Night in the Woods Reviews

Night in the Woods is ranked in the 95th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Metro GameCentral
GameCentral
Top Critic
8 / 10
Feb 5, 2018

A hugely impressive achievement in interactive storytelling, that tackles difficult subjects head-on but still manages to be life-affirming and relatable.

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82 / 100
Mar 2, 2017

I wish there was more to do in Night in the Woods, but that doesn't stop it from being a delight. I love that it addresses something relevant and honest. It's a slice of life that speaks to a generation and explores a world with unusual depth.

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Andy Kelly
Top Critic
82 / 100
Feb 28, 2017

A beautiful, heartfelt coming of age story that says something about life, and cracks a few jokes in the process.

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 27, 2017

Night in the Woods is one of those art forms that takes you on a journey rather than providing exciting gameplay. This could have been a book or a movie and I would still relish the chance to dive into the world once more. The characters come to life like few other video game icons can and the conversations through written dialogue is some of the best gaming has to offer. It says something about a title when the only things you have to worry about are slight dips in pace and repetitive day to day motions. Although that very well could fit in with the game's theme. If you're looking for a unique and meaningful tale of self-discovery, Night in the Woods needs to be in your virtual library as soon as possible.

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 24, 2017

Amazing storytelling in a world filled with characters trying to find themselves, Night in the Woods delivers quite a powerful performance!

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 16, 2018

Night in the Woods is the good kind of narrative game, full of rich and deep topic, topped with a simple gameplay and witty humour. A short experience, but a must have for those of you that never played it when launched back in early 2017.

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8.5 / 10.0
Feb 5, 2018

I think the decision point with a game like Night in the Woods revolves around how much reality you want in your games. If you’re looking purely for an escape, to turn your mind off and simply enjoy yourself, Night in the Woods very much won’t be for you… at all. If, instead, you view games through the lens of entertainment that can also have something to say or to reveal to you about people who may be living very different lives than you I would absolutely say you should check it out. I don’t know that I’ve ever played a game with characters that remind me so much of my own children, some of their struggles, and how sometimes people’s traits being positives or negatives can be very heavily driven by perspective and context. I can’t think of any game I’ve played in quite some time that made me reflect on as many things as Night in the Woods has, and if you’re open to the experience I’d highly recommend it.

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Zoomg
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Mar 27, 2017

Night in the Woods has a great and deep story but in terms of gameplay, doesn't have anything new or creative but the story always make you want to finish the game.

Review in Persian | Read full review

9 / 10
Feb 2, 2018

Night in the Woods is as charming as ever on the Nintendo Switch. The performance is a bit of a mixed bag and there can be some bugs, but all said, it is a solid port that offers a great experience whether you play it on the big screen or take it with you for some portable adventure.

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CGMagazine
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Mar 3, 2017

A melancholy but realistic tale of creatures in a town called Possum Springs.

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8.5 / 10.0
Mar 2, 2017

Witty, smart and great to look at, there are many worse ways to spend your time than a Night in with Night in the Woods.

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85 / 100
Feb 7, 2018

Night in the Woods tells a sad story in many levels. We love the art direction and the soundtrack (specially in minigames and dream levels), but it is not a game for everyone. Gameplay falls short compared to narrative elements.

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IGN
Top Critic
8.7 / 10.0
Feb 25, 2017

Night in the Woods captures the fears and anxieties of being a young adult with surprising clarity, but brings it into new and interesting territory thanks to its developers’ deep understanding of rural America’s economic hardships. Branching, well-written dialogue made me feel closer to Mae’s story as I helped build out her history and reignite friendships, encouraging a second playthrough to uncover the scenes (and even a few secrets) I know I missed.

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8.8 / 10.0
Feb 23, 2017

Natural, clever dialogue is the most compelling aspect, mixing black humor, charm, and profound observations

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89 / 100
Mar 4, 2017

While it does have its flaws, Night in the Woods is a worthwhile game. It entertains its audience through its story and dialogue and we can recommend it to anyone who enjoys a more relaxed experience.

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4.5 / 5.0
Apr 6, 2018

Night in the Woods is a powerful, story-driven game that shows that not all games need action if you have strong characters and fun mini-games. Oh and beating up a furnace with a bat is fun, too.

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9 / 10
Mar 1, 2017

The story of Mae Borowski is an effortless blend of growing up while confronting the strange going’s on in the woods. And while it’s an excellent story, it’s the characters and their struggles, triumphs, joy and sadness that I’ll always remember about Night in the Woods.

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4.5 / 5.0
Mar 8, 2017

It’s quite something to play a leg of the game where Mae finds out the local Italian restaurant is closing to her utter dismay, and to then turn off my console and go to a meeting of my college newspaper where we have to discuss writing an article about the landmark hobby shop in town closing its doors after 25 years. For a world filled with cartoon animal characters, Night in the Woods is actually one of the most stark, realistic depictions of a non-landmark city part of America I’ve seen in a game.

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Sirus Gaming
Jem Sagcal
9 / 10.0
Mar 27, 2017

All I can confirm with absolution is that I loved it and it's an experience I will take on again. I will read theories and I will understand the certain mental issues discussed. I will listen to the game's soundtrack because the music is beautiful; it's jazzy and relaxing. I will, also, most probably download wallpaper for my phone because I can guarantee, it has too much heart and soul to not be forgotten.

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90%
Mar 12, 2018

It is a solid adventure release with plenty of content to enjoy and a nice cast of characters that, thanks to their witty dialogue and strong presence, very much feel alive.

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