A mother’s love knows no boundaries. We would travel to great lengths in order to find our children. Through the Woods, by Antagonist, tests the limits of one mother who would go through anything to find her missing son. Unfortunately, her adventure has her traveling a village deep in Norse mythology. But what first looks like a stroll back in time turns into a wild mystery that goes far beyond her missing son. Do you have what it takes to go Through the Woods?
Antagonist’s inspiration for Through the Woods goes back to their childhood when they would wander the forests of Norway. The game is set in Norway and they captured the essence of being lost in a forest. At first, it begins during when the mother witnesses her son, Espen, being taken away from her. She tirelessly tries to swim after him. Upon arriving on a mysterious island, the surrounding area turns from a beautiful forest to a dark mysterious land filled with creatures. Small clues provide a path to where Espen was taken, and other clues slowly reveal what has happened on that island. Villages and homes are empty, bones are scattered through the land, and the forest lies empty except for a few trolls and other creatures ready to kill you.
This is the biggest selling point for Through the Woods. Antagonist beautifully created a living forest down to windy bushes, flickering shadows, and lively animal sounds that’ll keep you on your toes. Most survival horror games use the same game mechanic in which you utilize your flashlight to see where you are and where to go. The night sky creates a nice ambiance where visibility is minimal but not detracting from the gameplay. The flashlight cone allows for visibility while casting shadows but you can still see your surroundings. This is important since it creates a real-life experience when in the wilderness. The moon can give visibility but your focus is on the flashlight cone that can get you lost. It’s a really good blend that creates a creepy atmosphere. You begin to question the shadows in the background or quickly change your view for every little sound coming from the bushes.
And within the forest are hints of an abandoned village. Carvings, tombs, doors, and pillars, it’s clear that people once lived in tranquility in the forest. As you travel deep in the forest, more clues reveal something darker. A link to why her son was taken turns to many children missing while the people do what they can to prevent a man known as Old Erik from taking their children. And as the night grows darker, you’re accompanied with what appears to be the mother explaining her feelings during each encounter and how she yearns to find her son Espen.
Final Reaction
There are a lot of horror survival games, but none really exploit your fear like Through the Woods. Many use jump scare tactics in a creepy building, and they do the job. Through the Woods, however, teases your sight and sound by throwing you in a forest that feels as much alive as it looks. You’ll find yourself enjoying the lush scenery that then betrays you with the most subtle sound or shadow that lurks in your vision. If you’re a fan of survival horror games, Through the Woods is a mesmerizing experience you’ll want to encounter. Sometimes the deep emptiness of a rich forest is enough to give you goosebumps.
Rating: 4/5 Atoms
You can take a stroll Through the Woods available now on Steam.
A digital copy of Through the Woods was provided for review.
from Nerd Reactor
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