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CRITIK

Night in the Woods

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Night in the Woods
Item: Night in the Woods
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Point & Click, Drama, Casual, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableFeb 21, 2017

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperInfinite Fall

Overview

Night In The Woods is an adventure game heavily focused on story, characters and exploration, with some platforming to get around town. Mae's a cat so the roofs and ledges and powerlines are all her playground, and she's not the only one up there by a long shot. You'll also be doing various activities and interacting with the world in different ways, getting to know the townspeople, hanging out with friends, exploring Possum Springs inside and out, and venturing into the surrounding areas.

Elsewhere

8.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Night in the Woods received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, who praised its depth, emotional resonance, and exploration of heavy themes. Critics like InsideGamer.nl and TrueAchievements highlighted the well-written dialogues, character depth, and the game's focus on themes of mental health, economic hardship, and early adulthood. PC Gamer and The Digital Fix appreciated how the narrative captured the nuances of modern life and relationships with genuine heart, while Game Informer and Pocket Gamer UK commended the game for effectively portraying the transition from childhood wonder to the dread of adulthood. On the flip side, some critics mentioned minor drawbacks in Night in the Woods' storytelling. CGMagazine pointed out that the central focus of the narrative occasionally overshadowed the grounded life story of the protagonist, Mae. Additionally, Polygon noted that while the game's narrative was moving and explored complex themes, it may not resonate equally with all players due to its heavy subject matter like existential terror and depression. These critiques suggest that the game's intense themes might not be universally appealing to all audiences. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Night in the Woods. The game's ability to tackle heavy topics with care and authenticity, its relatable characters, and its emotional depth resonated with many reviewers. The narrative-driven exploration of themes like identity, post-adolescence, mental health, and friendship struck a chord with players, making Night in the Woods a standout experience in storytelling. Critics like GameSpot and Guardian appreciated the game's graceful handling of complex feelings and experiences, while Nintendo Life and Game Informer praised its ability to capture the essence of growing up and facing life's challenges. Night in the Woods' compelling and engaging narrative seems to have left a lasting impact on critics, solidifying its reputation as a standout title in storytelling within the gaming industry.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics overwhelmingly praise Night in the Woods for its emotionally resonant story exploring themes of mental health and adulthood. While some critics mention minor storytelling drawbacks, the game's authentic portrayal of complex issues and relatable characters make it a standout experience. Critics laud its graceful handling of heavy topics and its ability to capture the essence of growing up, solidifying its reputation as a standout storytelling title in the gaming industry.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

Night in the Woods' gameplay has received praise from several critics for its unique blend of exploration, dialogue choices, and mini-games. Critics like COGconnected and Nintendo Life appreciate the variety offered by the mini-games, such as band practice and playing 'Demontower' on Mae's laptop. The game's platforming elements, as highlighted by IGN and DualShockers, add a fun and engaging layer to the overall experience. The interactive visual nodes and notepad mechanic, as noted by Switch Player, provide customization and light progression, enhancing the narrative-driven gameplay. However, some critics have pointed out certain drawbacks in Night in the Woods' gameplay. Issues with finicky controls and forced scenes, as mentioned by GameSpot and Metro GameCentral, detract from the overall experience. Some platforming sections, as highlighted by Hardcore Gamer and GameCritics, can be tedious and not as mechanically interesting, impacting the pacing of the game. The lack of challenging mechanics, as noted by Hardcore Gamer and God is a Geek, may leave players wanting more depth in the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Night in the Woods offers a unique and contemplative gameplay experience, focusing on storytelling, exploration, and character interactions. The mix of mini-games, platforming elements, and dialogue choices provides a refreshing take on the adventure genre. While some critics raise concerns about certain gameplay mechanics, such as finicky controls and repetitive sections, the game's strengths in world-building, emotional depth, and narrative-driven gameplay shine through. Night in the Woods succeeds in delivering a memorable and immersive experience that resonates with players looking for a thought-provoking and character-driven adventure, as acknowledged by PC Gamer and RPG Fan.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Night in the Woods gameplay praised for unique blend of exploration, mini-games, and dialogue choices by critics. However, some drawbacks like finicky controls and tedious platforming noted. Overall, offers contemplative experience with strengths in storytelling and character interactions, despite some gameplay issues. Resonates with players seeking emotional depth and narrative-driven adventure.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics had overwhelmingly positive opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Night in the Woods. Critics such as InsideGamer.nl and NintendoWorldReport praised the game for its visually stunning and unique art style, with well-developed animal characters that feel human. The game was described as having a beautifully imagined setting with vibrant colors, charming character designs, and atmospheric environments. The use of colors, different locations, and attention to detail were commended by Push Square and TrueAchievements, enhancing the overall experience of the game. The art style was noted to be simple yet effective, with characters blending well into the environment, as mentioned by GamingTrend. On the other hand, a few critics pointed out some potential negatives in the graphics and visual design of Night in the Woods. CGMagazine noted slightly extended load times in the Switch port compared to other versions, which could impact the overall gameplay experience for some players. Additionally, XBLA Fans highlighted that while the art style was bright and cutesy, it hid deeper themes behind its visuals, potentially leading to a mismatch in expectations for players looking for a more lighthearted experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the graphics and visual design of Night in the Woods. The game was praised for its captivating art style, charming character designs, and atmospheric environments that effectively set the tone and mood of the narrative. Critics appreciated the attention to detail, use of colors, and the way the visuals enhanced the storytelling and character development. Despite some minor criticisms such as extended load times and potential mismatch in tone, the majority of critics found the graphics and visual design of Night in the Woods to be a standout feature that significantly contributed to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously lauded Night in the Woods for its visually stunning and unique art style, praising the well-developed animal characters and beautifully imagined setting with vibrant colors. While some noted minor issues like extended load times on the Switch and deeper themes hidden beneath the cutesy visuals, the majority agreed that the graphics and visual design enhanced the storytelling and character development, making it a standout feature that greatly enriched the overall gaming experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Night in the Woods, highlighting it as a standout feature of the game. Critics such as COGconnected, Push Square, and Vandal commended the fantastic and varied soundtrack that enhanced the overall atmosphere of the game. The music was described as appealing, catchy, and brimming with emotions like childlike wonder, nostalgia, and sadness, effectively setting the tone for different scenes. The use of silence for emotional impact, as noted by COGconnected, added depth to the sound design, creating a more immersive experience. The music not only complemented the gameplay but also effectively conveyed the game's themes and art style, as mentioned by GamingTrend and Nintenderos, further enhancing the emotional connection with players. However, there were some minor criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Night in the Woods. NintendoWorldReport mentioned that the music was sometimes soft and hard to hear, suggesting that the use of HD rumble could have been more prominent, especially in surreal dream sequences. Additionally, Xbox Achievements noted the lack of voice acting in the game, which could have potentially added more emotional resonance to certain moments. While these critiques were present, they were overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics regarding the quality and impact of the sound design and music in Night in the Woods. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Night in the Woods are exceptional, with the majority of reviewers praising the game for its memorable soundtrack, emotional depth, and immersive atmosphere. Game Informer and DarkStation highlighted the excellent sound design and music, capturing the realistic sense of cynicism, childlike wonder, and comradery between friends. The melancholic music, as noted by GameSpot and echoed by God is a Geek, effectively conveyed the emotional depth and atmosphere of the game, contributing to its immersive experience. The positive reception from critics such as IGN, New Game Network, and RPG Fan further solidified the overall consensus that the Sound Design and Music of Night in the Woods significantly contributed to the game's success and emotional impact, making it a standout aspect of the gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics widely lauded Night in the Woods for its exceptional Sound Design and Music, with praise for its varied soundtrack that enhanced the game's atmosphere. While some minor criticisms were noted, like soft music and lack of voice acting, the overwhelmingly positive feedback emphasized the emotional depth, immersive experience, and memorable soundtrack of the game. Overall, critics agreed that the sound design and music significantly contributed to Night in the Woods' success and emotional impact, making it a standout feature of the gaming experience.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, the general consensus among critics is mixed. Cubed3 and Nintendo Life both highlight that the game runs smoothly on the Switch, with only slightly longer loading times compared to other platforms. NintendoWorldReport and GameCritics also mention that the game performs well in both docked and handheld mode. These positive aspects indicate that Night in the Woods generally provides a stable experience on the Nintendo Switch, with consistent frame rates and no major technical issues reported. On the other hand, some critics such as God is a Geek and Hardcore Gamer point out specific technical issues with the Switch port of Night in the Woods. They mention frame drops and long loading times, especially in handheld mode, which can impact the overall gameplay experience. Pocket Gamer UK also notes performance issues, including dodgy framerates in docked mode. These negative aspects suggest that while the game is playable on the Switch, there are instances of technical instability that may detract from the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Overall, the opinions on the technical performance of Night in the Woods across different gaming platforms are varied. While the PC version receives praise for its technical stability, with brief loading screens and no reported issues during gameplay, the Nintendo Switch version elicits a more mixed response. Critics like Switch Player commend the flawless performance on the Switch, while others like God is a Geek and Hardcore Gamer highlight frame drops and long loading times as notable drawbacks. The consensus leans towards a decent technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, with some room for improvement in terms of optimizing frame rates and loading times to enhance the overall gaming experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Night in the Woods on Nintendo Switch gets mixed reviews for technical performance. Some critics praise its smooth gameplay and stable experience, with minor loading time issues. However, others mention frame drops and long loading times, particularly in handheld mode, impacting gameplay. While some find it playable with consistent frame rates, others note technical instability affecting immersion and enjoyment. Overall, opinions vary, with room for improvement in optimizing frame rates and loading times for a better gaming experience on the Switch.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, Night in the Woods received praise from several critics for its strong replay value. COGconnected highlighted the different paths, character backstories, and minigames that contribute to the game's replayability. DualShockers and GamingTrend both appreciated how interacting with different characters and focusing on various friendships can lead to different outcomes, encouraging multiple playthroughs. Additionally, GameSpot and Vandal noted that the choices players make throughout the game impact the story, providing a unique experience with each playthrough. CGMagazine and Nintendo Life also commended the additional content, such as new NPCs, mini-games, and companion stories, which enhance the replay value and offer a rewarding experience. On the downside, some critics mentioned certain aspects that could potentially hinder the replayability of Night in the Woods. Vandal pointed out that the game may feel slightly repetitive towards the end, which could affect players' motivation to engage in multiple playthroughs. We Got This Covered expressed a desire for a new game plus option, which could have enhanced the replay value for players looking for a fresh experience in subsequent playthroughs. RPG Fan highlighted the limitation of offering only a single save slot per playthrough, which could restrict players from exploring different choices and outcomes without starting a new game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Night in the Woods offers substantial replay value through its engaging narrative, diverse character interactions, and impactful choices. Critics like GameSpot, God is a Geek, and Twinfinite emphasized the emotional depth of the narrative and the connections made with the characters, which provide a compelling reason to revisit the game. While some pacing issues and limitations like a single save slot were noted as potential drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive towards the game's replayability. The additional content, varied storylines, and hidden details discovered through multiple playthroughs contribute to making Night in the Woods a memorable and engaging experience for players seeking a game with lasting appeal.

TL;DR

replay value

Night in the Woods wows with strong replay value praised for diverse story paths, character interactions, and impactful choices by critics. While some note slight repetitiveness and desire for new game plus option, the game's emotional depth, engaging narrative, and additional content make it a compelling and rewarding experience for players.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Night in the Woods received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics, with many praising its standout qualities. Critics such as TrueAchievements and God is a Geek highlighted the game's compelling narrative experience, well-developed characters, and thematic exploration. The game was commended for its relatable story, beautiful art style, and cohesive experience, as noted by DarkStation. The engaging story, memorable characters, and immersive soundtrack were also mentioned as standout features by critics like Push Square and Nintendo Life. Additionally, the game was lauded for its excellent writing, relationships, art style, and music, making it a must-play for fans of narrative adventures, as expressed by Switch Player. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks of Night in the Woods. Issues such as repetitive gameplay, frustrating dream sequences, and pacing problems were mentioned by various reviewers. GameSpot and Polygon noted issues with controls and forced scenes, while Metro GameCentral highlighted weak action and mini-game elements. The sluggish pacing, as mentioned by Game Informer and NintendoWorldReport, was also a point of contention for some critics. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the game remained positive, indicating that the strengths of Night in the Woods outweighed its weaknesses for many reviewers. In conclusion, Night in the Woods garnered widespread acclaim for its poignant storytelling, relatable characters, and emotional impact on players. The game was praised for its narrative depth, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals, resonating with players and capturing a generation's essence, as highlighted by GamingTrend. Despite some minor flaws and divisive elements, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority considering Night in the Woods to be a valuable and resonant experience. The game's unique exploration of human insecurity, well-crafted narrative, and memorable characters solidified its position as a standout title in the adventure genre, earning it high praise from a diverse range of reviewers.

TL;DR

Night in the Woods captivated critics with its compelling narrative, relatable characters, and immersive soundtrack. While some reviewers noted drawbacks like repetitive gameplay and pacing issues, the overall sentiment remained positive. Praised for its poignant storytelling and stunning visuals, the game resonated with players, establishing itself as a standout title in the adventure genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

109 reviews found

100

PSNStores

PlayStation 4

Mar 1, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods delivers a powerful message and covers a range of topics, resonating with the reviewer.

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100

DarkStation

Mar 23, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods is highly praised for its relatable story, beautiful art, and cohesive experience.

100

PC PowerPlay

May 23, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods is a highly recommended game that explores themes of escapism, friendship, and the complexities of life.

100

Guardian

Mar 14, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods is described as a brilliant game that easily sits next to other modern day classics. It is not a feel-good experience, but it never feels malicious. Mae is not a likeable character, but her story is narratively interesting.

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RPG Fan

Mar 6, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods is described as a fantastic game, offering a bittersweet tribute to slackerdom with deep characterizations, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals.

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Mar 13, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods is a socially relevant, interesting, moving, hilarious, and fun experience. It may not appeal to everyone, but fans of adventure, Metroidvania, sandbox, 2D platformer, or point-and-click games should definitely play it.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Apr 14, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods is praised for its fantastic characters, engaging story, beautiful art style, and soundtrack. While it has some flaws like frustrating dream sequences, the game's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a highly recommended experience.

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Washington Post

Mar 2, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review overall praises the game, mentioning its length as a healthy artistic strategy and stating that the reviewer found it affecting. It also mentions some online complaints about linearity and length, but dismisses them as not detracting from the game's artistic value.

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Push Square

PlayStation 4

Mar 5, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night in the Woods is a truly magnificent adventure game with exceptional writing, relationships, art style, and music. It stands out as one of the best Kickstarter releases.

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Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Feb 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Night In The Woods is a highly recommended indie title on the Nintendo Switch. It offers a unique and enchanting experience with its captivating story, memorable characters, and immersive soundtrack.

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