As Dusk Falls (2020) is an interactive drama following two interwoven Arizona families through thirty years. Play focuses on making choices about how different events unfold, you can play on your own, but it's best in a group of up to eight players who use a smartphone app to make choices. It stands out for the collaborative approach to storytelling and the different outcomes your group uncovers. You choose how characters interact and what they say to each other. In this way, you unfold a family drama often with unintended consequences. Playing with others raises the tension, and heightens the conversation, around each of your decisions.
As you progress you discover a story that starts in the middle and then spirals out to encompass multiple points of view over its thirty-year span. It explores the past, present and future of a single dramatic night and asks questions about the influence of an unhealthy, but loving, family. Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked As Dusk Falls 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 4 days ago.
This is an Adventure and Narrative game with Action, Brain Game, Communication and Traversal elements. You can play with 1 to 8 players in the same room or as a 8-player online game. You can play with up to 8 people co-operatively by using your phone to work with other players on decisions that impact your shared game. Throughout the story you make decisions that impact the outcome of the storyline. All players share the same point of view and vote for what decision they’d like to see play out.
Each additional player needs either the free As Dusk Falls companion app on their Android or iOS phone or a copy of the game if they are also on Xbox or PC. Just one person needs the game on the Xbox or PC.
Cross-Play: Play between console, PC and companion app (at least one person on console or PC).
Rated PEGI 16 for Bad Language, Drugs and Violence. Violence is realistically presented, with several scenes showing characters being hit or shot with guns. In one scene, a character is struck with the butt of a gun, which knocks him to the ground. There is the sight of illegal drugs being used, with characters shown taking ecstasy and smoking marijuana. In addition, there is a scene in which two characters inhale lighter fluid. There are several scenes in which the player is given the opportunity to drink alcohol, and many characters are depicted smoking. This game contains use of strong language ('f*!k'), as well as milder terms including 'b%$@h', 'pussy', 's*!t' and 'b%$@*!d'. There is a scene in which a character is executed by lethal injection. The player only sees the character strapped down and a button being pressed to administer the first injection, rather than the full execution. In another scene, it is implied that a couple are having sex. However, the sexual activity occurs off-screen, with noises of creaking and moaning heard from the next room. Once the sex is finished, the scene moves to the bedroom, where the woman is seen getting off the man and going to sleep.
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.
12+ 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. Players need to be able to process information and make choices that have permanent consequences. There are some quick reaction sections where you must press sticks or buttons quickly, although settings can make this easier. You need patience with other players and be willing to debate what is the right answer. Being able to enter into the narrative with a strong imagination also enhances the experiences.
Account Rating
You need be 18-years-old to to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold for online play, but can then configure family accounts for younger players to play online with Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.
You need be 18-years-old to subscribe to PlayStation Plus for online play, but can create sub-accounts for younger players of 7-years or older to play online with PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5.
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.