Get Started...
Android
iOS
Mac
Switch
Wii
Wii U
PC
PS4
PS5
Xbox One
Xbox X|S
Please enter a valid email address
Please choose a platform
:
How does your child play this? Alone, with friends, with family? How did they discover it and what kept them coming back for more?
:
To verify your input please enter your email to create an account.
Email:
Play Overview
Beacon Pines (2022) is a storybook adventure game where you play as a small fawn named Luka trying to solve a mystery in a creepy town full of intrigue. You play by collecting words that change the story, so you can go back through the book to play out different paths to discover all of the secrets.
In Beacon Pines, you guide Luka around as he sneaks around with his friends, investigating the weird happenings in their town and trying not to get caught. Play consists of interacting with people and places around town and making important choices about how Luka will approach the problems he faces at certain points in the story. Exploring the town, talking to people, and looking at things will reveal Charms like “Hide”, “Chill”, and “Ponder”, action words that you use during important moments called Turning Points.
One unusual thing about Beacon Pines is that you can go back and forth between Turning Points any time to try out a different path. Experimenting with different Charms and moving between the story paths is built into the gameplay rather than something you would need to replay the game or reload a save file to do. Revisiting past Turning Points once you have discovered new Charms may reveal entirely new branches of the story, and the ability to return to any previous choices grants the freedom to explore.
The result is a surprisingly fresh way to experience a story. The playful nature of changing different key moments not only adds weight to the narrative you let play out, but encourage you to consider "what if?" Beacon Pines looks like another wholesome story game, but actually offers a more substantial and innovative narrative experience than its visuals suggest.
Our examiner, Angela Hickman Newnham, first checked Beacon Pines 19 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 15 months ago.
In Beacon Pines, you guide Luka around as he sneaks around with his friends, investigating the weird happenings in their town and trying not to get caught. Play consists of interacting with people and places around town and making important choices about how Luka will approach the problems he faces at certain points in the story. Exploring the town, talking to people, and looking at things will reveal Charms like “Hide”, “Chill”, and “Ponder”, action words that you use during important moments called Turning Points.
One unusual thing about Beacon Pines is that you can go back and forth between Turning Points any time to try out a different path. Experimenting with different Charms and moving between the story paths is built into the gameplay rather than something you would need to replay the game or reload a save file to do. Revisiting past Turning Points once you have discovered new Charms may reveal entirely new branches of the story, and the ability to return to any previous choices grants the freedom to explore.
The result is a surprisingly fresh way to experience a story. The playful nature of changing different key moments not only adds weight to the narrative you let play out, but encourage you to consider "what if?" Beacon Pines looks like another wholesome story game, but actually offers a more substantial and innovative narrative experience than its visuals suggest.
Our examiner, Angela Hickman Newnham, first checked Beacon Pines 19 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 15 months ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Beacon Pines. Here are some similar younger-rated games:
Play Style
This is a Narrative and Sequencing game with Adventure and Communication elements. This is a single-player game.
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 4 and a half hours and 5 and a half hours to complete.
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Age Ratings
Skill Level
7+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it's important for parents and guardians to consider the maturity required to process the game content. Younger players may need help to understand the implications of some choices. Played together with a parents or guardian they should be fine.
Costs
Game Details
Release Date: 22/09/2022
Out Now: PC, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox X|S
Skill Rating: 7+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Narrative, Sequencing (Adventure and Communication)
Accessibility: 23 features
Components: 2D Side-On and Hand-Made
Developer: Hidingspot Games (@HidingspotGames)
 |
Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
© 2024 Family Gaming Database