Our Life: Beginnings & Always Review - Complete Visual Novel Guide

## 1. What is Our Life: Beginnings & Always? Our Life: Beginnings & Always is a **groundbreaking, slice-of-life romance visual novel** developed by GB Patch Games. Available for Android via itch.io, this game offers a uniquely personal and customizable narrative experience where you grow from childhood to adulthood alongside your neighbor, Cove Holden. It stands out in the visual novel genre for its **profound emotional depth**, **inclusive LGBTQ+ representation**, and its core philosophy of being a "feel-good, feel-better" experience. ### Key Highlights - **Fully Customizable Protagonist**: Choose your name, pronouns, appearance, and personality, which dynamically affects dialogue and relationships. - **Emotional, Choice-Driven Story**: Experience life in four distinct stages (childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and full adulthood) with choices that shape your bond. - **Inclusive Romance**: Pursue a deep, meaningful relationship with Cove, with options for various sexualities and gender identities. - **Free-to-Play Base Game**: The core experience is completely free, with optional paid DLCs that add significant content and new love interests. - **Positive & Healing Themes**: The game is designed to be comforting, tackling real-life emotions with warmth and care. ## 2. Features & Gameplay ### Core Narrative & Customization The game's heart lies in its **dynamic storytelling**. You don't just play a character; you shape them. Your choices in dialogue and actions don't just lead to a "good" or "bad" ending but create a nuanced, evolving relationship with Cove. The game remembers your smallest decisions, referencing them years later in the story, creating an unparalleled sense of continuity and personal investment. ### Life Stage Simulation The story is divided into four main moments, each representing a pivotal time in life: - **Step 1 (Childhood)**: Age 8. You first meet the new, shy boy next door, Cove. - **Step 2 (Adolescence)**: Age 13. Navigate the complexities of teenage years and changing feelings. - **Step 3 (Young Adulthood)**: Age 18. Face future plans and the nature of your adult relationship. - **Step 4 (Adulthood)**: Age 23. Build a life together and confront mature, real-world challenges.  ### Relationship Mechanics Unlike typical visual novels with rigid routes, *Our Life* uses a **relationship intensity system**. You can choose how close or distant you want to be with Cove at every stage. You can be best friends, sweethearts, or even have a more rocky relationship—the story adapts authentically to your preferred dynamic. ## 3. Graphics & Sound ### Visual Style The art style is **warm, soft, and expressive**, perfectly matching the game's tender tone. Character sprites, especially Cove's, show a range of emotions and age convincingly through the years. The background art vividly captures the sunny, nostalgic atmosphere of a beachside neighborhood. ### Audio Experience The soundtrack is a standout feature, composed by **Pablo L. Cáceres M**. It's a collection of gentle, acoustic melodies that perfectly underscore the game's emotional beats—from the playful tunes of childhood to the more poignant and romantic tracks of adulthood. The music is integral to the game's calming and immersive effect. ## 4. User Experience on Android ### Controls & Interface The Android port is **exceptionally well-optimized**. Navigation is intuitive via simple taps. The UI is clean, unobtrusive, and makes excellent use of the mobile screen for reading text and making choices. Auto-read and skip functions are present for convenience. ### Performance The game runs **smoothly on most modern Android devices**. Since it's a visual novel, it's not hardware-intensive. The main consideration is storage space for the game files and any DLC. | Aspect | Rating (Out of 5) | Notes | |--------|-------------------|-------| | **Touch Controls** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perfect for one-handed play. | | **UI/UX** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Clean, readable, and intuitive. | | **Stability** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No crashes or major bugs experienced. | | **Load Times** | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very fast, minimal waiting. | ## 5. Pros & Cons **Pros:** - **Unprecedented Customization**: The level of player agency in defining the protagonist and relationship is unmatched. - **Emotional Resonance**: Genuinely moving writing that can evoke laughter, nostalgia, and tears. - **Inclusivity Done Right**: LGBTQ+ representation is seamless, respectful, and core to the experience. - **Incredible Value**: The base game is free and offers 10+ hours of high-quality content. - **Positive & Healing**: A genuinely comforting game that feels like a warm hug. **Cons:** - **Single Love Interest (Base Game)**: The free version focuses solely on Cove. Other love interests (Baxter, Derek) require separate DLC purchases. - **Pacing Can Be Slow**: Fans of high-stakes plots may find the slice-of-life pacing deliberate. - **Android Version via Itch.io**: Requires a manual APK install outside the Google Play Store, which may deter some users. ## 6. System Requirements Before downloading, ensure your device is compatible. **Minimum Requirements:** - **Android Version**: 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher - **Storage Space**: ~1.5 GB of free space (for base game + DLCs) - **RAM**: 2 GB recommended for smooth operation **Recommended Specs:** - **Android Version**: 9.0 (Pie) or higher - **Storage Space**: 2 GB+ free - **RAM**: 4 GB ## 7. Download & Installation Guide ### Step-by-Step Installation Since the game is distributed via itch.io, follow these steps for a safe install: 1. **Enable Unknown Sources**: Go to your Android device's **Settings > Security** (or Apps & Notifications) and enable **"Install unknown apps"** or **"Unknown sources"** for your browser. 2. **Visit the Official Page**: Go to the official itch.io page: `https://gbpatch.itch.io/our-life`. 3. **Download the APK**: On the page, click the **"Download"** button for the Android version. 4. **Install the APK**: Once downloaded, open the APK file from your notification bar or file manager and follow the on-screen prompts to install. 5. **Download Game Files**: The APK is the launcher. Upon first opening the app, it will download the necessary game data (several hundred MB). Ensure you are on a stable Wi-Fi connection.  ### Safety & Source Verification - **Official Source**: The **itch.io page by GB Patch Games** is the only official and safe source for the Android version. - **Virus Scan**: The APK from itch.io is regularly scanned and is free of malware. Always avoid third-party "mod APK" sites. - **Permissions Required**: The game may request storage access to download and save game files. It does not require intrusive permissions. ## 8. Tips & Tricks for New Players - **Be Yourself**: The game shines when you make choices that feel true to you, not what you think is "correct." - **Explore Different Dynamics**: In subsequent playthroughs, try being distant or antagonistic to see how the story adapts—it's remarkably flexible. - **Use the Moment System**: You can replay any individual "Moment" (scene) from the album to explore different choices without restarting the whole game. - **Consider the DLCs**: The "Step 4" DLC and the "Baxter" and "Derek" DLCs add tremendous depth and are highly recommended if you enjoy the base game. - **Take Your Time**: This is a game to savor. Don't rush through the text; let the emotions and atmosphere sink in. ## 9. Conclusion & Final Verdict **Our Life: Beginnings & Always** is not just a game; it's an **emotional experience**. It masterfully captures the beauty of everyday life, the slow burn of a lifelong connection, and the power of personal storytelling. For Android users seeking a deep, choice-driven narrative with exceptional LGBTQ+ representation and a healing tone, this visual novel is an **absolute must-play**. While the installation process is slightly more involved than a Play Store download, the payoff is immensely worth it. Whether you're a veteran visual novel fan or new to the genre, *Our Life* offers a uniquely personal and profoundly moving journey that will stay with you long after you finish it. **Final Rating: 9.5/10** **Who should download it?** Players looking for a heartfelt, customizable romance, fans of slice-of-life and coming-of-age stories, and anyone seeking a positive, inclusive gaming experience.