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Mae Borowski drops out of college after three years and returns to her hometown of Possum Springs for one simple reason: it wasn’t for her. Her parents are understandably disappointed, as Mae is the first in their family to attend college. The decline of Possum Springs’ coal industry, which once supported the Borowski family and the entire town, further complicates Mae’s return. Possum Springs has changed, her friends have changed, yet Mae clings to the naive memories of her 15-year-old self, a ghost of the town’s past.

Night In The Woods – Mae Returns Home

A Strange Autumn in Possum Springs

Calling Night in the Woods an “adventure” game doesn’t quite capture its essence. The narrative unfolds through a series of seemingly mundane daily activities, creating a sense of cyclical repetition. We follow Mae as she reconnects with family and old friends, meets new people, confronts her past, and searches for purpose in her future. Amidst this introspection, Mae finds time for partying, “friendly” knife fights, smashing light bulbs, playing a Guitar Hero-esque mini-game, and exploring the town’s hidden corners.

Night in the Woods intentionally places the player within a structured routine. Wake up, talk to Mae’s mom, leave the house, explore, and meet up with friends Bea, Gregg, and Angus for daily activities. This structured freedom, distinct from traditional open-world games, avoids monotony through engaging dialogue and memorable characters. From the reclusive and suspicious Germ, the poetic Selmers, to the shy, horror-movie-loving Lori, every interaction offers a glimpse into the town’s quirky inhabitants.

Night In The Woods – Gameplay

More Than Meets the Eye

Categorizing Night in the Woods proves challenging. While not strictly a comedy, it offers moments of genuine humor. It’s not centered around mystery, yet a subtle supernatural element permeates the narrative. It’s not a pure drama, but it’s certainly not a lighthearted children’s game despite its cartoonish art style. At its core, Night in the Woods explores mental health and the struggles of young adulthood. This focus on mental health forms a significant aspect of the game’s narrative and may be a challenging theme for players unfamiliar with such experiences.

Mae: A Complex Protagonist

Mae is a flawed character: irresponsible, talkative, troublesome, prone to petty theft, and occasionally inappropriate. Yet, she also displays genuine care and affection for those close to her. Her flaws stem from a combination of mental health struggles and a childlike perspective, leading to frequent criticism from those around her. Understanding Mae requires empathy and a willingness to see beyond her surface imperfections.

Night In The Woods – Mae and Bea

In contrast to Mae, Bea is a prematurely mature figure forced into early adulthood. The evolving relationship between Mae and Bea, initially strained by their differing perspectives, becomes a central focus of the narrative. Their story reflects the common disconnect between childhood friends as they navigate the complexities of growing up. Gregg, another friend, resists adulthood, exhibiting irresponsible behavior upon Mae’s return, jeopardizing his relationship with his boyfriend, Angus. Angus, however, finds a peculiar satisfaction in Mae’s influence on Gregg. These intertwined relationships create a nuanced and relatable portrayal of millennial friendships rarely seen in video games.

A New Beginning, A Familiar Haunt

Mae’s return to Possum Springs, ostensibly a fresh start, becomes a mask for her underlying depression. While she considers Possum Springs home, the town has changed significantly, diverging from her cherished memories. Depression, as the game portrays, isn’t easily cured by forced optimism. Mae’s daily routines become a temporary escape from her inner turmoil. As the player begins to feel the repetitive nature of these routines, the game introduces an element of mystery. Mae’s strange dreams, the subtle creep of the supernatural, and the whispers of something lurking beneath the surface all contribute to a growing sense of unease.

Night In The Woods – Band Practice

These elements, while initially unsettling, serve a crucial narrative purpose. They symbolize the town’s decay, the characters’ anxieties, and Mae’s internal struggles. This shift in tone, while perhaps less engaging than the character-driven moments, becomes essential in tying together the narrative threads, pushing Mae to confront the darkness within herself and the unsettling truths of Possum Springs.

A Nostalgic Soundtrack and Relatable Dialogue

Despite its heavy themes, Night in the Woods delivers its message with a light touch, particularly resonating with players who share the characters’ age group. The dialogue, while sometimes perceived as “hipster” or “pretentious,” feels genuine and captures the emotional spectrum of young adulthood. The soundtrack, a vibrant blend of upbeat and melancholic tunes, further enhances the game’s emotional depth. The “Possum Springs” theme, in particular, evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia, even for those who never experienced such a place.

Conclusion: Finding Solace in the Familiar

Night in the Woods offers a unique and compelling narrative experience. While its gameplay may not be revolutionary, its focus on character development, mental health, and the struggles of young adulthood sets it apart. The game’s evocative soundtrack and relatable dialogue create a lasting impact, prompting introspection and empathy for its flawed but ultimately endearing characters. For those seeking a narrative-driven experience that explores the complexities of growing up, Night in the Woods is a journey worth taking. Interested in exploring Mae’s world? Check out the game’s website for more information.

References

• Infinite Fall. http://www.nightinthewoods.com/
• Finji. http://www.finji.co/

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows 7
• CPU: Intel i5 Quad-Core
• RAM: 4GB
• VGA: Intel HD 4000
• HDD: 8GB

Recommended:

• OS: Windows 10
• CPU: Intel Core i3 4170 3.7Ghz
• RAM: 8 GB
• VGA: Sapphire AMD Radeon R7 260X 2GB OC Edition
• HDD: 1TB