If Found…

This compelling illustrated story experience displays content in different ways content to keep the story from feeling like a lot of reading. In addition to sketches that fill with color to become detailed illustrations in If Found..., players touch the screen to expose words hidden under scribble marks in journal entries. The narrative tone and handwritten text helps make the content feel personal in the flashback story. Conversations in the concurrently-told other story set in space help slowly reveal its plot, while emotive music contributes to the game's ambience.

The illustrations are compelling. During a concert, neon text on an inky backdrop describes the excitement as people sway to the music. In space, the sky crackles with stars and gives way to what looks like TV screen static at points. The navigation can be a bit confusing in a few instances when, instead of wiping the screen, players need to move to another portion of the page by following a line or move around the screen to look for the next sentence. Often, though, the story's propelled forward automatically, shifting the reader's perspective to the next portion of text. The connection between the two stories is a little unclear throughout much of the experience, which could confuse some viewers, but by the end, they should understand how they relate. A bonus section allows them to discover outcomes for characters in various decades, based on reactions and other elements they choose. The characters face difficult scenarios throughout the plot, including how they view themselves and family members who aren't always supportive. Some family and friends are encouraging, though, and we learn about similar struggles they’ve faced. The story's overall theme of self-acceptance also offers an encouraging message -- one that may resonate with readers, particularly if they're dealing with some of the same issues.