Far Away, developed and published by Gratesca, is an ambitious and emotionally complex visual novel that immerses players in the politically charged and morally gray port city of Bedjan, also known as the City of Sea and Sand. Set in a bleak but richly imagined world inspired by neo-noir and post-industrial urban sprawl, the game casts players as Krosa Nonet, a young woman working a humble job as a dock worker in the city’s Old District. On the surface, her life appears mundane, but beneath the smog and saltwater lies a tangled web of secrets, violence, and societal decay waiting to be unraveled. With a story driven not by fantasy or romance, but by crime, corruption, and personal agency, Far Away presents a mature, layered narrative experience unlike most visual novels.

The depth of the story is one of the game’s defining achievements. With over half a million words of branching narrative, Far Away delivers nine main storylines and sixteen different endings, each shaped by more than 300 unique choices. These aren’t superficial decisions, but rather morally ambiguous forks that challenge players to weigh loyalty, self-interest, trust, and survival. Krosa’s journey is largely determined by how players navigate these dilemmas, which can lead her down paths ranging from reluctant hero to unwitting pawn or cold-hearted survivor. The branching structure ensures a high level of replayability, encouraging players to revisit different choices to uncover new dimensions of the story and the world of Bedjan itself. Rather than relying on a single, linear arc, Far Away lets the narrative breathe through consequence and perspective.

One of the most distinctive qualities of Far Away is its tone. Unlike the romantic or slice-of-life focus typical of many visual novels, this game leans heavily into dark humor, gritty urban tension, and philosophical introspection. The writing is sharp and often bitingly sarcastic, filled with cultural nods and moments of dry levity that punctuate the heavier themes of systemic failure, violence, and personal compromise. This balance of cynicism and wit gives the game its personality, as does the Cantonese voice acting, which not only adds authenticity to the setting but also enhances the emotional weight and character depth. The decision to ground the voice work in a regional dialect adds flavor and cultural specificity rarely seen in the genre.

Visually, the game adopts a clean, understated art style typical of the medium, focusing on mood and character expression rather than overly flashy animation or effects. The backgrounds and interface are sleek, functional, and atmospheric, capturing the somber tone of the setting while allowing the narrative to remain center stage. Character portraits are expressive, and the UI is intuitive, making long reading sessions comfortable and immersive. The subdued visual presentation complements the noir feel, keeping the player's focus on the story, the dialogue, and the weight of the decisions they are making.

Mechanically, Far Away sticks closely to the core visual novel formula—there’s no gameplay beyond reading and choosing—but the sheer scale and complexity of the branching paths make it feel more dynamic than most. Every decision has the potential to significantly alter the trajectory of the story, and the game trusts the player to live with those choices. There are no obvious “good” or “bad” answers, only actions with layered consequences. This sense of agency and unpredictability strengthens the player’s connection to Krosa and her world, creating a more immersive experience where the outcomes feel earned, not imposed.

The game also benefits from strong post-release support and critical reception. It launched to overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, with players praising its writing, voice acting, and branching structure. Since its original release in Chinese, the game has been localized into English, with a full translation made available in late 2024. While the translation can occasionally feel slightly rigid in tone, it is overall quite competent and fully conveys the narrative’s intricacies. Some players have noted that the English language setting must be changed manually through Steam’s properties menu rather than through an in-game option, a minor but slightly awkward quirk in an otherwise polished experience.

Far Away’s success is not just critical but commercial. It has become Gratesca’s most successful title, reaching an impressive player base and generating significant revenue for an indie visual novel. It has also spawned a companion artbook DLC titled “The Art of Far Away,” which offers fans additional insight into the game’s development and visual design. The artbook, like the base game, has been warmly received and stands as a testament to the care and vision the developers brought to the project.

Ultimately, Far Away is a rare kind of visual novel: one that isn’t afraid to challenge its audience, both emotionally and intellectually. It’s a story about people trapped in the machinery of a broken city, about the choices they make to survive or resist, and the costs of those choices. Through its branching paths, richly detailed world, and memorable protagonist, it delivers a powerful and mature narrative experience that stands out in a genre often dominated by formula. For players looking for a dark, multi-layered story with meaningful player agency and strong character writing, Far Away is a deeply rewarding journey into the heart of a city—and a soul—on the edge.

Rating: 9/10