Old Man's Journey is a masterclass in visual storytelling, proving that a game doesn't need a single word of dialogue to evoke profound emotion. As you guide an elderly protagonist across a vibrant, hand-painted landscape, you aren't just solving environmental puzzles; you're uncovering the poignant fragments of a life lived, full of regret, hope, and reconciliation. The core mechanic of shifting hills and manipulating the terrain to create paths is elegant and tactile, making every interaction feel like you're physically reshaping a beautiful pop-up book.
The pacing is deliberate and meditative, encouraging players to soak in the stunning vistas and the swelling, atmospheric soundtrack. While the puzzles themselves aren't overly punishing, they serve as the perfect vehicle for the narrative, reflecting the literal and metaphorical 'ups and downs' of the journey. It's a rare title that feels less like a product and more like a piece of interactive art. If you appreciate games that prioritize soul and atmosphere over high-octane action, this is an essential experience that will stay with you long after the final scene.
Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod
Version 1.22Wed Nov 26 2025
We worked on a small update to further improve your gaming experience:
- Separate Audio Controls: You can now toggle music and sound on/off separately.
- Visual Polish: We further improved the quality of the game by fixing minor visual glitches.
- Enhanced Security: Under-the-hood technical improvements to keep your game safe and secure.
A soul-searching adventure about life’s precious moments, broken dreams, and changed plans.
Over 17 International Awards, including:
- Apple Design Award (USA)
- Emotional Game Award (France)
- Innovation Award (Brazil)
- Best Art Award (Japan)
Features:
- A powerful and emotional narrative told only through imagery
- Gorgeously whimsical landscapes with hand-drawn art and animations
- Handcrafted, pressure-free puzzles
- Unique landscape-shaping mechanic
- A compact game experience perfect for a wanderlust-evoking escape
- Original and emotionally compelling soundtrack by SCNTFC
"A gorgeous experience." - TouchArcade (10/10)
"An absolute joy to look at and play" - The Guardian
"A whimsical poem" - Polygon (8/10)
Requires iOS 12.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.A soul-searching adventure about life’s precious moments, broken dreams, and changed plans.
Over 17 International Awards, including:
- Apple Design Award (USA)
- Emotional Game Award (France)
- Innovation Award (Brazil)
- Best Art Award (Japan)
Features:
- A powerful and emotional narrative told only through imagery
- Gorgeously whimsical landscapes with hand-drawn art and animations
- Handcrafted, pressure-free puzzles
- Unique landscape-shaping mechanic
- A compact game experience perfect for a wanderlust-evoking escape
- Original and emotionally compelling soundtrack by SCNTFC
"A gorgeous experience." - TouchArcade (10/10)
"An absolute joy to look at and play" - The Guardian
"A whimsical poem" - Polygon (8/10)
















Old Man’s Journey is a soul-searching puzzle adventure about life’s precious moments, broken dreams, and changed plans. Set in a beautifully sun-drenched, hand-crafted world, players embark on a journey of reconciliation and discovery. By manipulating the environment—specifically the rolling hills and paths—you clear the way for the old man to travel. The game eschews traditional dialogue for a visual-first approach, using stunning hand-painted art and a moving soundtrack to tell a deeply personal story. It’s a meditative experience designed for a single sitting, focusing on atmosphere and emotion.
Stunning hand-painted art style
Intuitive terrain-shifting puzzle mechanics
A powerful, wordless narrative
Original soundtrack by SCNTFC
No in-app purchases or ads
To progress, tap and drag the intersections of the hills to change their height. The old man can only move between overlapping points of the same elevation. Always look for where two distinct landmasses meet to bridge the gap.
An old man receives a mysterious letter in the mail and sets off for a journey. The plot is about finding out who sent the letter and why the man is so...
Nintendo World Report Wed May 16 2018
Old Man's Journey is like the video game version of that old blessing, in which the mutability of the road traveled is the focus,...
Polygon Sun Jul 16 2017
This week there's a nice eclectic selection of games across genres. We have Old Man's Journey, DEEMO, Mercenary Kings: Reloaded Edition, The Men of Yoshiwara:...
GodisaGeek.com Wed May 16 2018
Broken Rules' Old Man's Journey is one the strangest gaming experiences I've ever had. It's categorized as a side-scroller, but that description is ultimately...
VGChartz Wed May 16 2018
A simple tale told with an interactive twist, this is the story of an old man who gets a message that sends him off on a lonely journey.
Eurogamer Sun Jul 16 2017
An important pilgrimage - Old Man's Journey is one of those games that's hard to talk about without venturing into spoiler territory.
Nintendo Life Mon Apr 16 2018
It may be called Old Man's Journey, but this game is really a leisurely stroll through beautiful coastal hills and towns.
The Verge Fri Nov 16 2018
Old Man's Journey [official site] caught my attention before release entirely on the strength of its aesthetic. It remi…
Rock Paper Shotgun Sat Sep 16 2017
Old Man's Journey by Vienna-based Broken Rules is equal parts game and story. You play as an old man who receives a letter that seems to...
MacStories Wed Aug 16 2017
Old Man's Journey is a point-and-click adventure game from the indie game studio known as Broken Rules. The game hit the App Store in May...
iMore Wed May 16 2018
Interact with the landscape to create new routes. This involves dragging hills up or down and interacting with townspeople or animals to clear obstacles. The gameplay focuses on relaxing exploration and uncovering memory vignettes.
No, it is a concise, curated experience designed to be completed in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.