Beacon Pines

 Switch
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Starbit
    Jan 5, 2023
    70
    Beacon Pines is a charming indie game that puts the player at the centre of a fairy tale adventure as it develops one chapter after another, with our acts having consequences on the game's plot. While the game's focus is not on an action-packed experience, the lovely art style and soundtrack and the way it balances between a kid-friendly look and gloomier and sinister environments makes Beacon Pines a thrill in its own league.
  2. SpazioGames
    Sep 21, 2022
    70
    Beacon Pines is a cozy and fun game with perfect comic-style graphics and an addicting story. The perfect adventure for those who love dark atmospheres but don't like to get too scared.
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  1. Kotaku
    Sep 22, 2022
    This is a splendid creation, superbly written, with spellbinding art, and a unique approach to telling a story. It’s also a fascinating exploration of grief, loss, and more than anything else, how we react to change. That and secret underground organizations and their evil plans to control towns through fertilizer production.

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best Switch Game of 2022
55
#55 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. sbeausoleil
    Nov 12, 2022
    9
    I rarely finish the entire game. But this time I did. Also created an account on here to share my review. If you love games that are centeredI rarely finish the entire game. But this time I did. Also created an account on here to share my review. If you love games that are centered on the narrative, this game is for you.

    Beautiful imagery, unforgettable characters, full of mystery and so soooo much more. I loved every second of it.    … Full Review »
  2. Ramenmaster7000
    Feb 10, 2023
    9
    This is a cute gem to find. I had a lot of fun progressing through the game. One of the best story driven games I ever went through. My onlyThis is a cute gem to find. I had a lot of fun progressing through the game. One of the best story driven games I ever went through. My only complaint is that it ended so short. I can't complain much cause indie studios can only make so much. Well done! Kudos!… Full Review »
  3. EXPsharePlus
    Dec 26, 2022
    9
    (Reviewed on Nintendo Switch)

    “A single word can change everything.” Developer Hiding Spot brings us Beacon Pines – an indie-adventure    (Reviewed on Nintendo Switch)

    “A single word can change everything.”

    Developer Hiding Spot brings us Beacon Pines – an indie-adventure game being marketed as a cute and creepy adventure set within a mysterious book. It’s Winnie-the-Pooh meets Twin Peaks.

    STORY

    You take control of both the reader of the book and Luka VanHorn, a young deer whose mother has mysteriously disappeared. Beacon Pines has had some strange occurrences around the town and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by the townsfolk. Luka joins his friends on a journey to uncover the disappearance of his mother and the conspiracy that threatens Beacon Pine.

    GAMEPLAY

    Throughout the story, you collect Charms which are words that can be used at a Turning Point to influence the outcome of the story. I thought this gameplay mechanic was a unique and satisfying way to tell a narrative. It was exciting seeing how many different ways the story could end prematurely. At first I thought the replaying of chapters would feel tedious but as you go down the “wrong paths” you learn more and more about the town and the mysteries you’re trying to unravel. The game encourages exploration as the Charms can be hidden behind objects to interact with or unlocked through conversations with Beacon Pines’ locals.

    One of my favourite parts of Beacon Pines was the narrator. A narrator who can keep the reader engrossed throughout a story can be difficult to achieve, but Beacon Pines’ narrator delivered the story in a captivating way that kept me invested in the story and characters. The soundtrack was also brilliant and definitely fit the aesthetic of the game even during its wholesome and heart racing moments.

    THE VERDICT

    Beacon Pines is a wonderfully crafted adventure game with a twisted yet heartwarming story. The way the narrative is told is extremely captivating in a way I haven’t experienced before. I’m excited to see what Hiding Spot games are able to achieve if they keep expanding on this storybook-adventure genre that they’ve pioneered.

    9/10

    READ MORE REVIEWS AT EXPSHAREPLUS.COM    … Full Review »
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