Family drama full-motion video game
Pact Between Us is a premium FMV simulation game that places players in the role of an older brother who, after the tragic loss of his parents, must care for and raise his younger sister. Every choice the player makes during her upbringing will affect the kind of woman she will become.
In Pact Between Us’ story, the brother discovers he is adopted and has no blood relation to his sister. Despite this, he chooses to continue raising her. It explores the complex emotional bond between them as they grow up relying solely on each other, with the player's choices influencing the outcome.
A tearjerker of a game
The gameplay of Pact Between Us is centered around daily life-sim mechanics. The player, as the brother, can arrange for the sister to take lessons to increase her attributes or participate in social practices to earn in-game currency. Balancing these activities with rest, which reduces her fatigue and can increase Affection Points, is crucial. These points are key to unlocking certain emotional endings.
To bring the story to life, the game utilizes real actors. A child actor portrays the sister in her youth, while an adult actor takes over as she matures. The developer has also mentioned using AI-assisted design for some of the game's 2D backgrounds and store materials, though these were based on original photographs and are manually refined. The game's style combines elements of JRPG, visual novel, and life sim genres.
The game has faced some criticism for its controversial premise, which has led to online backlash. Players have also reported technical issues, such as a bug that reverts the language to Chinese. The life-sim mechanics are considered too simple for those seeking more strategic depth, and the developer's strong response to critics may deter some potential players. Still, if you want an affecting drama, this is a game to try.
A game that will shape your humanity
Despite facing criticism for its controversial premise and some technical issues, Pact Between Us offers a unique and emotionally resonant experience through its FMV format. The deep narrative, combined with the player's meaningful choices, creates a compelling family drama that, with a few adjustments, could be a truly memorable and emotional title, especially for those who want to experience a whole range of emotions during gameplay.
