Perfect Tides
Perfect Tides is a modern indie adventure game inspired by the point-and-click classics of the 90s. It was made by Meredith Gran, and released for Windows and Mac in 2022. Gran is best known for her web comic, Octopus Pie, which ran from 2007 to 2017.
You play as Mara, an aspiring writer doing her best to make it through high school in the year 2000. She spends most of her time living on an island with her mother and brother, and even more of her time on the internet. You’ll need to help Mara navigate friendships, both online and off, travel to school on the mainland, and work through family conflicts. The game spans four seasons, each with unique graphics, both during the day and at night.
On the Kickstarter page for the game, Gran describes how it took form. “I started thinking about the classic Adventure game as a means of not only viewing, but immersing oneself in the thoughts, feelings, sacred objects and desires of the protagonist. This approach made more and more sense as I delved back into the ‘golden age’ Sierra games and identified what I loved: challenging and rewarding puzzles, a humorous, conversational narrative, lush and lively exploration, and a little bit of deity-like cruelty.”
This was the best game I played in 2023. It beautifully captures the experience of growing up at the turn of the 21st century. It’s also very funny, beautiful to look at, and just generally a delight.
- Perfect Tides
Available for Mac and Windows. Includes links to various sites where the game can be purchased, as well as information about the sequel. - Perfect Tides on MobyGames
- The developer notes that “This game contains references to sex, depictions of sexual harassment, references to self-harm, and use of drugs and alcohol.”
Part 1
It’s the year 2000! Let’s go online. I’m starting Perfect Tides by Meredith Gran, a point-and-click adventure game inspired by the “golden age” of Sierra games.
Part 2
It’s summer and my jerk brother took away the internet?? Extremely not-so-Perfect Tides imho.