I love Night in the Woods. I’m not being hyperbolic when I say it belongs in the upper echelon of video game writing. There is just something so real and genuine about the characters in the game. It has a lot of Indie charm as well. This is video games’ equivalent of Garden State and Clerks smashed together, with a bit of Lovecraftian mythos thrown on top for good measure.



Mae doesn’t need anyone’s help to make her own mistakes!

Another major part of why I love this game is the depiction of underrepresented groups. The lead is female, and she is smartly-written. The character of Mae doesn’t succumb to the typical female-tropes of current video games. She’s not a delicate flower, nor is she an unstoppable, can-hang-with-the-men badass. She’s a regular person with flaws and strengths.

There is also a same-sex couple in Night in the Woods, but the game never makes it a big deal. They are just two characters, both of whom happen to be male, who love each other. They are fully realized dynamic characters. Gregg is an anarcho-punk with self-esteem issues, and Angus is a well-put-together computer nerd. We need more of this subtle inclusion in our media, which provides a fuller and more honest picture of the world.



I hope they do, I love these two

And finally, I love the humor in Night in the Woods. This game can be very funny at times, even in the face of the serious nature of some its themes. Try and see Gregg’s excited wavy arm dance and not crack a smile. Not to mention some of the endlessly quotable bits of dialogue like “I got nightmare eyes!” and “Go legally braindead from lack of oxygen due to choking on my entire ass!”



A heist at the Snack Falcon in the making

Care and authenticity can be found in every aspect of the game, from characters and the town to the music and atmosphere. This is a true indie gem and a unique gaming experience. Don’t miss out on spending a Night in the Woods – you won’t regret it.

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