Adios
Review

Adios (2021) is a narrative game about a farmer with a deal-gone-bad with a crime family. Although the setting and scenario are macabre and could be pulled from shows like Ozark and Breaking Bad, the understated atmosphere and sombre tone powerfully communicate a personal story full of love and remorse.

After a life spent dealing with the dead bodies of people murdered by the criminal game by feeding them to his pigs, he's had enough. There is a way out, but it means the end of his life. We pick up as one of the mob's hitmen arrives to kill him, although first, they talk about the years they've worked together.

Play involves exploring the farm, tending to animals and triggering reflections on the past as you work through the farmer's last day. Its small cast of characters, great voice acting and simple visuals create an intimate experience on a par with participatory theatre.

Some may find the light-touch interactions don't make this enough of a game. Those that stay with it, though, will find an impactful story. This extends way beyond an interactive novel, with stand out moments including a heartbreaking phone call where the farmer is unable to say what he really means.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Adios 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 22 months ago.