Summary
Farewell North is a cathartic experience—a reminder that grief, while overwhelming, can be transformed into something beautiful. The game doesn’t shy away from the pain of loss, but it also shows that healing, though slow and difficult, is possible when surrounded by love, memories, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and their human.
Developer – Kyle Banks
Publisher – Mooneye Studios
Platforms – Nintendo Switch,Xbox Series S|X, PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
WARNING:
This game contains Sensitive Topics that may trigger Depression or suicidal thoughts, especially for some individuals who may have recently experienced Grief or Loss. Individuals suffering from depression, or other mental health symptoms may not have a safe experience playing this game.
Furthermore, we encourage players to seek help or support if they are personally affected by any of these issues in real life. Please Play responsibly and be aware of the impact of the content on your emotions and well-being.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of Self-harm or Suicide, In Canada, you can reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca , or The Crisis Hotline by calling or texting 9-8-8 . For assistance in the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org , as well as you can Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor from the Crisis Text Line. We’d also like to thank Safe in Our World for being supportive of our work in Gaming and Helping support Mental Health Awareness through Gaming.
Saying Farewell is never easy, However, it is the main topic in today’s game, Farewell North.
Farewell North is a breathtakingly emotional journey that touches the soul in ways few games can. You step into the paws of a loyal border collie named Chesley, wandering through the windswept, melancholy beauty of the Scottish highlands, where every corner of the world yearns for the return of color. Farewell North Isn’t just a game about restoring vibrance to the physical realm but about reigniting the lost spark in your human’s (Cailey’s) heart, one that’s been darkened by a profound, devastating loss—the loss of a parent.
The game masterfully captures the profound ache of grief and the heavy emptiness that follows. As the silent yet steadfast border collie, you embody the essence of loyalty and love, offering the gentle comfort that words often fail to provide. Each puzzle you solve, every secret path you reveal, isn’t just about gameplay mechanics but metaphors for the arduous healing process. You’re not just showing your human where to go, but subtly guiding them through their pain, gently coaxing life and color back into their world.
As you traverse hand-crafted islands inspired by the archipelagos of St. Kilda and Orkney, the solitude of these landscapes feels like a direct reflection of the emotional isolation that comes with loss. The game’s pacing allows you to reflect on that, taking time to run through lush fields or paddle calmly across serene waters, offering moments of peace amidst the storm of sorrow. The beauty of these scenes, paired with the adaptive orchestral score by Siobhan Miller, feels like a balm for a weary soul.
But what truly makes Farewell North stand apart is how it captures the small sparks of hope that flicker through the darkness. Whether you’re playing fetch with your human, helping reunite lost creatures with their families, or simply being present, you bring fleeting moments of joy and connection that slowly chip away at the bleakness. Each new burst of color feels like a heartwarming step toward recovery, a visual manifestation of how, little by little, the weight of grief can be lifted.
The narrative slowly reveals itself as a mosaic of memories, showing you the life your human once had and the deep bond they shared with their lost parent. It’s a story about saying goodbye, yes, but it’s also about remembering, cherishing, and ultimately learning how to move forward. Farewell doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding the strength to carry on, even when it feels like the world has lost all color.
For anyone who has ever experienced loss, Farewell North is a cathartic experience—a reminder that grief, while overwhelming, can be transformed into something beautiful. The game doesn’t shy away from the pain of loss, but it also shows that healing, though slow and difficult, is possible when surrounded by love, memories, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and their human.
