Year Walk

 PC
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 151 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 151
  2. Mixed: 39 out of 151
  3. Negative: 24 out of 151

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  1. CaKeS
    Jan 3, 2015
    7
    While Year Walk offered a refreshing break from the norm, it failed to deliver in a few major areas that make a game good, but lets start with the positives.

    The visuals are absolutely beautiful, they're fresh and clean, very polished, and look almost hand-crafted. The atmosphere is also well-done; most of the game having a spooky paranormal aura about it. The puzzles are good and some    While Year Walk offered a refreshing break from the norm, it failed to deliver in a few major areas that make a game good, but lets start with the positives.

    The visuals are absolutely beautiful, they're fresh and clean, very polished, and look almost hand-crafted. The atmosphere is also well-done; most of the game having a spooky paranormal aura about it. The puzzles are good and some are pretty clever, they're not too hard to figure out but there's a very well made hint system to help you if you happen to get stuck. Some parts of it are very morbid and all-around messed up, but that adds a lot to the paranormal atmosphere. The soundtrack is amazing, as well as the ambient sounds and sound FX in general. The special FX are also top-notch, pulling the game together with a very professional feel and look.

    Even though Year Walk has many pros, it also has a handful of cons. For starters, the map is kind of mislead, it's hard to know where you're going without checking the map every time you enter a new screen (but at least they included a map), also some of the puzzles are kinda not obvious, like you're supposed to know to chase a woman down through the woods when you didn't really even know what happened during the confrontation with her. Also, with Year Walk being a horror game, and I stand by my ideals strongly with this, horror games really demerit themselves when they utilize the dreaded "jumpscare." And Year Walk has a few of these, and they're totally out of place since Year Walk already has an amazingly paranormal and spooky atmosphere and strange feel about it, why throw in some cheap jumpscares and make it more like all the other mainstream horror games like Slender?

    Throughout Year Walk there's quite a few puzzles you need to remember a good amount of information for, so I had to actually write them down on a pad of paper, so it may be useful to have one around. Some of the puzzles are unimaginative, as well as Year Walk having a few graphical glitches, such as the ground disappearing (which happened to me in the cemetery).

    But overall, Year Walk is very ominous and foreboding, with amazing special FX and a fantastic soundtrack, and despite the fact that it's not sure what genre it wants to be, and the story being heavily incomplete/unexplained (and I know it's trying to be "mysterious" but it almost feels like the creators didn't have the story completely fleshed out so they avoided details), Year Walk is a pretty decent game. It was a toss-up between 8/10 or 7/10, but in the end I decided to go with 7/10 because of the length being too short for the amount of game play it's lacking, the story being incomplete/unexplained, and all the other cons listed above.    … Expand
  2. OHIC
    Jul 21, 2014
    9
    WARNING: Many of the game's puzzles rely on the ability to hear and discern pitch, and follow a sound through a forest based on the strength of a sound. If you have a listening disability or can't discern off-key and out-of-tune notes, don't buy this game.

    A true piece of art, but it's not for everyone. I'll give it a high mark because there's not a lot of this kind of thing I can point    WARNING: Many of the game's puzzles rely on the ability to hear and discern pitch, and follow a sound through a forest based on the strength of a sound. If you have a listening disability or can't discern off-key and out-of-tune notes, don't buy this game.

    A true piece of art, but it's not for everyone. I'll give it a high mark because there's not a lot of this kind of thing I can point to on PC. I'd love to see more games like Flower and Journey, and the ones we do get aren't always successful in their aims. Its aim is to be pretty and atmospheric, and to encourage a kind of investigative approach to satisfying the forest characters' wants. It is not a traditional adventure game, or an RPG. It's not like Dear Esther, so you do more than simply walk, and the gameplay is much more involving than Gone Home, but again that's not saying much.

    I'm European, and I spent my childhood in a place where the snows were deep, ice formed on the insides of our windows, and there was a forest nearby in which my friends and I would wander, and I learned about the world among a culture of folktales and the mysterious ancient ruins of buildings in which those stories' characters might have lived. This might have some bearing on why the game particularly touches me.    … Expand
  3. thanatopsis
    May 27, 2014
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is not a horror game. This is not an adventure game. This is not a game.
    The "game play" consists of wandering around until you find a wheel. Then you spin the wheel left and right and nothing happens. They you wander around until you find a sign that tells you to spin the wheel left, left, right, left, right. Then you go back and spin the wheel. Then you wander around to everywhere you've been because the wheel opened a passage that was closed before. You find a cave, but it is too dark to see. Then you search for 4 things to give to another thing. Then they turn into a flame which you can take to the cave to see information on how to arrange some pillars to open another door. Wasn't that fun? I find it frightening that anybody would call these puzzles.
    The stylized art is interesting, but not scary. This app makes Myst seem fun and challenging by comparison. It is basically the electronic equivalent of a pop-up book. It takes less than an hour to play, even with multiple plays.
    It is a good use of the Unity engine, and using folklore is a novel idea, but there is just so little story, and what little there is isn't even presented until after the game is pretty much over in the form of a boring journal. Seriously. One of the journal entries is "Must remember to buy groceries." Another is "Bored. About to give up."
    I sure know that feeling.    … Expand
  4. cryptid85
    May 25, 2014
    10
    Year Walk is incredibly original. The storyline is very interesting, the art design is wonderful, the OST is haunting and beautiful, and the gameplay is solid. Year Walk is a great entry in the horror genre.
  5. ShankYouKindly
    Mar 10, 2014
    10
    This is downright creepy, great little horror game with excellent atmosphere. The art style is reminiscent of the illustrations in Alvin Schwartz's "Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark", only more cartoon-ish. Washed out colours and a hauntingly subtle soundtrack set the mood perfectly. Turn the lights off, and immerse yourself for full effect.
  6. matteda
    May 14, 2014
    9
    Its a unique experience
    and everyone must play
    added to my all time favourite games

    why didnt I play this before :)

    iOS hit comes to PC

    I recommend this to everyone
  7. moonvats
    Apr 19, 2014
    8
    A lite point-and-click adventure game whose story is rooted in Swedish folklore. What stands out is the game's art style and sound design. The mood throughout the game is cold, foreboding and macabre. The puzzles are mostly easy and I found myself finishing the game in about three hours. The ending of the game is pretty spectacular. A must play, if you enjoy casual point-and-click adventures.
  8. Tashy497
    Jan 19, 2015
    0
    Wow! I bought this based solely on the reviews. This game is horrendously boring... The story is hard to find, and if you like games where there is no progression in story... then this it the game for you. Traveling between areas is awkward... you travel left and right on screen and areas on the left and right give you an impression you can go up or down on the map... it's not obviousWow! I bought this based solely on the reviews. This game is horrendously boring... The story is hard to find, and if you like games where there is no progression in story... then this it the game for you. Traveling between areas is awkward... you travel left and right on screen and areas on the left and right give you an impression you can go up or down on the map... it's not obvious enough. The game is a turd.… Expand
  9. SanctumRevel
    May 14, 2014
    7
    Now there is games that makes you wonder what are getting ,in this case the moment you start you find yourself eager to know what is going on the atmosphere is just as it must it will appeal only for the mystery adventure fans
  10. I_Am_Turok
    Apr 6, 2014
    8
    A very enjoyable game, and recommended for those who like a more artistic approach in some games. If you liked the Path, you will like this game also. A nice mix of lore, music/effects, visual imagery and esoteric puzzles. It's not perfect, I found the left/right/forward/back movement quite restrictive, making it more difficult to feel you are the character (perhaps a result of it alsoA very enjoyable game, and recommended for those who like a more artistic approach in some games. If you liked the Path, you will like this game also. A nice mix of lore, music/effects, visual imagery and esoteric puzzles. It's not perfect, I found the left/right/forward/back movement quite restrictive, making it more difficult to feel you are the character (perhaps a result of it also being a tablet/phone game). This made it difficult to enjoy initially on a PC. But stick with it and enjoy the visual flairs that appear as you work(walk) to the end. Solid and interesting (do read the journal ingame also).… Expand
  11. MikeLane
    May 13, 2014
    9
    Elegant and subtle, with an ending that added an entirely new dimension. This is a small jewel amidst a sea of bland gruel and a worthy addition to the Steam library. Recommended.
  12. tvkiki
    Mar 12, 2014
    9
    Great game, eerie weird horror story, based on Swedish folklore. Amazingly well written, the story is macabre, the player just wants to go further and further and discover what happened in the end, full with macabre scenes. Sends the chills down the spine kind of environment, discover the forest in 2D plane, and point and click interactions.

    The puzzles are perfectly challangeing, but    Great game, eerie weird horror story, based on Swedish folklore. Amazingly well written, the story is macabre, the player just wants to go further and further and discover what happened in the end, full with macabre scenes. Sends the chills down the spine kind of environment, discover the forest in 2D plane, and point and click interactions.

    The puzzles are perfectly challangeing, but not too hard to draw the attention away from the story and other parts of the game. The artsy unique style surprisingly fits perfectly the horror mood.

    All in all great game, only negative being that is very short.    … Expand
  13. stako
    Mar 16, 2014
    9
    This game is a testament to the evolution of gaming as a mixture of art forms. That sums up all of my thoughts for this review, but I shall carry on.
    First of all, I want to point out that the PC and iOS versions of the game are different, but I will be reviewing this one only. The iOS version gets the same score from me and if you have a chance to get both - rely on your judgement. I    This game is a testament to the evolution of gaming as a mixture of art forms. That sums up all of my thoughts for this review, but I shall carry on.
    First of all, I want to point out that the PC and iOS versions of the game are different, but I will be reviewing this one only. The iOS version gets the same score from me and if you have a chance to get both - rely on your judgement. I prefer the iOS version, because I like portability.One more note before I begin - this game wants you to get invested in it. If you are not willing to do so, don't bother. However, 3 hours of investment (tops! Nowadays I can beat this game in 30 minutes, so it depends on you) are very much worth it for the experience of it all.
    This game grabbed my attention months before it's release, just with it's teasers - they showed amazing promise and I won't lie - I was kind of dissapointed that the game wasn't what I was expecting. But then again - it was so much more, in a good way.
    Graphically this game looks amazing and you won't understand why by just looking up screenshots, you have to feel it. Seeing a horror game with such a graphical style is indeed rare and a bit odd, but it works better than you'd expect.
    The sound is masterfuly done, from the music to the sound effects that disturb the dead silence in the woods - this game has amazing sound either way.
    Story wise, at first, this game feels like nothing special. But it gives you something more by combining story and gameplay - it gives you an experience. This game is art at it's finest and I can't beging to dicuss the story without spoiling it. All I have to say is: Pay attention to get the most of it. It's worth it.
    And then we get to the gameplay. This game is what I would like to call radical. Everything from it's perspective to the way the puzzles are made are very inovative, yet intuitive. I rarely found myself without an idea of what I had to do - everything is clear as day, and while it might seem easy at times, it knows why it is easy - because it doesn't have to be hard. This game knows exactly how you - the player, are feeling at any given moment, and exploits that feeling perfectly - which is the idea for horror games. At times I just stop and soak it in - the atmosphere it creates is unbelievably eerie in such a good way.
    I want to talk about the differences between the iOS and PC version and why I think the original is better. The PC offers two, I believe, new locations, which is nice - gives you a reason to replay the game like I did, but it also includes a map system, which ruins the fun for me. One of the best things this game had to offer was the immersion of being lost in the forest. With this map, it's somewhat easier that it should be in my opinion. And lastly - one of the new added puzzles is pretty cheap, though interesting. All of this, by all means, is not something bad, I just wanted to say - try and play the game without the map if you can, though keep that menu bar open... you'll need it.
    In conclusion: Simogo is an amazing dev team. Every game of theirs is something unique and innovative and every time they get mentioned in the media, I get excited, and for good reason. Anyone who is interested in inovative gaming, gaming as art or horror and adventure games should see this game as soon as they can, because it's worth it. The only gripe I have with it overall is it's lenght, but that's something that Simogo titles are known for, however - I prefer short and briliant games to long and stupid ones.
    Also, the whole concept of a Year Walk is very interesting. I'll see you all infront of the church on Christmas.    … Expand
  14. superkitty
    Mar 10, 2014
    7
    A really great and creepy little game, its use of scandinavian folklore gives it an unique and interesting personality. Play it with the lights off for max effect!
  15. wasikdala
    May 23, 2014
    1
    Over-hyped and over-rated. Beautiful graphics, beautiful sound, story sucked, gameplay sucked- wish I had passed on it. This is a hollow game with pointless riddles and puzzles that have nothing to do with furthering the story. It also substitutes cheap surprises (like "Boo! Gotcha!" moments ) for true horror. This game is very silly and lame and about as much fun as solving a math problemOver-hyped and over-rated. Beautiful graphics, beautiful sound, story sucked, gameplay sucked- wish I had passed on it. This is a hollow game with pointless riddles and puzzles that have nothing to do with furthering the story. It also substitutes cheap surprises (like "Boo! Gotcha!" moments ) for true horror. This game is very silly and lame and about as much fun as solving a math problem for homework. PASS ON IT.… Expand
  16. Nobilis1984
    Mar 10, 2014
    9
    Just as good

    Year Walk has something fascinating. Behind the simple graphics and easy control hide
    - First-class puzzles are all creative
    - Entertaining adventure
    - A pinch of very good horror
    - A brilliant soundtrack
    - Beautiful music
    Another example that you can make a first-class match on the legs without much money.
  17. tipobaha
    May 27, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really loved this game. This is the game that i'll play with every single friend and give them controls. It'll be really funny.
    About the game i can surely say that; amazing story and details, short and basic , not too much horror, beautiful soundtrack.
    Most impressive part is starting with -walk again?- after the first end of your play. Please, don't miss this. Otherwise you'll say "what the hell is that?" and maybe don't like the game.
    In conclusion, it worth your money.    … Expand
  18. hippiechick8ify
    Nov 4, 2014
    9
    Incredible puzzle game! It is different than any other game there is for its game play. Beautiful, interesting, and I highly recommend it. My only complaint is that it wasn't longer.
  19. drlowdon
    Aug 11, 2014
    8
    Original created for iOS by Swedish developer Simogo, Year Walk is a puzzle orientated horror game based on Scandinavian folklore, that finds the protagonist setting out on a quest to glimpse into the future (the titular year walk).

    As with many iOs games it is very short and most will be able to complete it in little over an hour. Other than solving the, occasionally rather obscure,    Original created for iOS by Swedish developer Simogo, Year Walk is a puzzle orientated horror game based on Scandinavian folklore, that finds the protagonist setting out on a quest to glimpse into the future (the titular year walk).

    As with many iOs games it is very short and most will be able to complete it in little over an hour. Other than solving the, occasionally rather obscure, puzzles there is also little in the way of traditional gameplay although a generous hints system does ensure you rarely get stuck for too long. These minor issues are of no importance however when playing a title that will suck you in with its terrifying, yet strangely beautiful, atmosphere and leave you thinking about it well after the final credits role.

    Turn out the lights, put your headphones and prepare to take a unique journey.    … Expand
  20. fartheststar
    Jan 4, 2015
    7
    This is an engaging game. Being alone with our own thoughts in a quiet place is often a foreign concept in the modern world - but this game taps into the mystery of an old Scandinavian practice known as "year walking" where people might isolate themselves, not eat, and wonder the forest at night. An analogy might be something like a vision quest in native American culture.

    I'm not    This is an engaging game. Being alone with our own thoughts in a quiet place is often a foreign concept in the modern world - but this game taps into the mystery of an old Scandinavian practice known as "year walking" where people might isolate themselves, not eat, and wonder the forest at night. An analogy might be something like a vision quest in native American culture.

    I'm not someone who likes scary games, and there are a couple of places that might make you jump just a little bit, it's just a minor little part of the game that is mostly just an uneasy vibe with exploring and thinking - much like a year walk might be. You'll be introduced to creatures in Scandinavian folklore along the way. You solve puzzles to progress the story. You'll do a bit of reading in the encyclopedia and journals for hints/clues along the way.

    It has a nice art style and effective sound tracks. I had to consult a walk through a couple times, but that's to be expected when I play puzzle type games. I'm never as perceptive as others who can play through un-aided. The puzzles are mostly logical.

    It's difficult to go into much of the story without introducing spoilers - but if this sounds interesting to you I recommend it. I enjoyed it and am glad I "year walked". The game is short, so if that bothers you be aware. Otherwise, it's a memorable, cohesive, and thoughtful game.    … Expand
  21. Prettypinkcloud
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    Year Walk is more than just a simple, elegant game. It's an adventure every gamer should have. Playthrough is just a couple of hours, but the experience will resonate with you much longer. I didn't hear much of it before I picked it up, so I don't know about the "hype" but it's definitely worth anyone's time, even those not into the genre (for isntance, me).
  22. Nerokin
    Nov 24, 2015
    8
    Mind-Blowing Point & Click

    Overall: 76% (68.2/90)

    Atmosphere: 8.5/10
    Graphics: 8.5/10
    Level Design: 8.4/10
    Sound: 7.9/10

    Balance: 7.0/10
    Mysteries: 8.0/10

    Replay Value: 8.1/10
    Story: 6.8/10
    Tutorial: 1/5

    Cost-Benefit Ratio: 3/4
    System Requirements: 1/1
  23. Uygar
    Oct 24, 2015
    8
    Year Walk is a 2013 adventure game developed and published by Swedish mobile game developer Simogo for iOS devices. The game is loosely based on an old Swedish tradition called "Årsgång".
  24. sarahlee123
    Oct 25, 2020
    8
    Short and sweet, Year Walk is a beautiful game with a chilling atmosphere and engaging story. It packs plenty of scares and kept me on the edge of my seat, leading me to finish it in a single sitting.

    I don't have much patience for puzzles but Year Walk's puzzles are well designed for the most part, particularly the musical puzzle near the beginning of the game. I found some of the others    Short and sweet, Year Walk is a beautiful game with a chilling atmosphere and engaging story. It packs plenty of scares and kept me on the edge of my seat, leading me to finish it in a single sitting.

    I don't have much patience for puzzles but Year Walk's puzzles are well designed for the most part, particularly the musical puzzle near the beginning of the game. I found some of the others overly complicated and relied on a walkthrough rather than traipsing around the map looking for clues, but more diligent players may be able to solve all of the puzzles on their own.

    The creepy music, basis in Swedish folklore, and gorgeous artwork make for a unique experience that stays with you even after you finish the game.    … Expand
  25. App1e
    Mar 14, 2017
    8
    pros:
    + Interesting and original story ( based on Swedish folklore )
    + Beautiful graphics and soundtrack + Amazing atmosphere + Cool puzzles ( some are kinda not obvious ) cons: - short story ( 2-3 hours ) -/+ If u like games based on jumpscares, this is not for you If you are looking for game that can set you scare , its cannot be enought for you . This game can give you only    pros:
    + Interesting and original story ( based on Swedish folklore )
    + Beautiful graphics and soundtrack
    + Amazing atmosphere
    + Cool puzzles ( some are kinda not obvious )

    cons:
    - short story ( 2-3 hours )
    -/+ If u like games based on jumpscares, this is not for you

    If you are looking for game that can set you scare , its cannot be enought for you . This game can give you only strange feelings inside you . Game create amazing atmosphere with beautiful visual and audio aspects.
    Its one of the best "horrors" what i've ever play , but u still must ask yourself 2,5h of gameplay is worth 6$ ?

    SCORE : 79/100    … Expand
  26. edgepixel
    May 16, 2018
    5
    I bought this "game", based on the promise of its visuals and atmosphere. Also, the raving reviews. Playing it though is another affair. Imagine the worst part of Monkey Island, where you get lost in the woods. Looping back and forth stumbling to progress forward makes all those visuals and atmosphere lose their charm pretty quick, let me tell you. And I'm a big sucker for games with artsyI bought this "game", based on the promise of its visuals and atmosphere. Also, the raving reviews. Playing it though is another affair. Imagine the worst part of Monkey Island, where you get lost in the woods. Looping back and forth stumbling to progress forward makes all those visuals and atmosphere lose their charm pretty quick, let me tell you. And I'm a big sucker for games with artsy visuals. I didn't bother to finish this one. Keep your money in your pocket, maybe watch a let's play, if you must.… Expand
  27. clem666
    Mar 9, 2021
    5
    A really weird game that invites you to pick and assemble pieces together. The story is shattered and diffuse and it doesn't become clearer as you play 'Year Walk'. There are few puzzles here and there and the difficulty goes crescendo to reach a point I would qualify of 'almost impossible'. At some point I had to go check the soluce in order to move on and I realized I couldn't getA really weird game that invites you to pick and assemble pieces together. The story is shattered and diffuse and it doesn't become clearer as you play 'Year Walk'. There are few puzzles here and there and the difficulty goes crescendo to reach a point I would qualify of 'almost impossible'. At some point I had to go check the soluce in order to move on and I realized I couldn't get further all by myself. The game simply doesn't give you enough clues to move forward easily. I have to admit taht the game design, the overall creepy atmosphere and the artistic direction are really interesting.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2014
84
#84 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Game Rant
    Jul 14, 2015
    90
    For sheer artistry and inventiveness, Year Walk is a must play that demonstrates the power of folklore, games, and a familiar journey made strange.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer Italy
    Mar 21, 2014
    80
    A short but compelling adventure, definitely worth its price.
    Read full review
  3. Slant Magazine
    Mar 18, 2014
    90
    Year Walk's port to Steam is flawless, with the inventive iOS touch controls and beautifully artistic graphic and sound design immaculately recreated on the PC. The game takes full advantage of the extra hardware, cleverly utilizing a full surround soundscape to drench the player in the foreboding atmosphere of the haunted forest, while retaining the same striking animation, which suggests a nightmarish Edward Gorey picture book come to life.
    Read full review
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