Play as Russell and his mother Linda on a hiking trail in Los Angeles, keeping them close enough to talk through personal matters from the past. Switch perspectives in this casual indie narrative game to guide their steps up the trail-Linda moves slower with a stick, so stay within earshot for chats about her visit. Choices shape multiple endings, including one tied to Joan back home in the UK.
Try Normal Mode to control Russell while Linda follows, or Challenging Mode to handle both at once. This free prologue runs 15 to 20 minutes on PC and previews a family story based on true events. It suits players who enjoy short, choice-driven walks with emotional family talks.
Shortlisted for the New Media Writing Prize 2021
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. Part two, the main Linda & Joan game, is in development.
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.
Featuring original music by Jeremy Warmsley.
