Available on mobile devices, my current mission involves stopping those pesky kids — a task easier said than done! Let me take you on a journey with one of my all-time favorite games: Oxenfree. This game captivated me with its unique blend of conversational dialogue that felt so natural, and a haunting storyline reminiscent of a gripping podcast. The mysterious narrative drew me in completely: eerie radio signals, spectral figures, and a world where time and space unraveled before a group of quick-witted teens about to embark on college life. I sang its praises to anyone willing to listen.
Fast forward to 2023, and a sequel emerged. Oddly enough, I hesitated. I feared it might not recapture that flawless magic from the original. My reluctance was also due to Night School Studio’s previous game, Afterparty in 2019, which didn’t resonate with me. But eventually, I shrugged off my apprehensions. As I embarked on a short holiday, eager for a narrative-rich experience on my Android tablet, I remembered Oxenfree II was part of the Netflix subscription. To my delight, it was fantastic!
While it does stumble more than its predecessor—there are moments where the story seems a bit disjointed, possibly due to my choices, like the unexplained hostility towards teenager Olivia—the game shines with incredible voice acting and a gripping storyline (even if it takes some creative liberties with how radios work!). I’m nearing the end of this adventure and eagerly anticipate discovering how everything concludes. — John Walker
