We Were Here Forever stands out as a cooperative puzzle adventure game that emphasizes teamwork and communication between two players. Set in the chilling realm of Castle Rock, this indie title from Total Mayhem Games traps you and a partner in a mysterious Antarctic fortress, forcing you to collaborate on intricate puzzles to find a way out. Released in 2022 for PC, it builds on the series' foundation by delivering a narrative-driven experience filled with secrets and tough decisions.
Gameplay
In We Were Here Forever, the core loop revolves around two players exploring separate areas of Castle Rock while communicating through walkie-talkies. Each player encounters unique parts of puzzles that require describing clues, coordinating actions, and solving riddles together. For instance, one might manipulate levers in a dungeon while the other interprets symbols in a royal hall, all under the pressure of time-sensitive dangers. The game demands clear voice communication, as microphones are essential, and it features mechanics like making story-branching choices that affect your escape path. Exploration takes you through varied environments, such as a eerie Graveyard or the dark waters of a Foundry, where hidden secrets and ancient mysteries unfold.
Mechanics focus on cooperative problem-solving without combat, highlighting observation and logic. You start with minimal tools, relying on your partner's perspective to progress, which creates tense moments when explaining details quickly becomes critical. The game includes 39 Steam achievements tied to puzzle completion and narrative discoveries, adding replay value through different outcomes.
Game Modes
We Were Here Forever operates exclusively in a two-player co-op mode, with no single-player option available. It functions as a standalone adventure in the We Were Here series, meaning you can jump in without prior entries, though the stories connect loosely. Both players need an internet connection and a compatible microphone to engage in real-time voice chat, which is central to gameplay. There are no competitive modes or additional multiplayer variants; the focus remains on collaborative puzzle-solving across the campaign, which spans multiple chapters in Castle Rock.
Story and Setting
The narrative places you and your partner as prisoners in Castle Rock, unraveling a tale of betrayal, ancient powers, and a resistance against a fallen king. As you escape from dungeons and navigate to outdoor areas like Rockbury, you encounter entities such as the Jester and face moral choices that influence the plot. The Antarctic setting adds a layer of isolation, with themes of forgotten puzzles and desperate schemes. For deeper lore, a six-part live-action video series on YouTube, titled We Were Here Stories: Chronicles of Castle Rock, provides background on the inhabitants and history.
Is It Worth Playing?
With a Very Positive rating on Steam from 15,449 reviews (93% positive overall and 87% in the last 30 days), We Were Here Forever earns praise for its clever puzzles and strong co-op design. Critics like IGN gave it an 80/100, noting its leap forward in cooperative experiences, while The Gamer also scored it 80/100 for its pacing and accessibility. It won awards such as Best Game Design at the Dutch Game Awards 2022 and Best Puzzle Game at the TIGA Awards 2022. If you have a reliable partner and enjoy puzzle games that test communication skills, this title offers hours of engaging content. However, it requires a commitment to voice chat and teamwork, so solo players or those without a co-op buddy might look elsewhere. The game remains supported with DLC options like a soundtrack, and its current state shows active community engagement through recent positive reviews.
