Nostalgic beyond words, capturing the fleeting feeling of youth to a stunning degree of authenticity. Boku No Natsuyasami 2 is a profoundly moving time capsule, cut from the same cloth as a Studio Ghibli feature.

Set in the summer of 1975, you play as Boku, a young boy vacationing at his relatives' guest house in a small picturesque Japanese coastal town. This idyllic location, brought to life by a cast of diverse and complex characters but forgotten to most of the world, remains alive for the few who still reside there and those drawn back by their lingering ties.

The gameplay is simple yet deeply engaging. You explore the town, catch and fight bugs, fish and swim, collect trinkets, and befriend the townsfolk while learning about their lives. Every activity, no matter how mundane, is imbued with a sense of wonder and discovery- whether it's the joy of a successful catch or the thrill of uncovering a hidden nook in the town, each moment feels significant. Boku No Natsuyasami 2 encourages you to take your time, to savor the small pleasures of a summer day, and to immerse yourself fully in the world around you.

The constant buzz of cicadas, the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore, the cool breeze rustling through the trees, and crickets chirping as the sun sets- a calm and serene soundscape that soothes and relaxes, reigniting memories of quieter, more tranquil moments in our own lives. With absurdly beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds that look ripped straight out of a Studio Ghibli film, the atmosphere is so rich and immersive, it feels almost tangible. Never has a game so vividly transported me back to a time and place like Boku has.

I cannot even count the amount of times I found myself fighting back tears during totally random and inexplicable moments in this game. Its earnestness and the depth of the characters' painful and troubled backstories caught me totally off guard, over and over again. Boku expertly blends moments of tranquility and childlike wonder with an underlying sadness that is both beautiful and tragic. I found myself wanting so desperately for these characters to find happiness, to let go of their pasts, to reconcile with old friends or repair their relationships with their parents or lovers. Some do, and some don't. And that's life I guess. Not everyone has a happy ending, and Boku captures this reality with a haunting grace.

This must be one of the most important games ever made that hasn't been released in the West. It is an absolute crime that it was left to a small group of dedicated modders to translate it into English. Sony should be ashamed for not recognizing its value- everyone deserves to be able to play this masterpiece.

(A special mention goes to the use of Gymnopédie No.1, complete with the nostalgic crackle of the record player from which it plays. Just sublime.)

Boku no Natsuyasumi 2 is a profoundly earnest and delightful time capsule that completely washed over me the moment I stepped onto the humble shores of the small coastal town contained within. The atmosphere is relaxed and serene but not entirely tranquil; as nearly all of the residents have some sort of conflict or aspiration they need assistance with. All of these characters were a joy to interact with and checking in with each of them every day throughout this 31-day vacation had me grow incredibly invested in their lives and hopeful for their futures. These relationships formed organically and effortlessly, due in no small part to the way this game romanticizes every moment, whether it be a small discussion between characters, a minute spent sitting together in silence while the dissonant melody of a record coats the playground, an afternoon spent catching bugs while running through the sun, or a loving mealtime spent laughing with family; these fleeting moments are all significant and impactful despite their brevity. Before I knew it, these small moments culminated into a month's worth of time and I bittersweetly had to wave goodbye to friends and family alike as the summer drew to a close. While the future from that point forward was intimidating and uncertain, the memories and relationships forged during that time would undoubtedly serve as a comfort and source of strength going forward.

Perhaps my largest takeaway from this experience, which left a sizable emotional impact on me, is to enjoy and relish in life's quiet and subtle moments just as much as I would the louder and grandiose. The march of time doesn't halt and our lives will inevitably be composed of far more of these small, indistinct moments than those that are commonly celebrated; coming to terms with this has honestly given me an enhanced perspective and sense of comfort when reflecting on my own life. I'll do my best to ensure that this new outlook remains close to my heart alongside the place where this work of art now resides.