# Don't Look Back

> Retro narrative game about confronting the past and personal growth. (iPhone/iPad app by Distractionware Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dont-look-back/id568668228 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Distractionware Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/413794996)
- Category: Games, Action, Adventure
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 186 App Store ratings · 692 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 9+
- Requires: iOS 6.0 · 26 MB
- Languages: American English, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French (France), German (Germany), Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean and 9 more
- Released: 2012-10-16
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dont-look-back/id568668228/reviews.md

## What is Don't Look Back?

Don't Look Back is a short game I made in 2009.

Some reviews of the original version:

"A perfect example of doing more with less" - The Escapist

"Every game with a lead character necessarily has a moral. Every single one. It's just rare that the moral is so uplifting." - Jayisgames

"It may be a pop song, but it´s like a Smashing Pumpkins single or something, from a concept album." - PlayThisThing

## Key features

- Retro graphics
- Narrative-driven gameplay
- Moral exploration
- Short game experience
- Critically acclaimed

## What do users think of Don't Look Back?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Minimalistic and atmospheric
- 🎮 Challenging and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Unique and engaging story
- 🎨 Retro-inspired visuals
- 🎵 Fitting soundtrack

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional control issues and unresponsiveness
- 🕰 Short length of the game
- 🔍 Lack of a save feature

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Inconsistent boss behavior
- Graphical glitches on some devices

**Most requested features**

- Additional levels or a sequel
- Controller support
- Save/checkpoint system

## Recent user reviews (10 of 692)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dont-look-back/id568668228/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Old gem

*2026-03-15, version 1.4*

I was going through my download history and saw this, decided to download it again after all these years. This short little game still holds up to this day

### 5/5 — 10/10⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*2026-03-08, version 1.4*

This game is an absolute cinema the final boss was annoying because of it randomness but regardless it’s a short and free masterpiece the plot twist was was the cherry on top it was a simple story but a great one everyone should play this game

### 5/5 — Eternal Return

*2026-02-18*

I find myself randomly thinking about this game occasionally, then searching and then playing it. I cannot really put my finger on it, but a mixture of the soundtrack, charme and minimalism of this make it stand out completely. I am very fond of this little game, thanks for making it.

### 5/5 — 周回楽しい

*2026-02-11*

五歳くらいに数日かけてクリアして、エンディングを初めてみた時、戸惑いましたが、一年後に意味を理解できてよかったです。今では周回してます。私の最高記録は7分です。勝てるやついる？

### 3/5 — Amazing, but not for me.

*2025-08-18, version 1.4*

When I heard it was short. I thought I could finish it in like 30 minutes. But, once I found myself strategizing with each room. It started to bite away at me with numerous resets. 

And so after an hour in, I got to the Devil Boss and quit once I saw him spawning the spider & bat at the same time.

While I may complain I do love these little minimalistic games. But, it was just a skill issue on my end.

### 5/5 — Gioco molto bello

*2025-08-17, version 1.4*

Stava giocando con un mio amico a scaricare giochi tarocchi quando troviamo questo , ma è un capolavoro, non ciò capito niente , ma un gioco molto bello e strano, poi la grafica 8 bit molto bella, unica cosa brutta è che dura poco, ma si merita lo stesso le cinque stelle.

### 5/5 — The Reason I Repaired my 4S

*2025-08-07, version 1.4*

I genuinely loved this game from the first time I fumbled my way through many, many, many deaths to get to the end(?).

Having limited space, I would cycle through games on my phone but always come back to this one.

So it lives forever on my 4S just in case.

Fantastic work. Hope even a fraction of the comfort I get finds its way to you. Thank you.

### 5/5 — Excellent game

*2025-05-09, version 1.4*

Minimalist amazingness

### 5/5 — J

*2025-02-12, version 1.4*

Deserves more attention

### 5/5 — Good game but much worse than the PC version

*2024-12-06, version 1.4*

The original was so good I had to reverse engineer it. (Terry said no for me to publicise my work so no link) Here are the results of my analysis.

Code neatness: 8/10
Some possible crashes could occur under certain circumstances (undefined behaviour)

Graphics style: 9/10
All the graphics looked good, nice to see more animation compared to VVVVVV (even if this game did come before it)

Music and SFX: 9/10
Great soundtrack. The ambience also provides a good atmosphere.

Level design: 10/10
EASILY the best thing about this game. Simplistic yet challenging levels that are really fun.

## Frequently asked questions about Don't Look Back

### What kind of game is Don't Look Back?

Don't Look Back is a short, narrative-driven game with a retro aesthetic. It focuses on exploring themes of morality and personal growth through its gameplay and storytelling.

### What are the key features of this game?

The game features retro graphics, a strong narrative focus, and gameplay that encourages moral exploration. It is designed as a short experience, making it accessible for quick play sessions.

### Is this game free to play?

Yes, the game is offered for free. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, indicating a completely free experience for players.

### Who is the target audience for Don't Look Back?

This game is aimed at players who appreciate short, impactful indie games with a focus on storytelling and philosophical themes. It appeals to those who enjoy games that offer a unique and thought-provoking experience.

## Version history (last 4 releases)

### 1.4 — 2017-06-06

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

64 bit update.

### 1.3 — 2014-09-30

Fixes a bug with button size on iPhones.

### 1.2 — 2014-09-11

Minor bug fixes.

### 1.0 — 2012-10-16

No release notes.

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## More apps by Distractionware Limited

- [Super Hexagon](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/super-hexagon/id549027629)
- [VVVVVV](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vvvvvv/id880645949)
- [Super Gravitron](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/super-gravitron/id884231688)
- [Dicey Dungeons](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dicey-dungeons/id1368013995)
- [Dicey Dungeons+](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dicey-dungeons-plus/id6477867401)

All apps by Distractionware Limited: https://appshunter.io/developer/413794996

## Related topics

[orpheus](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/orpheus) · [nostalgia games](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/nostalgia-games) · [iconic games](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/iconic-games)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*