Dear reader, can I ask for your trust? Perhaps that's a bit too general. How about this: do you trust Kotaku to wholeheartedly recommend a game, even if the details are shrouded in mystery? and Roger (yes, that’s the official styling) is undeniably one of the standout games of 2025. Revealing its premise would spoil the entire experience, so I'll focus on everything else surrounding it.
and Roger is a narrative-driven adventure game available on both Switch and PC. It spans just an hour and brings to mind other narrative puzzle games like 2018’s Florence. The game delivers a powerful emotional experience, mainly through its puzzle-based mechanics. Its controls are somewhat awkward, akin to the QWOP of story-driven adventure games, but upon completion, its brilliance becomes evident. Priced at just $5, it’s comparable to a Starbucks drink, and you can finish it during your lunch break. The magic of those 60 minutes and its seamless blend of game design and storytelling cannot be overstated.
I hope the brief duration and low cost are enough to entice you to think, “Why not?” and download it on your PC or Switch. However, I understand that times are challenging, and not everyone wants to make a blind purchase. Therefore, a spoiler warning follows, after which I’ll dive into the revelations of and Roger. If you're already convinced, revisit this review later. If you need a bit more persuasion, please continue reading.
and Roger unfolds the tale of a married couple in their later years. The wife is battling a severe case of dementia, transforming routine tasks into monumental challenges. In and Roger, many tasks are executed via unmarked buttons, requiring you to memorize their functions to perform actions in the correct order. For instance, a simple hand-washing scene involves turning on the water, applying soap, and scrubbing—each mapped to different buttons that you must remember and use in sequence. The game turns every action into a disorienting task, mirroring the protagonist's struggle to maintain a semblance of normalcy with her devoted husband.
The gradual revelation of the protagonist’s illness brings clarity, transforming the narrative. In certain scenes, she appears as a child, fearful of a man claiming a long-standing presence in her home. Unrecognizable to her, this man is her husband, striving to care for her and provide comfort during her final years.
If you shy away from challenges and obstacles, and Roger may not be for you. However, its execution is so masterful that I must encourage you to give it a shot. With just a $5 investment and a one-hour commitment, what do you really have to lose?
