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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Night in the Woods (2017) is a narrative adventure which follows college dropout Mae Borowski returning home to the crumbling former mining town of Possum Springs. Play involves exploring the town, interacting with the locals and working out what has happened now her friends have grown and changed. It stands out for how it captures the fleeting sentimentality of childhood in a mystery that weaves through well-realised characters.

You play as Mae Borowski, a college dropout who returns home and finds the town changed and haunted by mysterious occurrences. As you explore and reconnect with friends you slowly discover the town's secrets. There’s something suspicious happening in the nearby woods. Investigation reveals not only a mysterious cult but also Mae’s broken friendships and dissociation from life.

As you progress the story unravels and you delve into themes of mental health, identity, and the struggles of young adulthood. Play remains simple and conversational but manages to create memorable characters that offer an emotive window into their lives.

The result is an unusual way to explore complex themes of growing up, friendship and the deals we make to get through life. Through it all runs a tender sense of understanding the fragile human experience.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Night in the Woods 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 2 weeks ago.
Kids not old enough for this yet? There are lots of games similar to Night in the Woods. Here are some similar younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Adventure and Narrative game with Communication, Puzzle, Rhythm and Role-Play elements. This is a single-player game.

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 9 hours and 16 hours to complete.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 12 for mild bad language. The game features frequent use of mild bad language with characters using the words “*!@?*”, “*!@?*” and “ass” in dialogue. The game also contains scenes with characters drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. In one section the player character drinks beer at a party and becomes drunk, all her dialogue becomes slurred and she stumbles around before feeling sick.

Skill Level

11+ 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. The play is relatively simple with rhythm challenges. You do need to be able to follow the winding narrative and character motivations to get the most from the experience.

CostsCosts

Night in the Woods usually costs £15.99 to £18.99. 

Night in the Woods

XBox Store Xbox One £16.74
PlayStation Store PS4 £18.99
PlayStation Store PS4 £15.99
Steam StoreSALE PC £16.75 £8.37 until 21/03/2024
Switch Store Switch £17.09
Steam StoreSALE Mac £16.75 £8.37 until 21/03/2024
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 10/01/2017, updated in 2017

Price: 50% off

Out Now: Android, Mac, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One and iOS

Skill Rating: 11+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Adventure, Narrative (Communication, Puzzle, Rhythm and Role-Play)

Accessibility: 23 features

Components: 2D Side-On and Hand-Made

Developer: Night In The Woods (@NightInTheWoods)


Taming Gaming Book 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.

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