Night in the Woods

 Switch
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 160 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 160
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 160
  3. Negative: 25 out of 160

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  1. Wencly
    Mar 30, 2020
    10
    One of my favorite games. It was really immersive playing as Mae and feeling her story.
  2. Myudd
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    The game is amazing and captivating, i have spent some amazing time on it. The characters are well developed throught history and make you like them just like the history. The art of the game is another thing that makes the game so amazing
    I Love this game
  3. paleojuanito
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    This is a game that in other time of my life I'd name as my favorite game. Sadly I'm in a moment when I don't think I can fully appreciate what it is telling me. The game's art, music and script are stunning. Mae being a good for nothing art school dropout where the biggest same of my life. This is the Solanin of videogames, and I hope it can impact your life as much as Solanin did to me
  4. IndieCrit
    Aug 19, 2018
    10
    I can't stress enough that you have to play this game. The story follows 20 year old Mae Borowski dropping out of college and returning to her hometown, Possum Springs. But nothing is as she remembers. But something bigger is going on. People going missing. And Mae believes it's the work of a ghost. That's what it is. But the story is so much more than that, I don't want to spoil it. TheI can't stress enough that you have to play this game. The story follows 20 year old Mae Borowski dropping out of college and returning to her hometown, Possum Springs. But nothing is as she remembers. But something bigger is going on. People going missing. And Mae believes it's the work of a ghost. That's what it is. But the story is so much more than that, I don't want to spoil it. The characters are all likable (even Mae) and have their own struggles, and everyone does. This game gives the somewhat brutal honesty that you can't get anywhere else, and makes this fantastic. It also looks gorgeous. Get Night in the Woods. Savor it and enjoy every last moment. Don't rush through this game in any circumstances.… Expand
  5. spongeswift
    Feb 17, 2018
    9
    Night In the Woods is one of the most investing games I have EVER played. Personally I found out about the game shortly after it's switch release and was thoroughly interested. It looked cozy and sweet from a small part of a playthrough that I watched and boy was I so wrong and right at the same time. The game gets weirder and weirder every single time Mae goes to sleep and wakes upNight In the Woods is one of the most investing games I have EVER played. Personally I found out about the game shortly after it's switch release and was thoroughly interested. It looked cozy and sweet from a small part of a playthrough that I watched and boy was I so wrong and right at the same time. The game gets weirder and weirder every single time Mae goes to sleep and wakes up again. I really focused on Mae and Bea's relationship in this game since it was much deeper and personal. I didn't really enjoy the quests with Gregg because overall his character structure was much more simple then Bea's. Once halloween comes the game turns into a warmer more relaxing game into an outright horror game. The ending however is where my one gripe comes in. WHY DID IT END THERE. I feel like there was so much more structure than what the game let us do. It didn't ruin the game for me but I know that it's the reason why I don't think it's perfect. We really need a sequel or continuation of the the story. So much has not been explained.… Expand
  6. Fix
    Mar 7, 2018
    8
    Night in the Woods is a mostly-narrative game; meaning the majority of your time will be clicking through dialogs. It's the kind of game where I'd encourage you to talk to every character for maximum enjoyment. While most of the conversations in the game are optional, it defeats the purpose of the game to skip through them. If that doesn't sound fun, you probably won't enjoy the game. IfNight in the Woods is a mostly-narrative game; meaning the majority of your time will be clicking through dialogs. It's the kind of game where I'd encourage you to talk to every character for maximum enjoyment. While most of the conversations in the game are optional, it defeats the purpose of the game to skip through them. If that doesn't sound fun, you probably won't enjoy the game. If you want to sit down and read a relaxing, well-executed story, this game delivers. The character development is superb and the writing is charming.… Expand
  7. Forunner
    May 24, 2018
    10
    An absolute masterpiece. A jewel in every possible way, be it storytelling or art. No game tackles common social stigmas as effectivelly as Nigh in the Woods and we are talking about a game with cute animals here!
  8. LuisSnow
    Feb 7, 2018
    8
    Night in the woods offers an atmosphere and history that intrigues you wanting to see what is going to happen next. Each character have a different personality and their development is interesting. I like that you can set the backstory and choose the dialogues of the protagonist. The art is quite simple but really charming, I feel myself inside a cartoon. The town seems lively and thatNight in the woods offers an atmosphere and history that intrigues you wanting to see what is going to happen next. Each character have a different personality and their development is interesting. I like that you can set the backstory and choose the dialogues of the protagonist. The art is quite simple but really charming, I feel myself inside a cartoon. The town seems lively and that many things are going on. The music always adds more to the atmosphere of each scene. Sometimes there are slightly frame drops and loading screens, but I think it's not a deal breaker.

    Night in the woods is a good game that deserve your attention.    … Expand
  9. bulger_paul
    Aug 9, 2018
    9
    Night in the Woods is a hilarious and heartfelt portrait of a depressed town left behind and devastated by late stage capitalism.

    My only complaint is the minigames. They're cute I guess, and they can be funny, but the controls are wonky, which makes them a bit annoying. If this game had fully committed more to being an interactive novel, or if they had refined the minigames, and given    Night in the Woods is a hilarious and heartfelt portrait of a depressed town left behind and devastated by late stage capitalism.

    My only complaint is the minigames. They're cute I guess, and they can be funny, but the controls are wonky, which makes them a bit annoying. If this game had fully committed more to being an interactive novel, or if they had refined the minigames, and given them more of a purpose, or at least rewarded you for doing well, then this game would be absolutely perfect. But even with those minor flaws, it's a masterpiece.    … Expand
  10. abhijeetgaiha
    Jul 20, 2018
    8
    One of the most absorbing stories I have ever encountered in a game. The game takes patience but the surprises just keep coming throughout. Anyone looking for a action should stay away as this is one really slow burn of a game.
  11. jcboyer515
    Sep 13, 2020
    10
    Impeccable writing. Such a fantastic story, with great 2D art & awesome music as well. I have nothing else to say, I think the writing for this game is brilliant & I absolutely love how real every character feels.
  12. Happyspelling
    Jan 6, 2022
    10
    This game has an amazing and relatable story, tons of creative ideas, and a unique visual style that makes this one of the best indie games I have ever played.
  13. ijol
    Feb 7, 2019
    8
    Definitely one of the best scripts I've ever experienced in a game. The dialogs are well made and all of the characters are pretty lovable. This is the game I choose to play on the weekend, laid back, light-hearted, and compelling.
  14. Fala_fi
    Feb 18, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Loved it but i think that the part of the Cult was boring as hell there were no emotion, i felt like it was a unecessary part… Expand
  15. abrus
    Jan 20, 2022
    8
    If this game looks like you kind of 'thing' from the trailer, you should DEFINITELY play it! The dialogue is clever, the characters are cool and engaging, the art style is lovely and the music sets a really absorbing atmosphere. I found the story interesting, thought provoking, and really meaningful too. In short, this was a highly memorable gaming experience for me. I have only scoredIf this game looks like you kind of 'thing' from the trailer, you should DEFINITELY play it! The dialogue is clever, the characters are cool and engaging, the art style is lovely and the music sets a really absorbing atmosphere. I found the story interesting, thought provoking, and really meaningful too. In short, this was a highly memorable gaming experience for me. I have only scored this an 8 and not a 9 for a couple of reasons:
    1. It only took around 8 hours to complete (although I think I accidently missed a few things a long the way).
    2. The brief loading between zones is slightly annoying.
    3. The 3rd and 4th hour of my playthrough got a bit 'samey' and I almost considered quitting to play something else. I'm so glad I didn't though because then the story got REALLY good and I just binged the rest of the game right till the end from that point on.
    Be aware: this is more of a 'playable story' than a full-on gaming experience. It is easy to complete but it is certainly not a game for kids. I REALLY enjoyed my time with this - if you are curious you should definitely give this game a try!    … Expand
  16. Abdulrhman_dev
    Jan 20, 2021
    10
    I am 14 years old boy and I say: AMAZING, I wished if it will never end
    actually, Idk what say I loved the character Mea and I was really sad when it finished ;(... but IT WORTH WOOOORTH I played it for 12 hours maybe? it wasn't all about just watching YOU choose what will happen and live it AMAZING.
  17. LeonKn
    May 31, 2021
    8
    Great game full of charm, humor, wonderful characters and a really gripping and well written story. If you like slow paced story based games with a lot of dialogue, choices and exploring I really recommend this little gem.
  18. hannahwashere
    Mar 30, 2023
    10
    Incredible soundtrack, and a game full of quirks and character. I love the character design and story telling.

Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Switch Game of 2018
53
#53 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
97
#97 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Sep 5, 2018
    80
    It's the cast that makes Night in the Woods so memorable. [Issue #34 – July/August 2018, p. 20]
  2. Gameblog.fr
    May 7, 2018
    80
    Night in The Woods is a surprising narrative game whose childish graphic style hides a resolutely adult story, through the themes it addresses between two laughing dialogues of a rare quality.
    Read full review
  3. God is a Geek
    Mar 27, 2018
    75
    The Switch port is almost excellent.
    Read full review
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