Beacon Pines Reviews
In many ways Beacon Pines is a fairly standard adventure game but the great emotive writing and specifically the branching narratives exploration do make it feel quite different from other games of this style. Being able to go back and undo any decision and choose differently, and then play through that path before jumping back to the old one can lead to interesting developments, such as meeting certain characters earlier, or learning information which while you as a player know, Luka and his friends experiencing this linearly do not. There are minimal traditional puzzles and most of the game involves talking to the right characters, but there is certainly plenty of atmosphere and personality in every part of the game. Beacon Pines is a lovely way to spend some hours in the company of some charming characters and a nicely emotional sequence of branching narratives.
Beacon Pines is a memorable narrative adventure game, with beautiful artworks, an excellent narration, and innovative narrative and gameplay designs that pushes the genre forward.
Beacon Pines is an unexpected horror-filled romp – one that’ll keep you locked in suspense for as long as loveable protagonist Luka is in danger. Keep your mind on the branching paths, and eventually you’ll discover a way out of this strange, body horror-infused nightmare. But be wary – the paths off the beaten tracks will stay with you long after the game is over.
Sometimes less is most definitely more and Beacon Pines is a magnificent example of how much more. Keeping gameplay simple and letting the story lead the way, it has a way of thoroughly enveloping the player without even realising it. You’ll be compelled to find every little nuance, every aspect of what makes the leading trio who they are. Every facet of a great conspiracy. A glorious Gold Award for the not-so-sleepy town of Beacon Pines and its branching, all-encompassing tale!
Beacon Pines is an inspiring adventure that manages to show an emotional narrative and entice the player with its plot. With a charming 2D ambientation, the title offers a good experience of its genre, though it ends up not exploring its main mechanics as well as it could.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A mystery thriller with great personality and deep characters, which will trap us between its pages and immerse us in this dodgy and mean-spirited world.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Beacon Pines is a lovely and well-made game that should prove worthwhile to any adventure game fan.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
I completely enjoyed Beacon Pines: It's one of those games I cannot get enough of. Its fascinating story and narration make it one of my favourites 2022.
Review in German | Read full review
Beacon Pines is easily one of the top ten games I’ve played this year and one of the first recommendations I’d give to players looking for something quick but layered. With a lovely art style, cozy setting, exceptional character development, and an edge-of-your-seat story, Beacon Pines is a unique blend of sweet and sinister that proves difficult to put down — in fact, I couldn’t stop myself from playing it from start to finish in one go! If you’re looking for something charmingly cute yet deceptively dark with a clever mechanic and rich world, Beacon Pines invites you to solve its many mysteries and find the true end to this troubled tale.
As a straight story of Stranger Things meets Sylvanians, Beacon Pines is written beautifully, drawn evocatively, and compelling to play. But as a deconstruction of narrative that lets you rebuild your own story from the pieces, it’s stellar, captivating stuff. An unfettered joy from start to finish.
Beacon Pines is a game worth recommending to anyone who enjoys narrative games, especially ones that aren’t too long, as this one is about 5-6 hours. Do not expect to be challenged in any real way because this game isn’t about that, but instead explore a town filled with charming anthropomorphic animal characters while relishing in the dramatic irony inherent in altering time and trying out new paths. It's a narrative, time-bending adventure with the cutest little characters ever.
Beacon Pines is a delightfully spooky, creepy game that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the credits roll. The artwork is gorgeous to look at and Luka is an adorable deer that I got pretty attached to by the end, as I’m sure you will.
It’s a feeling that can only come from this particular idea playing out as a video game, to be something that combines the best elements of a choose-your-own-adventure book, a 1980s coming of age movie and the moment-to-moment tension of Oxenfree. I cannot and will not stop praising this game, and I earnestly believe this is one of my favorite gaming moments in the past decade. Thank you.