Oxenfree

 Switch
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 150 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 94 out of 150
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 150
  3. Negative: 13 out of 150
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  1. traskular
    Mar 27, 2018
    10
    Thought it was going to be another "Firewatch" waste of time. Slow start, but wow, what a finish. Do yourself a favor and play this. I've been playing games for 30 years, and this holds the intellectual merits of a great game.
  2. kermitincarnate
    Apr 9, 2018
    10
    I just finished this and it blew my mind. I went it knowing it was going to be good from what I had heard but it was so much better than anticipated. 10s across the board. Writing, Story. Graphics. Voice Acting. Very, very good. One of those gems you find that hasn't been influenced by the pressure to be conformitive and do well like most triple-a titles.
  3. NintendoCharlie
    Apr 19, 2022
    10
    It is a fantastic game!!
    Oxenfree is a horror thriller that draws you right into the action after introducing you to its fabulous and diverse characters! I enjoyed watching the characters and their interactions, happy to have favourites and also some enemies, with the game's unique design!
    The plot is also the main drive for you to continue playing - to go on an adventure with Alex to    It is a fantastic game!!
    Oxenfree is a horror thriller that draws you right into the action after introducing you to its fabulous and diverse characters! I enjoyed watching the characters and their interactions, happy to have favourites and also some enemies, with the game's unique design!
    The plot is also the main drive for you to continue playing - to go on an adventure with Alex to solve the mysteries of Edwards Island with its one recently deceased inhabitant...it is just too good! It allows you to feel for the characters when they're placed in certain doom, with every choice mattering to either pull or tear apart relationships, as well impacting the ending!! If every choice matters, then it's already the clear starting grounds for an amazing game!
    Additionally, the gameplay is sweet and I liked the design and the adventure of the map, with the dialogue feeling real as well as the music being pleasing for a horror - ooh, I especially enjoyed the little time jumps implemented for Alex's journey!
    10/10!    … Expand
  4. thehexgames
    Jul 14, 2023
    10
    Easily one of my favourite games of all time. Expert storytelling and probably the best voice acting in any game I've played. Just finished the sequel and the pair of them are so well done. Could not recommend this game more and I can't wait to see what Nightschool does next.
  5. GonzoBobH
    Jan 1, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game does NOT end after the first play-through. Nor after the second. Nor the third. New play-throughs are different and are part of and build up the story. My goodness, it gets amazing. You have no idea. The game, the narrative, the story development recognizes this, because this is the game that eventually, satisfyingly, leads to the solution. Strangely, I'm begging you to play it. Then play it again and you will begin to understand. The only con are screen-load times, and they are painful - but even that doesn't matter because it is really that great. If you read another review and they don't mention the magic (the actual game) of replay, then they have missed something crucial to the narrative.… Expand
  6. obigeneral
    Feb 27, 2018
    9
    I don't remember how it felt in my hands... but I started it and seemed to be something like "The Goonies", "Stranger Things"...

    The soundtrack was immersive and that freaking sound of that parallel universe or whatever... I GOT GOOSEBUMPS

    Indie! Re playable!
  7. NothingReviews
    Jan 20, 2018
    9
    Oxenfree is well-polished game with a great story that gets you want to play more and once you finished one play through, then try again as there are multiply endings to this game depending on your decisions. Even on the switch the game looks incredible with gorgeous environment and believable voice actors who did a great types of being certain types of characters. The soundtrack fitsOxenfree is well-polished game with a great story that gets you want to play more and once you finished one play through, then try again as there are multiply endings to this game depending on your decisions. Even on the switch the game looks incredible with gorgeous environment and believable voice actors who did a great types of being certain types of characters. The soundtrack fits everywhere where ever you go in the game and it sounds amazing

    The only problem with this game is that the loading times takes a long time to load.

    But other than that, the game fantastic and I recommend everyone to have this game on there switch.

    Sorry if this review seems similar because I want to change my name but I couldn't so I just signed in with a different account.    … Expand
  8. usmanusb
    Jan 31, 2018
    9
    i think one of the best indie games I have played. An immersive experience with a lot of thrills with great sound effect, sound track and vocals while having a good story with nice graphics. Highly recommend to play it.. I love the experience on playing with Switch while on the bed :)
  9. thecasualgaymer
    Dec 22, 2018
    9
    A walking simulator I absolutely loved. Art style was cool, story was an excellent mix of creepy/mysterious but not obtuse and the character interaction and dialogue deserves all the praise it can get. If you're looking for a straight up horror this probable isnt for you, rather than jump scares and gore the game relies predominately on atmosphere to create a genuinely creepy story. TheA walking simulator I absolutely loved. Art style was cool, story was an excellent mix of creepy/mysterious but not obtuse and the character interaction and dialogue deserves all the praise it can get. If you're looking for a straight up horror this probable isnt for you, rather than jump scares and gore the game relies predominately on atmosphere to create a genuinely creepy story. The game boast multiple endings although even a strong lover of the game I found its pacing was slow enough that I wouldn't really consider adding any game time padding due to those multiple endings. This game is more of my favorite book that I'd be happy to re-read every now and then. People who want games to play actually probably should pass on this game, but if you're a story driven gamer looking for an excellent new story I couldnt recommend it more. Takes about 4 hours to play?… Expand
  10. DataVeinGaming
    Nov 1, 2019
    9
    Oxenfree is a fantastic piece of creative fiction, a wonderful experience as a gamer and an all round gripping and thrilling game to play. Multiple playthroughs are required to experience it anywhere near fully and it doesn't feel like a chore to do so. The only thing that makes it fall shart of a perfect experience is the lack of a wholesome ending.. but then again maybe these stories areOxenfree is a fantastic piece of creative fiction, a wonderful experience as a gamer and an all round gripping and thrilling game to play. Multiple playthroughs are required to experience it anywhere near fully and it doesn't feel like a chore to do so. The only thing that makes it fall shart of a perfect experience is the lack of a wholesome ending.. but then again maybe these stories are better that way. Nothing short of excellence!… Expand
  11. alexeyfurman
    Dec 16, 2019
    9
    Overall, I think Oxenfree is a brilliant game, and I think it works well on Switch (just be careful about playing it alone in the dark, it might get, you know, a little scary!). It has a brilliant narrative, things you actually take from it in the end, and the dialog system feels very lively, not like other games where you can wait for ages before replying. The only thing that bugs me andOverall, I think Oxenfree is a brilliant game, and I think it works well on Switch (just be careful about playing it alone in the dark, it might get, you know, a little scary!). It has a brilliant narrative, things you actually take from it in the end, and the dialog system feels very lively, not like other games where you can wait for ages before replying. The only thing that bugs me and the only reason why I'm putting 9 are the loading times. I totally realize Switch version is port, and I just wish it was a better one.… Expand
  12. Robertinho123
    Jun 7, 2020
    9
    What a fantastic game. Uncomfortably brilliant writing and the best voice acting I've ever seen in a game.

    The long load screens sometimes take you out of the immersion, but wow, the rest of it, is just amazing.
  13. lowey
    Oct 27, 2021
    9
    This game is an absolute joy. For the first ten minutes or so I thought I had made a mistake as I wasn't liking the characters much, but I soon got into it as the plot was so good. The story is amazing, the music is amazing, the voice acting is great, and the art style is nice. Minor criticisms would include the music being slightly too loud and the dialogue slightly too quiet, and theThis game is an absolute joy. For the first ten minutes or so I thought I had made a mistake as I wasn't liking the characters much, but I soon got into it as the plot was so good. The story is amazing, the music is amazing, the voice acting is great, and the art style is nice. Minor criticisms would include the music being slightly too loud and the dialogue slightly too quiet, and the speed at which the character moves being very slow. But everything else in the game more than makes up for it. I got this on offer and feel like I got a bargain.… Expand
  14. NunoCast
    Oct 7, 2017
    8
    The game is great but the loading times are too long. I don't know if this problem exists across all platforms (I haven't tried the other versions) but to play this version you definitely need patience. Is it worth it? Yes. The story is incredible, new and fresh and it's very well done and executed. It does an amazing job at creating the right atmosphere.
    The soundtrack and art style are    The game is great but the loading times are too long. I don't know if this problem exists across all platforms (I haven't tried the other versions) but to play this version you definitely need patience. Is it worth it? Yes. The story is incredible, new and fresh and it's very well done and executed. It does an amazing job at creating the right atmosphere.
    The soundtrack and art style are also incredible    … Expand
  15. likevin96
    Dec 25, 2017
    8
    Completion: Finished game once. Tried New Game + but did not finish a second playthrough.

    Pros: - Best dialogue system I have ever experienced in one of these "interactive fiction" games. Every title in Oxenfree's genre should look to it as an example. The dialogue itself was also very natural and believable - something that is very rare from a video game - Great sound direction -    Completion: Finished game once. Tried New Game + but did not finish a second playthrough.

    Pros:
    - Best dialogue system I have ever experienced in one of these "interactive fiction" games. Every title in Oxenfree's genre should look to it as an example. The dialogue itself was also very natural and believable - something that is very rare from a video game
    - Great sound direction - both in the OST and voice acting
    - Some genuinely spooky and emotional moments that left an impact
    - New Game + mode that adds new content (although not enough if you have other games to play IMO)

    Cons:
    - Loading times are too long. There are also other occasional stutters but those are not as big of a deal.
    - Pacing of the story is a little off - needed a bit more character development for everyone besides from Alex
    - Was not the biggest fan of the art style
    - Walking speed is too slow with no options for running and such
    - Ending was not as satisfying as I would hope

    Final Word:
    An incredible framework for the interactive fiction/walking simulator genre that establishes systems with the potential to be incredibly successful. Although the story ultimately fell a bit flat, it was still a fun experience due to the dialogue and fantastic sound direction.

    True Score:
    8.0    … Expand
  16. holnugget
    Dec 29, 2021
    8
    Got it for $1.99 on sale on eShop today, 12/29/21. Highly recommended for the art and music for that price. Also, it's a good time kill.
  17. GlennGlenny
    Feb 23, 2018
    8
    Having heard this game is great and knowing nothing more about it I couldn't wait to find out all about it. I enjoyed the plot, characters and voice acting and from the beginning I was gripped and really bemoaned having to play in short bursts as my busy life and noisy kids necessitated. There were times when my spine was tingling as the mystery surrounded Alex and her Friends. In the endHaving heard this game is great and knowing nothing more about it I couldn't wait to find out all about it. I enjoyed the plot, characters and voice acting and from the beginning I was gripped and really bemoaned having to play in short bursts as my busy life and noisy kids necessitated. There were times when my spine was tingling as the mystery surrounded Alex and her Friends. In the end I started to try and hurry through to the finish and walking from one side of the island to the other became a little laborious for me. I'm not 100% sure what happened on the island that night perhaps that's the intention or perhaps I missed something. All in all, this was a lovely change in pace from the type of games I play more often and certainly not a purchase or experience I have any regrets about.… Expand
  18. Drockie
    Mar 14, 2018
    8
    It was a perfect game for the switch, the story was one of the best stories i have seen on such a cheap game so far, the game took me about 4 hours to 'finish'. The characters are great and they all have there own personality

    Sometimes the game to a pretty long time to load so probably 15-20 minutes of the game was loading.

    But that being said is a good game and defiinitely a buy!
  19. FranciscoM
    Apr 28, 2018
    8
    Got this game recently on sale and have to say it more than delivers! The music is great, both creepy and relaxing at the same time, the voice work is great, the dialogue is also great and the story is very interesting. For a point and click type game, it's great. Got it for 5 euro, instead of the normal 20 on the Nintendo e-shop. Glad I got such a good game on the cheap, especially sinceGot this game recently on sale and have to say it more than delivers! The music is great, both creepy and relaxing at the same time, the voice work is great, the dialogue is also great and the story is very interesting. For a point and click type game, it's great. Got it for 5 euro, instead of the normal 20 on the Nintendo e-shop. Glad I got such a good game on the cheap, especially since it's one of those games every decision matters and therefore you can replay it plenty of times.… Expand
  20. IFLiden
    Oct 28, 2018
    8
    Captivating story, beautiful visuals, fantastic voice acting and a short but lovely ride. Can recommend this for anyone looking for a story-driven game. 4.99 on the e-shop during most sales - a bargain for what you get.
  21. Ewas228
    Jan 4, 2022
    8
    My wish is add to this game Russian Language. Other points made well. Good work for first game.
  22. Manruwu
    Sep 16, 2020
    8
    Oxenfree comienza como un thriller cliché adolescente con un cast arquetípico cuyas relaciones y personalidades se van desarrollando conforme avanza la trama. La toma de decisiones es rica y variada aunque hay veces que hay que elegir antes de terminar de escuchar o leer el diálogo de los personajes.El ambiente construido, la isla, el escenario, la música, es sin duda de los mejoresOxenfree comienza como un thriller cliché adolescente con un cast arquetípico cuyas relaciones y personalidades se van desarrollando conforme avanza la trama. La toma de decisiones es rica y variada aunque hay veces que hay que elegir antes de terminar de escuchar o leer el diálogo de los personajes.El ambiente construido, la isla, el escenario, la música, es sin duda de los mejores aspectos de todo el juego.

    Por el otro lado, el ritmo del storytelling es inconsistente, lento en algunas partes, donde las conversaciones se sienten vacías y en, otras, la información que se te presenta puede llegar a ahogarte.

    Oxenfree no es un juego perfecto ni mucho menos, tiene varios aspectos que mejorar como por ejemplo las pantallas de carga que duran demasiado. Con todo eso puedo decir que Oxenfree es un juego que recomiendo jugar a personas que disfrutan de narrativas ramificadas y un buen thriller.    … Expand
  23. numbernine
    Dec 25, 2020
    8
    I liked everything from AV, atmosphere and a little Stranger Things vibe. The only thing that I didn't like was too much of a silly dialog, which destroys the whole secret aura. Auto save could work better too, I had to repeat like 20 minutes section with a lot of unskippable dialog because of checkpoint issue.
  24. GuardianFrosty9
    Jul 16, 2023
    8
    After Oxenfree was sitting in my backlog for few years and started playing it only because the second game came out and I missed a lot. The game is fricking amazing. It's dark and someway depressing, but awesome storytelling.
  25. AnatolGoodnor
    Aug 18, 2023
    8
    Great game for a day or two (finished in 3 to 5 hours). It is a walking simulator without a lot of gameplay or gameplay variation, but the dialogs and story are pretty great. The music and atmosphere are awesome and got me really immersed into this Sci-Fi story that is ultimately about friendship and family.

    It has a few flaws in loading times and the rather slow pacing, but for me it    Great game for a day or two (finished in 3 to 5 hours). It is a walking simulator without a lot of gameplay or gameplay variation, but the dialogs and story are pretty great. The music and atmosphere are awesome and got me really immersed into this Sci-Fi story that is ultimately about friendship and family.

    It has a few flaws in loading times and the rather slow pacing, but for me it was really worth it. I got it for 1€ in a sale, not knowing anything about the game, and it surprised me. The story stuck with me for a while. Easy recommendation for an emotional rollercoaster of an afternoon (or two).    … Expand
  26. drlowdon
    Dec 18, 2021
    7
    A group of friends meet up on a small holiday island just off the coast of their home town, but whilst investigating the caves they unwittingly open a rift that allows ghosts to come into their world.

    Aside from the odd (very simple) puzzle, Oxenfree contains little ‘traditional’ gameplay and much of the 4-5 hour run time involves wandering around the island whilst choosing how to    A group of friends meet up on a small holiday island just off the coast of their home town, but whilst investigating the caves they unwittingly open a rift that allows ghosts to come into their world.

    Aside from the odd (very simple) puzzle, Oxenfree contains little ‘traditional’ gameplay and much of the 4-5 hour run time involves wandering around the island whilst choosing how to respond to the other members of your group. I appreciate that this description will instantly put off many gamers, but for those that enjoy this type of game the story is interesting enough that you’ll want to see it through to the end. The fact that your dialogue choices throughout the game effects how the game ends will also encourage repeat plays.    … Expand
  27. Cerenzio
    Nov 17, 2017
    7
    A pleasant, nice looking, and sounding, little gaming experience. It's short, and yet I was ready for it to be over, but, this is a journey worth taking, if you enjoy variety in your gaming. Visit me on Youtube: PLAYwithGREGG
  28. b00lpr0p
    Jan 24, 2019
    7
    The first game I played on the Switch. I had some fun, but at times it seemed to me a little boring. Sometimes the story did not captivate me. However, it is worth trying for the price.
  29. BigTom93
    Jun 4, 2018
    7
    Good, not great.

    I got it for $5CAD on sale, and at that price, its a damn good game, 9/10... However it regularly goes for $20CAD, and at that price, this game is kinda lackluster, especially compared to other titles on the e-shop. Depending on your route, this game will take you probably about 4-6 hours to finish. I'm not sure what "completing" it would take, probably multiple    Good, not great.

    I got it for $5CAD on sale, and at that price, its a damn good game, 9/10... However it regularly goes for $20CAD, and at that price, this game is kinda lackluster, especially compared to other titles on the e-shop.

    Depending on your route, this game will take you probably about 4-6 hours to finish. I'm not sure what "completing" it would take, probably multiple playthroughs, which most people don't have the time for.

    The narrative is fine, but I could clearly tell I was beyond the age of the target audience. I still enjoyed it, but not as much as I think I would have, had I been in high school when I played this. But yes this is very much a "teen" story, which means it primarily appeals to teenagers, aspiring teenagers (preteens), and people who miss being teenagers (manchildren).

    The game would benefit from a faster movement speed. There is far too much backtracking both in this game and inherent in this genre of games, for the speed your character moves at. There's often dialogue when you make these treks the first time, so they don't seem so tedious. However, when you get later in the game and you have to start wandering around to figure out what you're supposed to do (again, inherent in the genre), there's no dialogue. You march in slow, tedious, silence. This by no means ruins the game, but the amount of time it takes to get around is definitely a problem.

    The game also takes a depressingly long time to load. Between that and the movement, a lot of a playthrough is spent waiting, either to load, to walk, etc. And for a game that's only 4 hours long, that's really... not great.

    If it were a $5 game, none of this would really bother me, but the regular price is $20. I don't think this game is worth $20 in the current video game market, lots of stuff at a similar price offers LOADS more content.

    I realize this is mostly critiques, however the game is still good, and I would recommend it, but only below half price.    … Expand
  30. EnriqueAcevedo
    Mar 8, 2018
    7
    A very interesting game with a good storytelling... I loved Alex. In the negative aspect the price is too high in my opinion and the game is too short for $20
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Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Best Switch Game of 2017
30
#30 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
62
#62 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Universo Nintendo
    May 19, 2018
    85
    Oxenfree is a good game. With amazing history, music and dubbing, anyone who likes the "walking simulator" genre will enjoy the game.
    Read full review
  2. FNintendo
    Nov 13, 2017
    80
    Thanks to its remarkable character development, well written dialogue and overall quality of the plot, Oxenfree is certain to strike a chord with fans of story-driven games, even if its length is rather short but that ends up being minimal when faced with the game's surprising developments.
    Read full review
  3. Vooks
    Oct 30, 2017
    70
    It’s an intriguing story, and one I feel is worthwhile experiencing so long as you’re not put off by a lack of moment to moment game-like elements. It’s just a shame that Oxenfree’s design genius is at odds with its pacing.
    Read full review
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