By 
and Roger is a game that’s been around for a year. We’ve seen it on quite a few platforms, and it even already showed up on the original Switch. As such, someone might wonder if it’s even worth going for a Switch 2 version of the game when there are so many options and it’s “just” a visual novel. The thing is, the Switch 2 version of and Roger does end up feeling like the optimal console port of the game.
Things begin in and Roger with some odd “are you human” sorts of tests before a young girl named Sofia wakes up in her bed. She seems to have not slept well and realizes she might have even overslept. Trying to perform ordinary tasks to prepare for the day are a trial. When she finally heads into the living room to find her father and get ready for school, a strange, unknown individual is there. She doesn’t know him. When he steps away, she tries to reach the phone to call 911, but he stops her. He forces her to eat. Then he tells her it is bedtime and sends her back to her room.
You can’t say too much about what’s going on in and Roger, but TearyHand Studio does an exceptional job of cultivating an atmosphere of unease and perhaps even fear. The girl seems like an ordinary grade schooler. Something doesn’t feel right, but why? Is the mysterious person tied to it? What do you do? It’s all well-executed and an adventure I think would be beneficial to experience to gain a greater understand of life and things that could happen to anyone.
To compound that, and Roger adds to the atmosphere and uncertainty with controls that involve pressing random buttons on screen to achieve tasks. They’re unlabeled! Who knows what does what until you try? It’s here that I think the best part of the Switch 2 port of and Roger comes to the forefront. There is Joy-Con 2 mouse support. It really helps with some of the button pressing challenges. Especially in instances where the buttons may start moving or more might pop up and shift position. It makes it more comfortable to play.
That said, there are some things to take into account when playing and Roger. It is a fascinating game with an incredible message. Know going in that this is a kinetic story and there aren’t multiple endings. Some trigger warnings would have been appreciated too, given some of the revelations that come up as it goes on. It is also a very short experience, but the pricing is right considering. I even wouldn’t be surprised if, after playing it once, you might find or know someone who would also benefit from the experience and message and share it.
and Roger is a poignant and meaningful adventure, and the Switch 2 version feels like the strongest console release. This is primarily because it’s so well suited for a mouse-based control scheme, which this offers. It’s a touching tales that leaves an impact on those who play it.
and Roger is available for the Switch, Switch 2, PC, and mobile devices.
