The Path

 PC
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

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  1. BillM
    May 9, 2009
    10
    This game is unlike any other game I ever played. It can hardly be called a game at all, it's more of a piece of art. There is no clear message or story, the focus of this game is on surreal imagery and emotion. I would describe the mood of this game as creepy yet beautiful. I highly recommend for anyone who has a creative gene in them.
  2. TillL
    Jul 22, 2009
    10
    Original, original, original. The game is art, and art is the game. However it's not really a game, it's an experience. At the very least try the demo, don't miss out on something you may fall in love with. I can only hope more of this type of experience is developed.
  3. Molliemot
    Jun 21, 2009
    10
    Loved this game. It's creepy and weird. Still it's a slow but artsy game, keep an open mind and you'll really enjoy it.
  4. GuillermoL
    May 23, 2009
    10
    Half way through the game I'd already been moved to near tears and laughter at the same time. The game is wonderful. The music and atmosphere make me want to own the soundtrack if that's possible, too. Yes it's a short game (can be easily played in half a day). But for ten bucks it gives more reward than most movies made. I hope to see more from these people and if possible Half way through the game I'd already been moved to near tears and laughter at the same time. The game is wonderful. The music and atmosphere make me want to own the soundtrack if that's possible, too. Yes it's a short game (can be easily played in half a day). But for ten bucks it gives more reward than most movies made. I hope to see more from these people and if possible something epic along the fallout 3 magnitude for size.… Expand
  5. 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, 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 oldBeautiful, 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.… Expand
  6. 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? 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 submergedBasically, 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.… Expand
  7. Bigmageusa
    May 27, 2011
    10
    A wonderful artistic game that shows how impactful a game can be. The demo is horrible, showing off none of the highlights of the game while showing off all of the tedium. While very slow to play and rather simple, it makes a very heavy statement on each play-through that had me fighting to complete as much of the game as possible. Worth a play but very dark, brooding, tedious, andA wonderful artistic game that shows how impactful a game can be. The demo is horrible, showing off none of the highlights of the game while showing off all of the tedium. While very slow to play and rather simple, it makes a very heavy statement on each play-through that had me fighting to complete as much of the game as possible. Worth a play but very dark, brooding, tedious, and depressing much of the time.… Expand
  8. Zerit
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    Beautiful and darker. Is not a videogame, neither an interactive story. It's an experience, a trip into your soul and your mind. Walk into the world created for this "game" and ask yourself WHAT you REALLY seek and see. Another person would see the same thing you have seen?
  9. MsPacMan
    Feb 10, 2013
    10
    I really enjoyed this game, and I can't wait for Tale of Tales to create more! This is a very calming game to play, calm yet creepy. I wish more games would take us to a place that The Path takes us. The music is deliciously creepy, I had downloaded the soundtrack. I jumped on this band wagon a little late, but I really hope that some time in the future Tale of Tales releases moreI really enjoyed this game, and I can't wait for Tale of Tales to create more! This is a very calming game to play, calm yet creepy. I wish more games would take us to a place that The Path takes us. The music is deliciously creepy, I had downloaded the soundtrack. I jumped on this band wagon a little late, but I really hope that some time in the future Tale of Tales releases more merchandise for The Path. I'd love to purchase it. Thank you Tale of Tales!… Expand
  10. Pandupil
    Aug 28, 2009
    9
    A dream-like game with very charming atmosphere. It's difficult to understand the real depth of the game at first, but once you get into it, you cannot stop. The game relies a lot on your own imagination and that's what makes it effective. Definitely a game that both boys AND girls will enjoy playing! (Let your girlfriend play this and see her reactions... that's very A dream-like game with very charming atmosphere. It's difficult to understand the real depth of the game at first, but once you get into it, you cannot stop. The game relies a lot on your own imagination and that's what makes it effective. Definitely a game that both boys AND girls will enjoy playing! (Let your girlfriend play this and see her reactions... that's very interesting and reveals a lot on people's personality). It's just a pity some bugs (mostly collision bugs) tend to get in the way sometimes and make it difficult to understand what we're supposed to do.… Expand
  11. JasonV
    Apr 7, 2009
    9
    A frankly amazing experience. Not so much a "game" in the traditional sense - more of an "experience". Few games have ever so adeptly created an immediate and purely recognizable emotional experience for the player, and it's a triumph. However, you must have an imagination to play. This is not a game that is going to tell you a story - you must find the story inside it. If that A frankly amazing experience. Not so much a "game" in the traditional sense - more of an "experience". Few games have ever so adeptly created an immediate and purely recognizable emotional experience for the player, and it's a triumph. However, you must have an imagination to play. This is not a game that is going to tell you a story - you must find the story inside it. If that sounds fun to you, this is a must-try.… Expand
  12. JohnR
    May 22, 2009
    9
    This is NOT a game, so anyone who rates this according to a video game's criteria is dead in the wrong. This is not a FUN thing to play. It is not a shoot em up romp through a dark forest killing zombies and aliens. No --- this is a modernization of the age old fairy tale. Bringing the truth of these tales to a modern format. This is the realization of old into new. What this "game" This is NOT a game, so anyone who rates this according to a video game's criteria is dead in the wrong. This is not a FUN thing to play. It is not a shoot em up romp through a dark forest killing zombies and aliens. No --- this is a modernization of the age old fairy tale. Bringing the truth of these tales to a modern format. This is the realization of old into new. What this "game" is --- is a telling of a fairy tale without the happy little ending most people have converted them to. The true fairy tales before they were exploited by the hug a tree generations. You do not just get involved with the characters in this story --- you fall in love with them. Their nuances that you learn through their interactions with things in the world around them. Their personalities. Their loves and hates. You learn these things if you only have the patience (as most don't) to really play this through. You realize that these are not just a bunch of EMO-Goth girls as most people think --- but each with a different personality befitting their age range. It shows you the complete opposite of what one person said of this game: "This game shows that you can only succeed by leaving the path in life" --- no --- this is showing that yes, indeed, you have to leave the path to "succeed" in this game --- but that success is only so you can learn that one is best suited to the path. Just as the ancient fairy tales have always told. They are shock stories meant to keep kids "in line" and "on the path" and this is exactly what this "game" has come to do. So if you are going to rate it --- rate it based on that. So --- in that aspect, I give it a 10/10.… Expand
  13. Xanifur
    Apr 22, 2013
    9
    Beautiful and mystical with a depressing theme and always a sad ending. Nothing could be better. The concept works so well, I instantly fell in love with this game. You can tell each girl has her own distinct personality and hauntings. Beautiful emptiness in the forest with gorgeous music to discover a piece of the character with every turn. Fantastic!
  14. Spectr3
    Jul 23, 2011
    9
    It's sad to see so many bad reviews for this. Clearly, a misunderstood gem, this software goes beyond gaming and turns into art as soon as you realize that your actions are a consequence of decisions very similar to those one would take in a real situation. Curiosity, ability to awe and imagination are a requirement to unlock the full potential of this art piece that demands a userIt's sad to see so many bad reviews for this. Clearly, a misunderstood gem, this software goes beyond gaming and turns into art as soon as you realize that your actions are a consequence of decisions very similar to those one would take in a real situation. Curiosity, ability to awe and imagination are a requirement to unlock the full potential of this art piece that demands a user interaction in order to achieve its narrative goal. Granted, graphics are not bleeding edge and controls could be slightly better, but the heavy aesthetic and psychological value are priceless, and beyond anything else has attempted before. While Amnesia: The Dark Descent keeps the prize as Best Horror game, The Path secures a solid second place thanks to very dark, macabre and disturbing content... which is almost in its entirety imagined by you. There's where its genius resides. If you get bored, well, most likely you're the type of person that gets bored in museums as well.… Expand
  15. 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. 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 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.… Expand
  16. dondon
    Dec 31, 2011
    8
    This is not a horror game even though it is listed under the horror genre. The game was too different to properly fit into any category. The game would be ignored if it wasn't in any category so horror was chosen. This game is art. Players are suppose to wander the woods, taking in the atmosphere. Watching how each girl, all with their own personalities, react to the same object orThis is not a horror game even though it is listed under the horror genre. The game was too different to properly fit into any category. The game would be ignored if it wasn't in any category so horror was chosen. This game is art. Players are suppose to wander the woods, taking in the atmosphere. Watching how each girl, all with their own personalities, react to the same object or situation. There is no shooting or any main goals to accomplish. I've had no bugs with this game.… Expand
  17. I_Am_Turok
    Jun 5, 2012
    8
    In terms of the recent crop of interactive-computer-art (Esther, Fatale, The Graveyard), this certainly comes out best in better interactivity, better use of one's own imagination, less linearity (though still there), and interesting music. Think of it as going to see a modern art piece, liking it, and buying your own copy to interact with at home. It does fall slightly in terms ofIn terms of the recent crop of interactive-computer-art (Esther, Fatale, The Graveyard), this certainly comes out best in better interactivity, better use of one's own imagination, less linearity (though still there), and interesting music. Think of it as going to see a modern art piece, liking it, and buying your own copy to interact with at home. It does fall slightly in terms of controls (what's with the running change of angle, or just walking through things), but overall, taken in small 10-15 minute doses, a different way to spend one's time and imagination. Quite good.… Expand
  18. SweetRollsAhoy
    Dec 29, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Please note that The Path may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's not what some would consider a "game", but more of a story shrouded by symbolism and is incredibly artsy. If you hate games that are almost purely story driven and more of an experience, then you might want to look elsewhere.

    For a person like me, The Path is just the type of thing I love. Not only is there dark and mature themes, but the symbolism is absolutely brilliant if you notice them. I also enjoyed the "Red Riding Hood" theme the game had going for it. After replaying a few times and discussing the story with others, I realized the game is actually very open for a lot of interpretation. More so than I anticipated. The ideas that many have come up with have only enriched the experience for me.

    Basically, you have several sisters, each very different from each other, and their goal is to get to grandmothers house to deliver some goods. The rule is to not stray from the path, but it has to be broken in order for the girls to encounter the wolf. If you do not want to be spoiled or have my opinion on the wolves and their interpretation with each girl, please skip the next paragraph.

    In my opinion, each girl represents a stage of life. The wolves are an experience that one must go through to grow up. These experiences may be harmful or scarring, but like in the game, the girls get up, wounded, and make their way back to grandma's house. The whole story is about growing up. Letting your curiosity getting the better of you, getting wounded, but growing up a little. The path is a safe life without exploration. There is no harm, but neither do you learn anything. That is why you get a failure screen when you do not encounter the wolf.

    As for it's length, if you just buzz through the main task at hand, it is very short and you also miss a lot of added story. Each girl has items and unlockables. There is also 144 "flower coins" to collect if you so chose. In my opinion, the replay value only lasts as long as there is something that you missed, which just to note that the forest is randomly generated each time so finding everything will be a challenge if you switch girls or start over. Unless you are the type that enjoys resetting the game and starting fresh repeatedly, you probably will complete the game once and rarely touch it again.    … Expand
  19. MarkT
    Apr 28, 2009
    7
    Love the ambition in this game, and there are some genuinely spooky moments. When it calls itself a slow game, however, it isn't joking... it's a fine balance, as slow is an unusual, therefore interesting, concept in games today, but boy, it sure does drag as you wander aimlessly around those woods. Consider it a $10 snack. Worth dipping into, but I suspect that not many people Love the ambition in this game, and there are some genuinely spooky moments. When it calls itself a slow game, however, it isn't joking... it's a fine balance, as slow is an unusual, therefore interesting, concept in games today, but boy, it sure does drag as you wander aimlessly around those woods. Consider it a $10 snack. Worth dipping into, but I suspect that not many people will have the stamina to get through very much of it.… Expand
  20. UjuidarEhcram
    Jun 30, 2013
    7
    The Path in an arthouse exploration/horror game where you control one of six girls as they make the trek to grandmother's house. You're told to stay on the path and avoid the wolf, but if you do what you're told, you don't get to experience anything this game has to offer.

    The Path is a mystery that needs to be unraveled. As you explore, you find more things and learn more about each of    The Path in an arthouse exploration/horror game where you control one of six girls as they make the trek to grandmother's house. You're told to stay on the path and avoid the wolf, but if you do what you're told, you don't get to experience anything this game has to offer.

    The Path is a mystery that needs to be unraveled. As you explore, you find more things and learn more about each of the girls, and you may bump into the "wolf". For each of the girls, meeting the wolf is a life-changing experience.

    The game is a very interesting mystery and an engaging metaphor, but when held to the normal standards for a video game, The Path is severely lacking. The controls are completely awful. The aesthetic is nice, but the actual graphic quality is pretty poor. The sound is odd, which is fitting for this game. The gameplay is slow. Really, really slow. You'll need a lot of patience.

    The game description on Steam should be taken seriously. This game is not for children.

    The Path is definitely not for everyone. Pick it up if an arthouse title with difficult metaphors interests you, but if you're looking for a fun game, this is not it. $10 is probably a bit much; wait for it to go on sale.    … Expand
  21. ave
    Feb 11, 2015
    5
    The Path is an original and uncommon adventure game, where you are granted 6 characters, each one of them successively trying to either save Grandma from the Wolf, or meet the Wolf, while wandering a mysterious forest.

    Each encounter can lead you to different places, and somewhat sets the ending of the chapter. From one character to another, you'll probably revisit the same places. So    The Path is an original and uncommon adventure game, where you are granted 6 characters, each one of them successively trying to either save Grandma from the Wolf, or meet the Wolf, while wandering a mysterious forest.

    Each encounter can lead you to different places, and somewhat sets the ending of the chapter. From one character to another, you'll probably revisit the same places. So after you've completed the game main goal, the interest kinda... falls shorts.

    Of course The Path is not meant to be a space opera, and focuses more on the different emotions you may experience while playing. On my own, I felt this proposition wasn't enougth to get me going and explore more deeply. The game wasn't rewarding enough for my efforts.    … Expand
  22. fartheststar
    Nov 15, 2015
    4
    Sorry, I just can't recommend this. I wondered around slowly in the forest for a while, picking up objects for no reason that I could discern, found locations triggering events that didn't make much sense. I understand from other reviews that there's likely a story here, but nothing compelled me to keep playing beyond my first couple of tries. Normally I like world exploration, but thisSorry, I just can't recommend this. I wondered around slowly in the forest for a while, picking up objects for no reason that I could discern, found locations triggering events that didn't make much sense. I understand from other reviews that there's likely a story here, but nothing compelled me to keep playing beyond my first couple of tries. Normally I like world exploration, but this was not rewarding.

    I'm glad I played through it a couple of times in effort to understand what folks were saying about the game, but I just found it slow and unengaging. I liked games like Dear Esther, Gone Home, and Lifeless Planet, so I thought I'd like this. The Path, however, just didn't do much for me.    … Expand
  23. IsaacV
    Jun 10, 2009
    3
    I can tell you now I haven't played the full game. I've played the demo, but surely the demo is meant to show the best of the game. The way I see it, it starts you off with the basic instruction stay on the path. So that's what I did. And it finished. After reading the reviews now I know I wasn't meant to stay on the path, but hey, when I went into the forest there was I can tell you now I haven't played the full game. I've played the demo, but surely the demo is meant to show the best of the game. The way I see it, it starts you off with the basic instruction stay on the path. So that's what I did. And it finished. After reading the reviews now I know I wasn't meant to stay on the path, but hey, when I went into the forest there was nothing there! I will have to ave another play through, but it just needed to show something early on to make me think there was something in the forest not in the house.… Expand
  24. derp_derp
    Apr 8, 2013
    3
    This is pretty much an unintentional parody of indie games.

    If you're the most pretentious person at your Hop Topic and want to experience the most convoluted adventure game logic this side of Sierra and also hate yourself I strongly recommend this game.
  25. AWG
    Oct 31, 2013
    3
    Pretentiousness: The Movie: The Game
  26. Pinkpansylove
    Aug 18, 2018
    3
    The whole point of the game is to not follow the path (which is the only instruction the game gives you) which is an interesting concept. However there never feels like there is any reward for exploring the world and instead becomes a frustrating experience of being lost.
  27. MartijnSlagman
    May 6, 2009
    2
    Poor game.

    It doesnt keep you into the game, after walking for half hour you will get extremely bored. There is nothing artistic about this game. With weird sound(Chains etc.) they try to create a horror scene with some macabre scenery.

    Yes it's only
  28. MarcoTorelli
    May 7, 2009
    2
    I vividly remember "American McGee's Alice" which coupled storytelling, design and gameplay into something that might be called "art" without forcefully shoving it into your face.

    The designers behind "The Path" did just that and ended up with a pseudo-intellectual crapfest that along the way sells its design deficencies as part of the supposed "art".
  29. Osyron
    Dec 30, 2015
    2
    Clunky, unintuitive controls with poor animations and sounds make this a drawn out chore rather than an enjoyable experience. Its trying to be different and for innovation i give it 2 points but its just so tedious and poorly executed to be given any more.
  30. Funksatron
    May 29, 2013
    2
    Imagine that you're deaf and a complete stranger is trying to tell you about a series of dreams they had. Also, they'll only continue telling you about the dreams as long as you're jogging backwards on a treadmill in snow-shoes. That's about as confusing, frustrating, unfulfilling, unimpressive and cohesive as the experience known as "The Path" is. All that being said, it does give it aImagine that you're deaf and a complete stranger is trying to tell you about a series of dreams they had. Also, they'll only continue telling you about the dreams as long as you're jogging backwards on a treadmill in snow-shoes. That's about as confusing, frustrating, unfulfilling, unimpressive and cohesive as the experience known as "The Path" is. All that being said, it does give it a modicum of novelty and I suppose that's worth something.… Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    77
    One thing's for sure, regardless of whether you love or hate The Path, you won't forget it.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »