Bye Sweet Carole

Niche Gamer: 5 / 10 by Brandon Lyttle

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Use a Potion: 6 / 10

Bye Sweet Carole is a gorgeous and atmospherically dark fairytale that’s let down by some iffy gameplay and technical issues. Its hand-drawn animation and beautiful soundtrack are mesmerising, whilst the bond between Lana and Carole really gives the story emotional weight. I found myself wholly invested in the tale, with it striking the perfect tonal balance of being light-hearted and sinister. Unfortunately, clunky controls, uneven pacing, and recurring technical issues hold it back from greatness, and whilst the puzzles can be clever, the action and stealth sections often feel clumsy and awkward. It’s clear that Bye Sweet Carole has a lot going for it, but it’ll need a few patches (and maybe a few refinements to the gameplay) before it will be able to reach its full potential.

Game8: 66 / 100 by Aaron Bacabac

Much like classic Disney, Bye Sweet Carole exudes a nostalgic charm that’s hard not to admire—its visuals, sound, and story all steeped in vintage flair and period commentary. Sadly, much like Disney today, it’s hard to love despite that beauty. With sluggish pacing, thin gameplay, and only half the heart of a point-and-click adventure, you’re better off rewatching an old Disney classic and experiencing the magic where it still lives.