Looking Back: An Autofictional RPG About Thesis Survival

9/4/2026, 1:50:10 AM

Release date: 8/7/2019

Tags: #rpg #indie #lgbtq+ #choices-matter

User Reviews

Score: 100%6 user reviews
Review Count: 6 reviews
Fetched At: 9/4/2026, 1:50:11 AM

Reference prices

Japan

¥ 310 (JPY)

Steam JP

$2.99 (USD)

Steam

Live Store Snapshot

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Japan Price: ¥ 310
Global Price: $2.99
Price in Your Region: ¥ 310Prices as Steam lists them per country. What you are actually charged depends on your Steam account settings.Regional prices checked: 4 Sept 2026
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 9/4/2026, 1:45:09 AM

Key highlight

Looking Back is an autofictional indie RPG where players manage a PhD student's stats to defeat their thesis, blending J-RPG mechanics with a "Choices Matter" narrative.

Who this is for

A unique and resonant indie title that frames the struggles of thesis writing through a J-RPG lens. The impact of player choices on the character's mental state and progress makes for an immersive experience. If you're interested in narratives about academic pressure and the battle with oneself, this is worth checking out.

Details

Overview

Looking Back is a unique autofictional RPG that invites players into the life of Kris, a PhD student grappling with the monumental task of completing their thesis. Blending classic J-RPG mechanics with a "Choices Matter" twist, this indie title functions as both an exploration game and a visual novel. The core gameplay revolves around managing Kris's mental health, energy, skillfulness, wits, and endurance as they prepare to confront the ultimate boss: their own thesis.

Highlights

Autofictional J-RPG Experience: Step into the shoes of a PhD student and navigate the challenges of academic life with a J-RPG flair.
Choices Matter System: Your decisions directly impact Kris's stats and progression, shaping their journey toward thesis completion.
Unique Boss Battle: The ultimate antagonist isn't a dragon or a demon, but the looming threat of an unfinished dissertation.

Who It's For

This game is perfect for players who enjoy narrative-driven experiences, indie RPGs, and titles that explore personal journeys with a unique thematic twist. Fans of visual novels and games where player choice significantly impacts the outcome will find a lot to appreciate here. It also appeals to those interested in LGBTQ+ themes and stories that resonate with the struggles of higher education.

Game Info

Developed and published by Kristopher Poulin-Thibault, Looking Back was released on August 7, 2019. It supports English language and features multiplayer functionality through Steam Family Sharing. The game is categorized as an RPG with strong elements of choice-driven narrative, making it a standout indie title.