We saw a plethora of game announcements this year during the highly anticipated Wholesome Direct. (It's my Christmas) I have a forever growing wish list of games that I can't wait to try, but one game was at the tippy top for me. The beautiful watercolor world of Été. 

Gaming is often dominated by intense narratives and booming action. Été on the other hand is a fresh canvas, leaning into painting the quiet moments of everyday life. No failure, no pressures, just a game to enjoy at your own pace.

Painting 101

Beginning the game, you assume the role of a blossoming painter headed to spend their Été or summer in Montreal, Canada. Hopping off the bus, you are met with an artist’s worst nightmare. The world is achromatic. No need to panic though, you quickly find out it’s your job to watercolor this 3D world.

The game wastes no time teaching you how to paint. It’s as simple as pointing, clicking and dragging the crosshair around an area. And let me tell you, it's extremely satisfying. Your paint brings objects to life, revealing new objects, places and people. The world literally becomes your canvas.

Game Progression

As you progress, you'll begin to unlock different areas which each have their own stories and charming characters. You begin with your Apartment and the Market, but slowly you unlock the Neighborhood, Alleyway, Park, Railroad, and finally the Warehouse. With eight places to explore, the game feels boundless. Each unearthed scene is a masterpiece bathed in warm watercolor hues. From the picturesque pedestrianized streets of the Neighborhood, to the colorful Alleyway of row houses, every area evokes a sense of belonging and tranquility, inviting you to slow down and soak in the atmosphere.

The more you paint, the more you discover. Including that some of the objects you unearth become stamps for you to reference in your art. As you progress your stamp collection grows, giving you more options to paint. Unfortunately, there is no free hand painting, but the option to resize and recolor stamps brings lots of possibilities to your art. 

Gameplay

There are no starving artists in Été. You get your foot in the door at a local café, with an opportunity to auction off three pieces of art per day, returning the next to retrieve your payment. You have full artistic freedom in your paintings, you can make them as complex or as simple as you would like. There is no right or wrong way to paint. 

Although the café is your main source of income, some is spurred by commissions from the locals you reveal in your journey. The requests can be as simple as a tattoo design, to painting a less than appetizing sandwich for a vendor and anything in between. Your commission paintings must include the requested objects, but other than that, again there is no right or wrong way to paint.

Not Just for the Artists

Although revolving around art, Été is by no means just for the artistic.  What sets this game apart is simple yet effective gameplay mechanics. With a focus more on exploration and interaction, you can be an artist, without learning the skill. With no traditional puzzles, you are instead rewarded for your curiosity and engagement with your surroundings. 

The ability to not only uncover the beauty, but to be a part of its creation is an ongoing theme in Été.  Along with the creation of art pieces, you can also design your apartment and studio. Été's simple decoration mode allows you to furnish your space with any inventory item. There is a furniture shop in the Market that refreshes daily giving multiple options. You also can get small décor from finishing commission quests. As someone who adores house builder/design games, this mechanic made the game a little more special. 

Sound

Accompanying this colorful masterpiece is a soothing soundtrack that complements Été’s ambiance. The gentle melodies with the added hum of everyday city life scratched an itch I didn't know I had. This game doesn't have any voice acting, but I don't feel like there was a need. The beauty of the game is loud enough to speak for itself.

Été goes beyond the definition of a video game. I would define it as an experience that celebrates the beauty in everyday life. A chance to pause, reflect and savor the quiet moments. The developers at Impossible strived to immerse players into the game, and they hit the ball out of the park.

For those seeking a step away from traditional gaming conventions, Été is a journey worth taking. A gentle reminder that sometimes the best adventures are found in the simplicity of everyday life. 

Été paints its way to Steam on July 23rd, 2024.

Gamer Social Club was given a free key from the developers.