# “Four Months Earlier” — Linda & Joan Prologue > Narrative game about family coping with trauma, based on a true story. (iPhone/iPad app by Russell Quinn.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/four-months-earlier/id1487715097 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Russell Quinn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1065294650) - Category: Games, Entertainment, Adventure, Casual - Price: Free - Rating: 4.85/5 from 54 App Store ratings · 29 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 9+ - Requires: iOS 12.4 · 243 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2020-07-13 - Data updated: 2026-11-03 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/four-months-earlier/id1487715097/reviews.md ## What is “Four Months Earlier”? “Linda & Joan” is a narrative game about a British family. You play as Russell, Linda, and Joan — son, mother, and grandmother — switching between them to help the family cope with a series of traumatic events. Based on a true story. Prologue: “Four Months Earlier” is part one of the story. Linda is visiting Russell in Los Angeles, where he now lives. We join them halfway up a hiking trail. You must walk them to the top. Linda is using a stick and is unable to move as quickly as Russell. Keep them within earshot and they’ll chat about Linda’s visit and the past, while trying to find the right time to bring up what’s weighing on their minds. There are multiple endings based on the choices you make — one of which involves Joan, who is at home in Hereford, UK. Play in Normal Mode (walk Russell, Linda follows) then try Challenging Mode (walk both Russell and Linda). This is a free, standalone experience. It will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Story, art, development by Russell Quinn; an artist, designer, and programmer. Co-creator of Webby Award-winning “The Silent History” and “The Pickle Index.” Featuring original music by Jeremy Warmsley. ## Key features - Play as multiple characters - Branching narrative with multiple endings - Based on a true story - Choice-driven gameplay - Normal and Challenging modes ## Is “Four Months Earlier” safe? “Four Months Earlier” appears safe based on user ratings. The AppsHunter Safety Score for “Four Months Earlier” is 90 out of 100. This assessment is based on 54 user ratings, with an App Store average of 4.9 out of 5. Of 54 App Store ratings, 96.3% point to a safe experience, 0.0% suggest some concerns, and 3.7% point to a risky experience. ## Is “Four Months Earlier” legit? “Four Months Earlier” appears legitimate, with a few gaps. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for “Four Months Earlier” is 73 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data. ## Recent user reviews (10 of 29) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/four-months-earlier/id1487715097/reviews.md ### 1/5 — The Story is Cute *2021-03-24, version 1.1.0* The game itself was just very boring, but the story was cute. It was mostly just walking and there wasn't much else. i was thinking that the actual release of the game would be much better, but the demo wsa kind of dry. Condolences to the creator of the game however, this must have been a very difficult time in your life, and I appreaciate you creating this game to share your story with the world. It must have been very difficult. ### 5/5 — Moved me to tears at 5 AM. *2020-10-05, version 1.1.0* Sitting here not being able to go back to sleep, I downloaded this game for the hell of it. Little did I know, how simple but beautiful it would be. I have a very close relationship with my mother who I love more than anything. I’m 21 and she’s 50 and I think she still has quite some time left. Although as she gets older, it crosses my mind the day she will leave. I always try to make every moment special. After reading further about the story behind this game, I’m sitting here crying my eyes out at 5 AM! So powerful. I hope the creator knows what a beautiful & unique game this. ### 5/5 — Speechless *2020-10-04, version 1.1.0* I was in awe. Short and simple yet had a huge meaning behind the storyline. I have never felt these kinds of emotions playing a game before, and it really touched my heart. The simplicity of it all was stunning from start to finish. Makes me realize just how fragile moments are in life and reminds me of why I keep going and what I look forward to. The waterworks definitely came flowing. Russell, I am so sorry for your loss. You are so strong and creative, I cannot believe there are people like you in this world that can create a piece like this. Amazing. Hands down best game I have ever played. ### 5/5 — Great story *2020-09-26* Just wanted to say to the developer that I really liked your story and that I’ll be waiting for the final version. ### 5/5 — Wow, Just wow *2020-09-15, version 1.1.0* I’ve never written a review, because I’ve just never cared. But I’m taking the time to write this, because this game is just, fantastic. It’s unlike any game you play on your phone, because most of them are action based, simulations, etc. This game was almost refreshing, it was relaxing, it was interesting but above all else, it made me feel emotions that I would have never thought I’d feel from a game on my phone. To be fair, this isn’t a game, it’s an experience, but it was just beautiful. It looks like it took an incredible amount of work to make this game, and was it made by one developer? I’m don’t know. But the fact that the game is short, doesn’t take away from it at all, it actually makes it better. Instead of stretching out the narrative and adding parts to the narrative that previously didn’t exist, it was straight and to the point. SPOILERS BELOW SPOILERS BELOW SPOILERS BELOW SPOILERS BELOW Regarding the picture at the end, that warmed my heart, because I hadn’t fully read everything about the game, so I had no idea it was based on a true story. But Russel, I’m sorry for your loss, and I hope you know that what you’ve done here, and what you’re doing, is absolutely incredible, and it takes someone who’s strong at heart to be able to do that. ### 5/5 — Absolutely outstanding *2020-08-30, version 1.1.0* This is a great game for people who like slow paced story invested games! The story is rich and I can’t wait to for the full game to come out! ### 5/5 — Amazing game *2020-08-27, version 1.1.0* The game is amazing and beautiful. I was looking for more games to try out and saw the reviews and downloaded it. Im so glad I made that choice. Can’t wait for the next addition. 🤩 ### 5/5 — What a beautiful, calming, simple, moving game. *2020-08-17, version 1.1.0* I live in Los Angeles , am an adult, and have an older parent visiting me this weekend that I’m simultaneously looking forward to and dreading. This game was an amazing reminder (weirdly specific reminder in my case!) to cherish the time we have. Thank you for making this beautiful work - I look forward to the next chapter. ### 5/5 — Like nothing I’ve ever experienced! *2020-08-15, version 1.1.0* The whole universe created here - the shadows shifting on the Observatory as you move! the sound of the wind picking up near the top! - is gorgeous. The characters’ dialogue with each other and with the terrain are immediate entries into their relationship. And into the game. The story is so rich and layered, but explored with such subtlety, that it plants itself into your consciousness and takes root. Absolutely moving. ### 5/5 — AMAZING 🥺 *2020-08-10, version 1.1.0* I saw this game and thought, “oh how cute! Let’s try! It seems to have a lot of great reviews!” And I’m floored by how well it told a story, and the end had me in chills! It’s wonderful and I cannot wait for the next addition in 2022! Good luck and please keep up the amazing work! ❤️ ## Frequently asked questions about “Four Months Earlier” ### What is "Four Months Earlier" about? "Four Months Earlier" is a narrative game that follows a British family dealing with traumatic events. Players switch between characters to make choices that influence the story's outcome. The prologue focuses on a hike where characters discuss their past and present. ### Is this a full game or a demo? This is a free, standalone experience that serves as part one of a larger story. It is designed to be completed in 15 to 20 minutes and offers multiple endings based on player choices. ### What are the gameplay modes? The game features two modes: Normal Mode, where you walk Russell and Linda follows, and Challenging Mode, where you must manage the movement of both Russell and Linda simultaneously. ### Is the game free to play? Yes, "Four Months Earlier" is a free, standalone experience. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned. ### What kind of story does it tell? The game tells an emotional story based on a true family experience, exploring themes of trauma and coping. It features dialogue and choices that shape the narrative and lead to different conclusions. ## Version history (last 3 releases) ### 1.1.0 — 2020-07-23 Thank you for playing and for sending all the heartfelt messages! To hear it's connecting with people is wonderful! Updates: Fixed some dialogue typos; made it easier to tell which way to go at the start; other tweaks. ### 1.0.1 — 2020-07-14 First public release! Thank you for playing! ### 1.0 — 2020-06-06 No release notes. ## Apps similar to “Four Months Earlier” | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [The Widow's Boutique](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-widows-boutique/id6447751841) | 5.0 (2) | $2.99 | Games | | [My Ice Cream Empire:Tycon Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/my-ice-cream-empiretycon-game/id6758611463) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Games | | [Moto Raptor: Jurassic Dinosaur](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/moto-raptor-jurassic-dinosaur/id1202156735) | 4.6 (116) | Free | Games | | [Folded Flyer: Fly Paper Planes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/folded-flyer-fly-paper-planes/id479192381) | 4.2 (37) | Free | Games | | [Going Balls Rollance Sky Game](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/going-balls-rollance-sky-game/id6741913087) | 3.9 (48) | Free | Games | | [Nodes: Connect Dots to Relax](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nodes-connect-dots-to-relax/id6498960573) | 4.6 (398) | Free | Games | --- *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 2026-11-03.*