Campfire Stories: The Giant of Green Peaks, developed by WICKED GAMES WORKSHOP and published by WICKED, is a tightly focused first-person horror experience that draws its strength from simplicity, atmosphere, and the timeless appeal of folklore. Framed as part of an anthology-style series, the game places players directly inside what feels like a living campfire tale—one where the line between myth and reality quickly begins to blur. Rather than building a complex narrative or expansive world, it centers on a single idea: being alone in the wilderness while something intelligent and dangerous watches from the shadows.
The gameplay is built around stealth and survival, with an emphasis on vulnerability rather than confrontation. Players are not equipped to fight back, which immediately shifts the experience away from action and toward tension. Movement through the forest becomes a careful, deliberate act, where every step carries the risk of drawing attention. The presence of the unseen threat is constant, even when it is not directly visible, creating a sense of pressure that lingers throughout the experience. Moments of quiet exploration are often interrupted by sudden bursts of danger, giving the game a rhythm that alternates between cautious movement and reactive survival.
What stands out most is how effectively the game uses its environment. The dense forest setting is more than just a backdrop—it is an active part of the experience. Limited visibility, natural obstacles, and the unpredictability of the terrain all contribute to a feeling of isolation. The world feels intentionally claustrophobic despite its openness, reinforcing the idea that you are never truly safe. Sound design plays a critical role here, using subtle cues to hint at the presence of danger. The rustling of leaves, distant noises, and sudden silences all work together to create an atmosphere where uncertainty becomes the primary source of fear.
The game’s structure is deliberately concise, offering a short but concentrated experience that can be completed in a single sitting. This brevity works in its favor, as it allows the tension to build without overstaying its welcome. There is little filler, and the experience moves forward with a clear sense of purpose, focusing on delivering a memorable sequence of events rather than stretching its concept across a longer runtime. At the same time, this limited length means there is little room for deeper exploration of its ideas, leaving some aspects feeling underdeveloped.
Mechanically, the game remains simple throughout. There are no complex systems to manage or skills to upgrade—success depends entirely on awareness, timing, and understanding the behavior of the threat. This simplicity keeps the experience accessible and immersive, but it also means that once players grasp the core mechanics, there is little variation to keep things evolving. The gameplay loop remains consistent from beginning to end, which can make the experience feel somewhat predictable after the initial tension has been established.
Visually, the game adopts a realistic yet restrained style that supports its tone without drawing attention away from the atmosphere. The forest is detailed enough to feel believable, but not so complex that it becomes distracting. Lighting and shadow are used effectively to create unease, often obscuring details and leaving players unsure of what might be lurking just beyond their view. The creature itself is used sparingly, which enhances its impact and preserves the sense of mystery that defines the experience.
Ultimately, Campfire Stories: The Giant of Green Peaks succeeds by focusing on mood and tension rather than complexity. It delivers a clear and cohesive horror experience that captures the essence of a campfire story—simple, unsettling, and driven by imagination. While its short length and limited mechanics prevent it from offering long-term engagement, it leaves a strong impression through its atmosphere and pacing.
Rating: 7/10
