Night in the Woods Game Review
In The Woods is a narrative-focused adventure game about exploration and friendship. In the small town of Possum Springs, you play as Mae Borowski, a recent college dropout who has returned home after a long absence.
You'll meet a diverse group of town residents, from goth croc Bea to mischievous greaser fox Gregg to neighborhood poet Angus, each with their own secrets and quirks. You'll also encounter strange things in the town that you never expected to find.
Conversation is an important part of the game, and Night in the Woods is happy to let you take control of Mae’s relationships with townsfolk, letting you make the choices she'll make throughout her time back in Possum Springs. From settling into or skipping horror-movie-obsessed teen Lori's kitchen chat to breaking stuff with her friends, Mae's decisions are crucial to the story's progression.
The conversations you have in Night in the Woods are some of the best parts of the game. As Mae spends time with townfolk, you'll learn about their deepest concerns and hopes. You'll even learn about their religious beliefs, which are surprisingly complex and all-too-real.
The game's sluggish pacing might be a little bit of a drag, but it's a great example of what adventure games could be: an emotionally charged experience that explores a world full of dark truths. Its whimsy and despair, political rage and wry nostalgia are all part of its charm.
