The Path

 PC
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. VideoGamer
    100
    It will be years before a game made by the big budget software houses like Ubisoft or EA is brave enough to attempt anything remotely similar, but The Path shows promising signs that gaming is starting to grow up.
  2. GameFocus
    95
    This review does not tell you much about the game because if I started talking about it I would spoil the experience for you. Unlike all other reviews (at least so far) where you can talk about key features or experiences if I did that it would be wrong. What I can say is that The Path is an experience of exploration and emotion. You should enjoy the game in small doses and not rush your way through because it is a slow experience but a wildly artistic one.
  3. MEGamers
    92
    An experience like no other, The Path is as unique and engaging as it is unnerving.
  5. The A.V. Club
    91
    Not an example of “games as art,” so much as a work of art deftly supported by a game.
  6. PC Format
    90
    Now play it, because I desperately need to talk to someone about it. [June 2009, p.100]
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  7. Gamers.at
    81
    The Path is art in videogame-form, and its weird ways have the potential to elevate it to the position of one of the best Indie-Games this year.
  8. Gamer.nl
    80
    The Path is not a game, it's art. And damn good art too. If you're open to it, try it and draw your own conclusion.
  9. Eurogamer Spain
    80
    The path doesn't take the most obvious course. It doesn't have a great control scheme. It doesn't even have a good one, to be honest, but it doesn't need it to be a very immersive experience.
  10. GameSpot
    80
    It's slow to unfold and simple to play, but you won't soon forget this extraordinary work of interactive fiction.
  11. Absolute Games
    79
    An art connoisseur will be in raptures over the perfect, highly stylized look of The Path. A gamer will walk about the forest for 10 minutes and uninstall it. And both will be right in their own way.
  12. GameZone
    78
    It is simple to play, but incredibly deep in its execution. It’s mystical, often perplexing, and more disturbing than pleasant. Think of it as an interactive fairy tale, and you’ll find it much less stupefying and maybe even a bit marvelous.
  13. GamingXP
    78
    The Path is a successful experiment and a good example that there are signs of innovation in the games-sector. The fascinating fact about this game is that you will have to use your own fantasy very much.
  14. IGN
    77
    One thing's for sure, regardless of whether you love or hate The Path, you won't forget it.
  15. PC Gamer UK
    75
    Flawed, intriguing art-game. [May 2009, p.70]
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Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best PC Game of 2009
59
#59 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
39
#39 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 124
  3. Negative: 32 out of 124
  1. cambria
    May 26, 2011
    10
    Beautiful, bug free, captivating, and oh so indie. This game is, amazingly, only 488mb large.. and given the amount of moving, interactingBeautiful, bug free, captivating, and oh so indie. This game is, amazingly, only 488mb large.. and given the amount of moving, interacting art in this game, I'd say that alone is a huge accomplishment. For those with a creative mind, give this game a try! You can't solve any of this game's goals with an MP5, it requires thought and the payoff is a dark and thoughtful twist on an old tale reborn.… Full Review »
  2. MouseOne
    Jul 7, 2011
    10
    Basically, this is either a) one of the best things made with videogame technology ever made, or b) booooorring why can't I shoot anything?Basically, this is either a) one of the best things made with videogame technology ever made, or b) booooorring why can't I shoot anything? The key to understanding this "game" is that it isn't really that (for all the silly joke score at the end of each level). It's an art installation thingee that explores a good number of coming of age themes, as well as some of the not so submerged fears of that period in people's life. Some (see category b) call that "pretentious", by which they mean "I don't like that sort of thing". Others, myself included, see The Path as one of the most important works of the last decade. As they say on the internets, your mileage may vary.… Full Review »
  3. AdamR
    Mar 31, 2009
    8
    This is a game that a lot of players will hate for legitimate, personal reasons. The point of the game is not the point many are looking for. This is a game that a lot of players will hate for legitimate, personal reasons. The point of the game is not the point many are looking for. But for the people who can appreciate , "The Path" for what it is, prepare for one of the most ambitious and beautiful games you have ever player. That being said, there is a sizable laundry list of points that show lack of polish, and a few design choices that will leave you upset: After all, with a bit more interactivity, never mind great moments in video gaming, you could be looking at life-defining moments. But as it is, "The Path" take the first few awkward, stumbling steps towards a revolution, and it deserves a serious round of applause for this.… Full Review »
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