Winner: Night in the Woods
Best Indie Game of 2017
Night in the Woods is a special kind of indie game. It doesn’t try and emulate something that came before it, nor does it try and pride itself on some outstanding mechanic. Instead, it tells the tale of Mae Borowski, a college dropout cat who’s returning home to Possum Springs after some time away. What results is a series of bizarre times spent with Mae’s anthropomorphic friends, uncovering a seemingly dark mystery in the town, and the eloquent discussion and handling of some tough real-life problems.
It’s the way that Night in the Woods manages to naturally combine all of this together, however, that makes it so darn special. With each day that passes in Possum Springs, you’ll take part in some absurd mini-games, work out who Mae should spend her time hanging out with, and engage in some deep and thought-provoking conversations with other members of the cast. It may sound like a pretty eclectic mix of gameplay, and it is, but it feels so natural. Mae and her friends don’t seem like they’re part of an automated routine. They feel real, with their own detailed pasts, secrets, and personal issues that really make up who they are. Learning about them is a treat, and by the time the credits roll, you’ll wish you had longer with them to listen in on their private conversations… or just to play the knife fight mini-game again.
Its Night in the Woods’ blend of the sincere and stupid that makes it so relatable. It captures that crazy and unpredictable ebb and flow of life during your younger years, while casting the spotlight on the character-defining moments and issues that make young adolescence such a minefield to navigate.
Night in the Woods is the most charming and beautifully-written experience I’ve played all year. Its characters are deep and sincere, its story’s mysterious twist helps to move things along during the slower stages, and its filled with humorous little moments you won’t forget.
