“Four Months Earlier‪”‬ 9+

Linda & Joan Prologue

Russell Quinn

    • 4.7 • 13 Ratings
    • Free

Description

• Shortlisted for the New Media Writing Prize 2021
• “Stands on its own, the game equivalent of a poem.” —Los Angeles Times

“Linda & Joan” is a narrative game about a British family. You play as Russell, Linda, and Joan — son, mother, and grandmother — switching between them to help the family cope with a series of traumatic events. Based on a true story.

Prologue: “Four Months Earlier” is part one of the story. Linda is visiting Russell in Los Angeles, where he now lives. We join them halfway up a hiking trail. You must walk them to the top. Linda is using a stick and is unable to move as quickly as Russell. Keep them within earshot and they’ll chat about Linda’s visit and the past, while trying to find the right time to bring up what’s weighing on their minds.

There are multiple endings based on the choices you make — one of which involves Joan, who is at home in Hereford, UK.

Play in Normal Mode (walk Russell, Linda follows) then try Challenging Mode (walk both Russell and Linda).

“Four Months Earlier” is a free, standalone experience. It will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

Story, art, development by Russell Quinn; an artist, designer, and programmer. Co-creator of Webby Award-winning “The Silent History” and “The Pickle Index.”

Featuring original music by Jeremy Warmsley.

What’s New

Version 1.1.0

Thank you for playing and for sending all the heartfelt messages! To hear it's connecting with people is wonderful!

Updates: Fixed some dialogue typos; made it easier to tell which way to go at the start; other tweaks.

Ratings and Reviews

4.7 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

Gopi Chadalavada ,

Wow, Just wow

I’ve never written a review, because I’ve just never cared. But I’m taking the time to write this, because this game is just, fantastic. It’s unlike any game you play on your phone, because most of them are action based, simulations, etc. This game was almost refreshing, it was relaxing, it was interesting but above all else, it made me feel emotions that I would have never thought I’d feel from a game on my phone. To be fair, this isn’t a game, it’s an experience, but it was just beautiful. It looks like it took an incredible amount of work to make this game, and was it made by one developer? I’m don’t know. But the fact that the game is short, doesn’t take away from it at all, it actually makes it better. Instead of stretching out the narrative and adding parts to the narrative that previously didn’t exist, it was straight and to the point.

SPOILERS BELOW
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SPOILERS BELOW

Regarding the picture at the end, that warmed my heart, because I hadn’t fully read everything about the game, so I had no idea it was based on a true story. But Russel, I’m sorry for your loss, and I hope you know that what you’ve done here, and what you’re doing, is absolutely incredible, and it takes someone who’s strong at heart to be able to do that.

Developer Response ,

Thank you for taking the time to write this — it means a lot to hear things like this!

Syd_barrows ,

Speechless

I was in awe. Short and simple yet had a huge meaning behind the storyline. I have never felt these kinds of emotions playing a game before, and it really touched my heart. The simplicity of it all was stunning from start to finish. Makes me realize just how fragile moments are in life and reminds me of why I keep going and what I look forward to. The waterworks definitely came flowing.

Russell, I am so sorry for your loss. You are so strong and creative, I cannot believe there are people like you in this world that can create a piece like this. Amazing. Hands down best game I have ever played.

emmabhictoria ,

Moved me to tears at 5 AM.

Sitting here not being able to go back to sleep, I downloaded this game for the hell of it. Little did I know, how simple but beautiful it would be. I have a very close relationship with my mother who I love more than anything. I’m 21 and she’s 50 and I think she still has quite some time left. Although as she gets older, it crosses my mind the day she will leave. I always try to make every moment special. After reading further about the story behind this game, I’m sitting here crying my eyes out at 5 AM! So powerful. I hope the creator knows what a beautiful & unique game this.

App Privacy

The developer, Russell Quinn, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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