On January 15th, Night School Studio’s released one of the first highly anticipated indie games of 2016. Part ghost story, part teen movie, Oxenfree is a supernatural thriller game centered around a young group of friends who accidentally open a paranormal rift. It is playable for Xbox One and PC, and can be purchased through Steam.
The game opens like most Wes Craven horror stories: a high school party and a bunch of teens messing with things and forces they shouldn’t. It’s up to players to uncover the mystery behind the mysterious entities that emerge through form the other side, and how to banish them. Similar to the point-and-click adventures from glory days of old, Oxenfree allows players to interact with their surroundings, as well as some puzzle solving, and the ability to communicate with the otherworldly beings.
While the game is short–perhaps 4 hours in total–Oxenfree has quickly garnered critical acclaim from reviews, including those at Gamespot, Wrired, and IGN. Reviewers were particularly impressed with dialogue–be it the branching options, fallout/consequences following at its tail, or even just how enjoyable Breakfast Club-esque the banter could embody at times.
Praised for its fun and on point gameplay, spine tingling story, and compelling teenage characters, developers at Night School Studios have proven themselves apt in their craft with their debt game.
Night School Studios is a young, indie developer created in 2014 by combination of both Telltale and Disney artists, writers, and so on, in order to infuse independently made games with “wonder, danger, and humor.”
Oxenfree can be purchased for $19.99 USD through digital download and storefronts, for either Xbox One or PC. The game has also been confirmed for Playstation 4 release! Maybe make some popcorn, grab a blanket, turn out the lights, and spend your weekend with this thrilling experience from Night School Studios!