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As the season of getting cozy, preparing for winter, and enjoying some temperature weather, fall is a great season to play similarly cozy and relaxing games. Given how taxing the past two years have been, financially, mentally, and physically, a suitably relaxing game to play in fall won't be too expensive or stressful. Night in the Woods is the perfect fall game in this respect, although it will be leaving Xbox Game Pass at the end of September, so fans will have to play it soon. Of course, the game is available on a variety of other platforms for a reasonable price once the game leaves Xbox Game Pass.
What makes Night in the Woods perfect to play at this moment in time is its combination of whimsy and serious, complex issues. The aesthetic has all the orange and browns that make fall such an iconic season, and as a short game, it would be perfect for a quiet weekend indoors as the season changes. More than that, the game captures the struggle of many during this fall, as they continue to deal with the ramifications of coronavirus and lockdown. The game taps into the liminal space between childhood and adulthood, and since this fall is a transitional season between a Summer that didn't go as expected and an impending Winter that is entirely uncertain.
Aesthetic and Story with Night in the Woods
Night in the Woods was originally released in 2017 after being partially funded by a Kickstarter. The developer responsible for the game, Infinite Fall, has undergone some troubling and unfortunate developments over the past few years. Despite this, Night in the Woods is still well-regarded.
The game follows Mae, a 20-year old college dropout returning to her parent's home in Possum Spring. The town is somewhat trapped in time, stagnating after the closure of the coal mine. Mae uncovers some dark mysteries around the town and deals with the psychological effects of having to move back home. The pace of the game is definitely slow, and it is much more meditative than action-based.
The slow pacing of the game gives plenty of time to soak up the warm-colored aesthetic and get into the fall mood. The game is set during fall, so naturally, the nature seen in the game has all the hallmarks of the season — falling brown and orange leaves, bare trees, and fall attire. The characters in Night in the Woods are all animals, which helps to alleviate the heaviness of some of the topics it tackles. The design is also just very visually pleasing, making this world an enjoyable one to explore.
Themes in Night in the Woods
As mentioned, the game covers some relatively heavy topics, such as growing up, mental health, unforeseen circumstances, and dealing with setbacks. Since the past two years have brought all of this in abundance, playing through this game can offer some catharsis in a pleasant setting. Night in the Woods does not shy away from the difficulties and complexities of navigating these topics. The characters are well-developed and not all perfect, which makes the story all the more relatable.
Dealing with major life changes can be difficult, and the past two years with Covid-19 have forced many to face unexpected challenges and circumstances. Most people don't particularly want to wind up back at home at 20 years old, since it is right when adult life is supposed to begin, but it is the reality for many across the world right now. In this respect, the themes of the game are somewhat Americanized since not all cultures move out of the family home at 18, but the overarching themes still speak to universal experiences. Night in the Woods ends hopefully and emphasizes the importance of friends in getting through tough times, which is apt given the current global crisis.
Night in the Woods is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch.