Night
in the Woods

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.

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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.

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Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Night in the Woods 5 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.