Play it on: Mobile
Current goal: Stop those pesky kids
Oxenfree holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite games. There’s something about its natural-sounding dialogue mixed with a creepy, podcast-like storyline that completely pulled me in. The game explores eerie radio signals, ghostly figures, and strange happenings with time and space, all seen through the eyes of witty teenagers on the brink of college. I can’t recommend it enough.
Fast forward to 2023, and a sequel emerged. I hesitated to dive in. I worried it might not capture the magic of the original. Plus, after being let down by Night School’s 2019 game, Afterparty, I wasn’t sure I was ready to take the plunge. However, while looking for a narrative-driven game to enjoy during a short holiday, and armed only with my Android tablet, I noticed Oxenfree II was part of my Netflix subscription. I’m glad I gave it a shot! It’s fantastic! It does have its flaws, with certain story elements that don’t quite mesh—possibly due to some choices I made. For instance, the tension between the two main characters and teenager Olivia isn’t fully explained. Nonetheless, the game boasts amazing voice acting and a compelling storyline, even if it takes liberties with how radios work. I’m nearly finished and can’t wait to see how everything concludes. — John Walker
