. The story is simple but pure, I just would I liked more of it. So have an hour to kill? Pick it up. It's worth it. I look forward to seeing more from this studio in the future.

This is an interactive movie of roughly 30 minutes length. After each scene, to continue, you need to complete simple memory puzzles using your brush. Upon completion, you are rewarded with new colors and pieces to unlock the next scene. The graphical quality is excellent and the style does remind a lot of Studio Ghibli. It also comes with some music that fits the scene perfectly. The story is sweet, heartwarming, and well done. There is only one downside: That I would have wanted to continue playing longer. It is way too good to be this short. If you enjoy interactive animated movies, I recommend you give this one a go!

Although very short (under 2 hours) I think it was worth the money. The artstyle is simply stunning, feels like an animation made by Ghibli Studio. Music blends really well creating perfect mood for the story. And yet... The game tells a story about two aspiring artists and their fateful meeting, but I cannot wave off the feeling that it's extremely rushed and the story abruptly ends. Yes it's a complete story, from start to an end but you simply want more. One of the first thing in the game to do is to "write" a letter to an art gallery sending your portfolio.... and basically a game is just that... a sample of skills of Weichen Lin and the people of the studio. The game elements are there... and yet they are not exactly relevant. The puzzles are way too easy to be called puzzles. At no point of the game you will think to yourself "ok what's next". Don't get it wrong. The game is still great experience. Worth the money you pay and even full price is justified... you will be just left with the feeling of wanting more.