Whispering Willows

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 51
  3. Negative: 8 out of 51

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  1. Founder
    Jul 30, 2014
    10
    Graphically I have to say that this game looked amazing, the level of detail that was put into this game, and the art style seemed to fit the game perfectly. They also were able to make you feel and see that something has corrupted this place. I also have to say that the spirit form in this game looked right out of a top notch comic book. Actually all the art could have come straight outGraphically I have to say that this game looked amazing, the level of detail that was put into this game, and the art style seemed to fit the game perfectly. They also were able to make you feel and see that something has corrupted this place. I also have to say that the spirit form in this game looked right out of a top notch comic book. Actually all the art could have come straight out of a comic book. I was also impressed with the use of doors that either brought you into a room in front or behind you. This made the at times very slow pace of the game bearable.

    The sounds in the game definitely gave off the vibes of horror game. I do wish that the characters were voiced. I think that would have added a little something extra and pulled the gamer in that much more.

    Alright so lets talk game here, as you might have noticed I already made mention of the slow pace of the game, you are going to be walking the entire time. There is a time for running but it happens in such a small part of the game that you are going to wish you could do that elsewhere. I enjoyed the twists and turns in the story and the puzzles that had to be solved with the assistance of the ghosts that you could interact with when in spirit form. I also appreciated the fact that the puzzle aspect of the game required the spirit form to make things interesting.

    Now the problem with this game comes in the form of if you ever get lost or perhaps missed something big in the game, you are going to wander around, and when you do that you are going to do that in a walking form, so if you ever have a moment of clarity when you remember where you are headed you might find yourself having to do some serious backtracking/walking to get there which can definitely hurt the gaming experience. At the same time, though, if the running mechanism was in the game there's definitely a chance that you are going to miss something, either a spirit you might want to talk to or extreme danger.

    One thing that I did appreciate about this game was that there were several layers to it. If you really didn't care about the story, it wasn't going to slap you constantly in the face, you could just look for the keywords in the conversations and then move on. If you were looking for an in-depth experience you could have this as well with the notes and letters lying around the game that gave you more information on the characters and the setting. There's also the middle of the road approach where you can get the story and you don't have to read those extras you find throughout the game.

    This game definitely is not for everyone. There's a couple little glitches in the game when it comes to interacting with the actual mansion and triggering the chapter titles even when you are in a different chapter, but overall you're going to find a very solid game. If you are looking for something a little dark with paranormal undertones, you are going to like this game. Now there might be times where you are going to get frustrated with the walking everywhere, but if you stick with it you will find a solid game in the end. So after making it through this entire game I have to say that it deserves an 10 out of 10 from me.    … Expand
  2. Bojango
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    I have found myself drawn into the game over time, all the elements of art/lighting/sound, some of which are subtle, give me an unsettling feeling (in a good way) that leads me right into the story. The spirit form mechanic offers another chance at exploring further into the narrative and a slight change of pace. A lot of thought went into this game to make me feel like I was a part of it
  3. TheWhiteRose000
    Jul 12, 2014
    10
    One of the best games I have played all year. The simplest way to describe it is if
    Disney's Haunted Mansion met a indie game developer and had a love child.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5e9KnUunw4 The game is incredibly appealing and despite being paranormal isn't scary at all.
    With a interesting plot and amazing story development I highly recommend
    this game to everyone.
  4. Volleybologist
    Jul 18, 2014
    10
    Seriously one of the best indie games to come out this year. At first it looked a little cartoony, but the story is really well written, gameplay is fantastic (and actually original!), and the environments are surprisingly creepy. I recommended playing this if you're an indie gamer.
  5. daevo
    Jul 13, 2014
    10
    This game has beautiful art and a fantastic soundtrack and atmosphere. Some of the puzzles are a bit simple, but it never detracted from the overall world and aesthetics. Whispering Willows is incredibly immersive and a gorgeous game all around.
  6. smellavia
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    spooky atmospheric game with great art and concept - not that many collaborative games out there especially ones where you're working with a ghost. wouldn't say horror outright but more a moody piece. and different that it has a female lead. worth it.
  7. ding84tt
    Jul 20, 2014
    10
    This game has absolutely beautiful artwork, a compelling story, and a haunting soundtrack. Strongly recommended for any fans of puzzles, ghost stories, and gorgeous art styles.
  8. 2hat2trot
    Jul 13, 2014
    10
    I love horror games this is a good one for my collecsiooun. I like the artwork and the music really kicks it into action. What is really cool about this game is that you can really get submersed in it very quickly . i give this game a 10 for its awesome artwork music and story !
  9. SanctumRevel
    Jul 18, 2014
    8
    A nice art spooky adventure game it draws right from the start allthough a map would be nice so you can see where is where music is good gameplay is addicting overall a nice ghost spooky adventure
  10. kezzyhko
    Aug 22, 2020
    5
    ‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍‍
  11. henderwonder
    Jul 6, 2015
    9
    I am not the most intense gamer, so sometimes it takes me a little bit to pick up mechanics of the game, but not with Whispering Willows. The story was unique and really drew me in, and the art and sound were breath taking. I played through the whole game in just two sittings because I couldn't stop.
  12. Voyou
    May 18, 2021
    3
    While sold as a point n' click adventure, the gameplay is essentially you going back and forth through the same corridors. Very slowly. That is until you are forced to perform a series of delicate maneuvers on a deadly timer.
    Adding insult to injury, upon death, the game doesn't have the decency to spare you the walk and the cutscene preceding the pursuit. The one checkpoint you'll need    While sold as a point n' click adventure, the gameplay is essentially you going back and forth through the same corridors. Very slowly. That is until you are forced to perform a series of delicate maneuvers on a deadly timer.
    Adding insult to injury, upon death, the game doesn't have the decency to spare you the walk and the cutscene preceding the pursuit. The one checkpoint you'll need isn't intelligently set.    … Expand
  13. SilverOrlov
    Sep 23, 2019
    8
    Very simple graphic and game-play, reminiscent of something like a detective story for children. I would never pay attention if it were not for the over-positive rating on steam and a significant discount at that time ... And it would be very in vain. This game isn't "getting stars from the sky", but very qualitatively stands on those legs that it claims to be: This is an interestingVery simple graphic and game-play, reminiscent of something like a detective story for children. I would never pay attention if it were not for the over-positive rating on steam and a significant discount at that time ... And it would be very in vain. This game isn't "getting stars from the sky", but very qualitatively stands on those legs that it claims to be: This is an interesting mystical-themed quest with a nice exterior design that is quite capable of pulling into the mansion at anyone who dared to give a chance to this story and entered its territory. Definitely recommend everyone who is interested in the genre to try. By the way, there is also a small element of quests with the selection of items.
    P.S.: And the heroine has a very sweet voice when she is cold))    … Expand
  14. tadnid
    Nov 2, 2022
    8
    It's a nice game, the so-called puzzles are very straightforward, you won't need to scratch your head at any time, the adventure is linear. The game has a good story. You must be willing to read, there is no voice acting, but the story is interesting so I liked the game. It's good to have these kinds of indie games from time to time. Unfortunately it's really short so I'm giving an 8.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. DarkStation
    Oct 10, 2014
    70
    It would have benefitted from quicker movement through most of its areas, and perhaps a little more challenge to its puzzles. Despite these issues though, its characters, scenery, and atmosphere are good enough to carry the game.
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  2. Adventure Gamers
    Sep 22, 2014
    50
    Whispering Willows has an engaging story and superlative production quality, but fails to build on its strengths, eventually becoming an exercise in drudgery due to its insipid quests and irritating game design.
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  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Sep 4, 2014
    70
    An enjoyable adventure with intriguing puzzle elements and open-world structure (without a map).
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