Oxenfree | PC

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Oxenfree takes its namesake from an old children's saying indicative of safety. Hearing ‘olly olly oxen free’ meant hiders could reveal themselves without losing to the seeker, but that most certainly isn’t the case in this instance.

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​by Sam Sant

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​@pass_controller

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Platform(s): Xbox One, Microsoft Windows (via Windows 10 Store & Steam)
Developer: Night School Studio
Publisher: Night School Studio
Players: 1

A group of five archetypal teens head out to Edwards Island for a night of partying, which seems innocent enough, until you learn the former military base is deserted by night and home to eerie radio signals. Things take a spooky turn when the gang tune-in to one of the unexplained broadcasts and seemingly cause a tear in reality.

Divulging any more would approach spoiling the narratively focused game’s bread and butter, but suffice to say things get very strange, and the central mysteries are compelling enough to ensure you see it through to the end in attempt to uncover the truth.

Despite a constant sense of unease, Oxenfree is immediately charming and whimsical thanks in equal parts to its gorgeous visuals and innocent characters. The game appears as though a painting in motion, whilst well written and convincingly delivered dialogue complements it every step of the way.

Feel free to take that literally, as characters converse constantly. ‘Constantly’ seems to carry a negative connotation, so to be clear it’s no bad thing. Relationships are built and story is developed naturally whilst on the move, rather than anchoring you to a dialogue screen. Personal responses are decided in the same way, just hit the corresponding button (or don’t if you want to stay quiet) during gameplay - no overt timer, no pause.

Your responses influence how you’re perceived, so watch what you say unless you want to be the bitch of the gang (that said, it pays as there’s an achievement for this). Unfortunately, responses too often overlap and cut off the speaker, meaning you miss out on dialogue and look bad whatever your words.

Gameplay mechanics are light, which helps the interactive story experience shine. You’re free to explore the pseudo-open-world and use your radio to uncover new information and secrets pertaining to the island’s history - a Metroidvania-esque upgrade in the late game encourages this, in allowing access to areas previously unreachable. Whilst retracing our steps we were left wanting of a run function to expedite things, and the dodgy follower A.I. became apparent as they failed to keep up. Very minor gripes, but gripes none the less.

Oxenfree is Night School Studio’s first game. It doesn’t show...

Sluggish movement does at least grant more listening time; Oxenfree’s eclectic soundtrack from scntfc (Galak-Z, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP) can go from bassy electronic to classic orchestral whilst feeling complementary, rather than jarring as you’d expect. It’s almost possessive of an upward inflection to encourage questions and perpetuate the air of mystery.

Inspired by cult classic films like like Stand by Me and Poltergeist, Oxenfree is Night School Studio’s first game. It doesn’t show, thanks to a team comprised of Disney and Telltale alumni, a team we can only hope take us on further adventures in the future.

The experience evokes memories of personal childhood mishaps, and might even make you wish to go back in time. It’ll keep you playing until it holds no more secrets, gripped by paranormal activity. Above all, it’s a charming and human coming of age story, it’s magic, and you should play it.

Pros

• Beautiful aesthetic
• Evolving soundtrack
• Loveable characters
• Gripping mystery
• Replayable

Cons

•  Overlapping dialogue
•  Short length
•  No control over movement speed
•  Distracting follower A.I. issues

Score 8/10