1998

About

1998 follows Audrey, a high school student trapped in a cycle of bitterness and regret. As she confronts the emptiness of her past, a new classmate named Jun forces her to reconsider her sharp-edged worldview. The game blends turn-based combat with dialogue-driven moments, letting players shape Audrey’s relationships and decisions. Story progression hinges on choosing between defensiveness and vulnerability, with branching consequences that affect how supporting characters respond. The game’s emotional core lies in its quiet, character-focused storytelling. While the combat feels routine, the script leans into awkward teenage dynamics with surprising honesty. A small but dedicated following on forums praises its raw dialogue and underdog charm. With no hand-holding or fantasy trappings, it leans into the mundane struggles of self-discovery. The RPG elements serve the narrative rather than the other way around.

Storyline

As Audrey enters her year of high school, she swirls into a crisis as she realizes that her bitterness and contempt has prevented her from having an enjoyable childhood, and there’s not much of it left to fix that. Her cynical outlook starts to change, however, when she meets Jun, a boy who just moved into her town.