Item: How We Know We're Alive
Rating: 92
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

92/100

How We Know We're Alive is a somber, beautiful, and deeply moving piece of interactive fiction. As an expert in narrative design, I was floored by how much emotion the developers managed to convey through minimalist pixel art and a haunting, atmospheric score. This isn't a game about winning; it's a game about homecoming, grief, and the complicated layers of friendship in a small, dying town.

The writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the specific melancholy of rural Sweden with startling accuracy. The pacing is deliberate, forcing you to sit with the silence and the rain as you piece together the tragedy that brought you back to your roots. It is a rare example of a 'short' game that leaves a lasting impact long after the credits roll. For those who appreciate storytelling as an art form, this is an essential experience that proves mobile can be a platform for profound, adult-oriented narrative depth.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

6445847249

$2.99 13+★3.9 14 reviews

Author : Motvind Studios

Pubish Date : Invalid Date

Last Update Date : Invalid Date

Support Languages : English

Genres :

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Welcome to Härunga – a small industrial town in the bible belt of the mid–north of Sweden. You play as Sara, an aspiring writer who, after having been away for 10 years, returns home in order to investigate the tragic fate of her estranged best friend. The days grow short quickly this far up north – and the rain never seems to let up...
Lovingly crafted and richly animated, explore the melancholy atmosphere of a small town that time seemingly forgot. Meet old friends and enemies and piece together the mystery of what happened after your friendship tragically fell apart.
As in life, what you say will impact things in hidden ways and not everything may be as it seems. Who is telling whose truth and can you know the difference?
Requires iOS 13.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
HOW WE KNOW WE'RE ALIVE is an award winning, hour long melancholy, narrative mystery set in the bible belt of Sweden.
Welcome to Härunga – a small industrial town in the bible belt of the mid–north of Sweden. You play as Sara, an aspiring writer who, after having been away for 10 years, returns home in order to investigate the tragic fate of her estranged best friend. The days grow short quickly this far up north – and the rain never seems to let up...
Lovingly crafted and richly animated, explore the melancholy atmosphere of a small town that time seemingly forgot. Meet old friends and enemies and piece together the mystery of what happened after your friendship tragically fell apart.
As in life, what you say will impact things in hidden ways and not everything may be as it seems. Who is telling whose truth and can you know the difference?

Ratings & Reviews

3.9 out of 5 with 14 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 13+

How We Know We're Alive is a melancholic point-and-click adventure set in a small industrial town in Sweden. After years away, Sara returns to Härunga to investigate the sudden death of her estranged best friend. As you explore the town and speak with its inhabitants, you’ll uncover the complexities of shared history and the impact of the past on the present. A story-driven experience focused on atmosphere, character, and emotion.

Features

Award-Winning Narrative

Stunning Lo-Fi Pixel Art

Full Professional Soundtrack

Deeply Emotional Themes

Tips

Exploring Härunga

The game focuses on dialogue choices. Take your time to interact with minor objects in the background; they often provide the necessary context to Sara's past that enriches the main story.

Promotion Videos

How We Know We're Alive: Full Game Walkthrough & iOS/Android Gameplay (by Motvind Studios) - YouTube

News on this game

Gameplays

Dialogue and Choice

Conversations are the primary mechanic. Your tone and the questions you ask will shape how the residents react to Sara, though the core mystery remains a linear, authored journey.