# The Kids We Were

> Narrative adventure game about childhood memories, family, and time travel. (iPhone/iPad app by GAGEX Co.,Ltd..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-kids-we-were/id1506119981 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [GAGEX Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/905173598)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Adventure, Role Playing
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.80/5 from 470 App Store ratings · 108 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 235 MB
- Languages: American English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified, China), Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan)
- Released: 2020-09-28
- Data updated: 2026-08-18
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-kids-we-were/id1506119981/reviews.md

## What is The Kids We Were?

Think back, if you will, and picture what it was like when 
you were a kid, before the busyness and responsibilities
of adulthood weighed on your shoulders.

Playing, learning, seeing the world with fresh eyes...

Hopefully you had good friends at your side, special
connections that you treasured, great dreams and hopes...
Do you remember what it was like, and who you once were?

 --------------------------------------------------------------
Overview:

The Kids We Were is a narrative adventure game that
attempts to capture and recreate those golden memories
of a more innocent age. Join Minato, a young boy who finds
himself on a strange adventure one warm summer's day.
His journey will take him to unexpected places, and many
twists and turns await him before it draws to an end.

The Kids We Were tells an emotional tale steeped in a mix
of modern and retro Japanese aesthetic. If you're interested
in poignant stories or what life is like for everyday Japanese
folk, we recommend giving this game a shot!
Oh, and it's also the latest entry in Gagex's series of
heartwarming story-focused games, so if this appeals
to you, please check out our other titles!

 --------------------------------------------------------------
Story

Welcome to Kagami, just an average town on the outskirts
of Tokyo. Minato, his mother, and his younger sister Mirai
have stopped by to visit today.

However, Minato isn't just here for fun—he's on a secret
mission! Somewhere in this town lives his father, estranged
from his family after a hard divorce. Minato needs to find
him, because there's a lot of things his dad needs to know.

After searching high and low, Minato finally finds a clue
to his father's whereabouts. However, it seems his quest
won't be that simple, for the clue he finds is a mysterious
notebook left by his father, titled...The Seven Mysteries.

With his father's notebook as his guide, Minato sets out on
a harrowing journey. But this journey isn't through space,
no—it's one through time! To his astonishment, Minato finds
himself transported 33 years into the past, to the day his
mother and father met!

Will Minato's odyssey into the past heal his family,
change the future, and alter a tragic destiny?

The only way to find out is to accompany him on
his amazing adventure!

Note: The Kids We Were is free to play from start to finish.
You can enjoy the whole story without paying a dime!

## Key features

- Narrative adventure gameplay
- Emotional story
- Time travel mechanics
- Japanese aesthetic
- Family drama
- Exploration

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Mode | $3.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of The Kids We Were?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- ❤️ Heartfelt game
- 👍 Great, heartwarming game
- 👍 Perfection
- 👍 Touching, complex story
- 👍 Gorgeous visuals, music, story
- 👍 Reason why I like story games

**Cons**

- 🐛 Some annoying bugs

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Triumphant soundtrack playing inappropriately

**Most requested features**

- Part 2 or sequel
- Ability to continue exploring the town after finishing the story

## Recent user reviews (10 of 108)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-kids-we-were/id1506119981/reviews.md

### 5/5 — ❤️

*2025-08-07, version 1.1*

Thank you for such a heartfelt game.

### 5/5 — Great game

*2024-08-03, version 1.1*

Very heartwarming game it’s so fun the music is precious

### 5/5 — A BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE!!

*2024-07-31*

I cannot believe i found this gem! It had only 13 reviews but all unbelievably great and it more than lived up to the expectations. Oh wow, I feel like I just finished a heavy movie where I could participate in the plot. The storyline, characters, plot, design… every single thing was perfect. This game made me cry i meann!! 😭🤌🏽 BIG thank you to the entire team who made this! I am a fan! And eagerly waiting for part two!! Please please I pray we get one! 🩵 
Don’t miss out on this one, it’s the most memorable game I’ve played.

### 5/5 — Perfection

*2024-04-20, version 1.1*

I’ve had this game saved on my phone for a long time, finally decided to play it recently & I am so sad it’s not longer D,: this game is absolutely amazing, although I wish it were longer it’s honestly perfect. If you like manga or anime & are familiar with how strange things can be, this game is one that’ll be interesting to you. It’s an incredibly heartwarming game ! & if you’ve played other games, you’ll see the familiar granny who sells candy & the old man with his oden cart <3 :D

### 5/5 — Too cheap….

*2023-09-17*

For the amount of gameplay you get alone 3.99 for VIP (and you can get by with just ads) it’s worth more than that in my opinion. Also the story is moving. All the characters are relatable. They manage to capture the theme of living life without regrets, becoming the person you want to be, and importance friendships. It also immerses you in showa era nostalgia. There are some moments you have to suspend your disbelief but it doesn’t take away from the enjoyability. The plot is like a combination of Kimi no na wa and The miracles of the Namiya General store.

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2023-08-18, version 1.1*

This game as amazing. Down to the last details. It’s happy it’s sad it will make you feel old and young this will make you cry.

### 5/5 — Most Heartwarming Story Ever 😭❤️💗💔

*2023-07-25*

I don’t even know what to say this game is so HEARTWARMING I think there is completely nothing wrong with it. It is the best game ever truly I mean it I LOVE ❤️ the storyline and when I played this game I felt different feelings like HAPPY,SAD and it gave me many different emotions I made it to the end of Chapter 14 and I cried when I finished it I got done with the story in 1 day and 1 morning but I also know that did y’all make another game like this one like called The Promise I think well I played it before and finished it I cried for days after that and I really miss it 😢 but anyway it is the best game ever I recommend playing this game but if you are sensitive or if you get emotional easily then I don’t know but you can do whatever but I recommend playing it because it is so HEARTWARMING and if you like story like that I recommend getting it anyway great game guys 👋🏻

### 5/5 — Gold bro

*2023-04-18, version 1.1*

I ain gonna lie like im not into this typa stuff but it hit hard this so needs more attention 👋 peak soundtrack peak storyline peak everything

### 5/5 — AMAZING GAME

*2023-04-03, version 1.1*

Never thought a mobile game could make me cry, but it did. Everything from the graphics to the storyline to the play style was phenomenal! I would examine every single collectible I got because they were always my favorite things, they were designed so beautifully. Truly a great game, and I definitely plan on seeing what else the devs have to offer!

### 5/5 — This game is good.

*2023-01-26, version 1.1*

This is an awesome adventure. I liked the story. I hope they put part 2 sometime in future. I can’t wait. I did beat the game finding all what is missing. The game is perfect here.

## Frequently asked questions about The Kids We Were

### What kind of game is The Kids We Were?

The Kids We Were is a narrative adventure game that focuses on telling an emotional story. It combines elements of exploration and puzzle-solving with a strong emphasis on character development and plot.

### What is the story about?

The game follows Minato, a young boy who embarks on a journey through time to uncover family secrets and potentially alter his family's destiny. The story is set in Japan and features a mix of modern and retro Japanese aesthetics.

### Is The Kids We Were free to play?

Yes, The Kids We Were is free to play from start to finish. You can enjoy the entire story without any cost. However, like many free-to-play games, it may offer optional in-app purchases.

### What platforms is The Kids We Were available on?

The provided description does not specify the platforms for The Kids We Were. Typically, narrative adventure games are available on mobile devices (iOS and Android) and potentially PC or consoles.

### Who would enjoy playing this game?

This game is recommended for players who appreciate poignant stories, character-driven narratives, and games with a unique cultural aesthetic, particularly those interested in Japanese culture and family dynamics.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1 — 2021-11-10

Fixed some bugs.

### 1.0.7 — 2021-04-27

Fixed some bugs.

### 1.0.6 — 2020-12-29

Fixed some bugs.

### 1.0.5 — 2020-12-15

Fixed some bugs.

### 1.0.3 — 2020-10-14

Added the message fast forward function.

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## More apps by GAGEX Co.,Ltd.

- [おでん屋 人情物語　～今宵 キセキの起きる店～](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id993475196)
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- [关东煮店人情故事 ～今晚 奇迹将在小店发生～](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1032238434)
- [오뎅집인정이야기 ～금소 기적이 일어나는 가게～](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1032238618)
- [Oden Cart A Heartwarming Tale](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/oden-cart-a-heartwarming-tale/id1065746015)
- [【推理ゲーム】 取調室](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/id1091983367)

All apps by GAGEX Co.,Ltd.: https://appshunter.io/developer/905173598

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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 2026-08-18.*