Through the Woods

Writing a review for this game is difficult, to say the least. I very much adore the Idea behind this game, but the execution is very clumsy. Everything taken from Norse Mythology is very well done and - to my understanding - very faithful to it's source! But it's all wrapped up in a story-driven journey through the perspective of an incredibly superficial, unlikeable and outright detestable protagonist who faces no actual consequences besides superficial levels of guilt for her despicable actions by the end. By the end of the game, it's incredibly difficult to sympathize with the Mother (which I believe was the intent!) but the lack of satisfying repercussions makes her story feel shallow. The gameplay regarding many of the Nordic entities we encounter ranges from tedious to fun but incredibly easy. Their models are very nice and I appreciate the atmosphere of the game. The environments can be difficult to understand and navigate in a way that harms it's intended gameplay. Some paths just loop around to each other, which may discourage from exploration, yet a variety of achievements and additional Lore WANT you to explore! It can be very difficult to tell which areas are for progression and which are for optional exploration. But if you choose the wrong option, you may be teleported to the next segment and cant really go back... which means you either have to re-load the chapter to explore what you haven't seen or give up on achievements and additional lore of norse folklore and the world you're in. The Idea and concept of this game are truly remarkable, but the execution is clumsy and the story - while having decent aspects and a well-written main antagonist - ultimately feels unsatisfactory. I really wanted to love this game, but as it stands.... I'd recommend this game only if you very much love Norse Mythology.

giving up, it's too janky, too arbitrarily hard, there's a mechanic were some wolves don't like fire, so you have to get a torch and can wave it...but that doesn't seem to work right...not clear what you're supposed to do and the game doesn't help... doesn't seem like it's that long either, got over half the ach in 2.2hrs...and i don't feel like i care for the boy i'm supposed to be saving as the mother...cause i hardly know him at all, he's in it for like 5-10m... there's lots of ach for how you die...i don't like games where it's supposed to be so hard you die loads of times... i have 14 ach, 4 of em were for "killed by X", a 5th is "killed 10 times"... given how short it is, hardly any ppl got to were i'm at, only 20% got the most recent killed by ach i got...

Through the Woods, developed by Antagonist and published by Fulqrum Publishing, is a slow-burning psychological horror experience that draws deeply from Scandinavian folklore while grounding its story in a very human emotional struggle. The game places players in the role of Karen, a mother searching for her missing son after a strange and unsettling abduction. Rather than rushing into conventional horror tropes, it carefully builds a sense of dread through isolation, ambiguity, and a creeping feeling that something ancient and unnatural is lurking just out of sight. From the very beginning, it signals that this is not a game about empowerment or action, but about vulnerability and persistence in the face of fear. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the experience. The Norwegian forest is not just a backdrop but a constant presence, dense and suffocating, with winding paths that seem to swallow any sense of direction. Darkness is used effectively, often limiting visibility and forcing players to rely on subtle visual cues and sound. The audio design, in particular, does much of the heavy lifting—distant noises, shifting winds, and indistinct cries create a persistent tension that rarely lets up. Instead of relying on frequent jump scares, the game builds a sustained atmosphere of unease, making players feel like they are being watched even when nothing is immediately happening. This approach gives the horror a more psychological edge, one that lingers longer than momentary shocks. The narrative attempts something more ambitious than the typical horror setup. Karen is written as a flawed and sometimes difficult protagonist, shaped by past mistakes and complicated emotions. This characterization adds layers to the story, turning the journey into more than just a rescue mission. It becomes an exploration of guilt, denial, and the consequences of past actions. As the story unfolds, fragments of folklore and personal memories begin to intertwine, gradually revealing that the forest and its inhabitants are connected to something far deeper than a simple disappearance. The pacing of the narrative can feel uneven at times, but it ultimately builds toward a conclusion that reframes much of what came before, leaving players with a lingering sense of melancholy and reflection. In terms of gameplay, Through the Woods keeps things intentionally minimal. Movement, exploration, and occasional stealth sequences form the core of the experience. There are moments where players must avoid or evade threats, but these encounters are fairly straightforward and lack complexity. As a result, the gameplay can feel secondary to the narrative and atmosphere, occasionally bordering on repetitive. However, the simplicity also means the game remains accessible and focused, never distracting too much from its central themes. Its relatively short duration works in its favor, ensuring that the experience remains concentrated and doesn’t stretch its limited mechanics too thin. Visually, the game delivers a mixture of striking environmental design and noticeable rough edges. Certain scenes—particularly those involving water, lighting, and distant landscapes—are genuinely evocative and contribute significantly to immersion. At the same time, character animations and facial expressions can feel stiff, and there are moments where the presentation lacks polish. These inconsistencies don’t completely undermine the experience, but they do remind players that this is a smaller-scale production. Voice acting follows a similar pattern, with some effective performances contrasted by lines that don’t always land with the intended emotional weight. What ultimately defines Through the Woods is its commitment to mood and storytelling over traditional gameplay satisfaction. It is not a game designed for players seeking mechanical depth or fast-paced horror, but rather for those willing to engage with a slower, more introspective journey. Its use of folklore gives it a distinct identity, and its emotional core provides a layer of meaning that elevates it beyond a simple scare-driven experience. While it doesn’t fully realize all of its ambitions, it succeeds in creating something memorable and quietly unsettling. Rating: 7/10

Bon jeux, un peu spécial, un peu mythique, un peu dérangé. Une ambiance que j'ai vraiment apprécié, chill et déconcertante par moments. La protagoniste possède un côté sombre qui se révèle au fur et à mesure de l'histoire et c'était surprenant de connaître le fin mot de cette histoire. Je recommande.

Walking Sim mit 3-4 Horror-artigen, Gameplay-ähnlichen Abschnitten und einer Story, welche gute Momente hat, aber auf mich größtenteils pseudo-tiefgründig und künstlerisch wirken wollte. Through the Woods. Ein Spiel, welches ich bestimmt seit X Jahren auf meinem Haufen der Schande hatte. Da ich mir sicher bin, dass ich es nicht für 20€ gekauft habe (und im nachhinein auch 20€ als zu hoch einschätzen würde) muss ich es durch Bundles/Random-Keys oder gar Kostenlos erhalten haben. Auch wenn viel liebe in das Gestalten und Ausarbeiten des Konzepts geflossen ist, konnte mich Through the Woods nicht wirklich abholen. Die Story fühlte sich teilweise etwas generisch an, teilweise zu erzwungen und den 2-3 Stellen, die ich als Spannend bezeichnen würde, hat trotzdem noch etwas gefehlt. Gameplaytechnisch, erfindet das Spiel nichts neu. Es ist, wie bereits erwähnt, größtenteils ein Laufsimulator. Man erkundet die Gegend, läuft Wege entlang und findet Tagebücher, welche parallel zur Erzählerin, der Story etwas beifügt. Auch bei der Gestaltung der Spielwelt, wurde sich viel bei gedacht und erzeugt dadurch ebenfalls etwas Tiefe und Spannung. In jedem Kapitel gibt es ein bis zwei Abschnitte, in welchen man etwas Horrorspielgameplay wiederfinden kann. Umschleichen, mit Taschenlampe oder Fackel abwehren, versuchen nicht gefangen zu werden. Einiges davon, kann man sogar größtenteils umgehen, ohne zu bemerken, was einen dort eigentlich aufhalten soll. Würde das Spiel nicht größtenteils im Dunklen spielen, wäre es vermutlich auch eher ein Fantasie-Drama anstelle eines Horrorspiels. Insgesamt kann man es gut in einer Session am Stück spielen. Ein durchlauf hat mich ca. 1.5Std gebraucht. Und auch wenn ich die Steuerung etwas klobig und träge empfand, war es doch ganz in Ordnung Bugs und Glitches sind mir nicht wirklich welche aufgefallen, bis auf 1-2 Stellen an denen man zwischen zwei Felsen ins nichts schauen konnte, Wasser welches heller als die eigene Taschenlampe ist und ein starken visuellen Glitch an einer wohlmöglich Errungenschaft-relevanten Stelle. Eine stelle welche ich scherzhaft erwähnen möchte, da diese völlig antiklimaktisch wirkte, war das Ende. Das, worauf alles aufgebaut hat. der Höhepunkt. Am ende eines Stegs steht der Antagonist zusammen mit dem Sohn der Protagonistin. Der Sohn sagt, dass er springt, sich Opfert. Die Mutter ruft, dass er es nicht tun soll und dass sie ihn liebt... läuft aber während der ganzen Szene in Tip-Top-Schritten den 100m Weg entlang ohne ein Anzeichen davon, dass sie ihn aufhalten möchte. Das Kind konnte in der Zeit 10x Springen und sie wäre immer noch nicht am Ende des Wegs angelangt. "oh nein... bitte spring nicht... was soll ich bloß tun?" Auch wenn Through the Woods kein schlechtes Spiel ist und viel Liebe in dieses Projekt geflossen sein wird, kann ich es nicht empfehlen. Vor allem für 20€ verglichen mit anderen Spielen des Genres auf dem selben Preisniveau. Wer Das Spiel kostenlos, in einem Bundle oder durch günstige Keys erhalten hat kann sicher 2std Spaß daran finden. Ich selbst bin nicht wirklich überzeugt.

Das Spiel ist sehr spannend und es lässt sich sogar auf norwegisch mit deutschen Untertiteln spielen, wodurch ich schon alleine aus dem Grund 2 Punkte vergebe. Unsere Protagonistin läuft einen sehr geradlinigen Weg durch den dunklen Wald. Leider bin ich einmal "vom Weg abgekommen" und habe die Orientierung verloren. Ein paar Monster und mythische Gestalten werden uns im Wald begegnen, vor denen wir flüchten müssen. Dabei können wir sehr oft unsere Taschenlampe verwenden. Das Ende ist sehr emotional. Eigentlich wollte ich dem Spiel ursprünglich 6,5 Punkte geben aber die eingangs 2 Punkte kommen noch oben drauf, wodurch ich bei 8,5 von 10 Punkten bin.

[h1]A Haunting Journey Through Norse Mythology and Unforgettable Lore[/h1] [b]Through the Woods[/b] is an atmospheric narrative‑driven adventure that beautifully weaves Nordic mythology, eerie folklore, and emotional storytelling into a haunting experience that stays with you long after the game ends. If you love rich world‑building, mythic ambience, and deep lore, this is one of those titles that feels like a journey into the heart of a dark folk tale. From the moment you step into its shadowed forests and rugged landscapes, the game’s Nordic aesthetic pulls you in. The environments are textured with ancient runes, misty woods, and weathered ruins that feel like they’re alive with stories waiting to be uncovered. The sense of place here is incredibly strong — every path feels like you’re walking deeper into a myth. At the core of the experience is the narrative, which draws heavily from Norse mythology and Scandinavian lore. Characters, spirits, and encounters feel drawn from ancient tales, but with a fresh, modern twist that keeps everything unpredictable and compelling. Whether it’s a whispered legend around a campfire or a surreal vision that blurs reality and myth, the storytelling feels respectful of tradition while still surprising you. Mechanically, the game focuses on exploration, environmental puzzles, and narrative discovery rather than combat. This design choice works incredibly well here — letting players slow down, absorb the atmosphere, and really feel the weight of the world’s history and mysteries. Every cleared path, every discovered relic, and every whispered tale builds a deeper connection to the overarching story. The sound design and score deserve special mention, too — haunting melodies, subtle ambient effects, and atmospheric cues all enhance the mythic tone and make the woodlands feel alive with presence. What truly sets [b]Through the Woods[/b] apart is its lore‑rich storytelling. It doesn’t just hint at mythology — it embraces it, makes you want to uncover it, and then surprises you with emotional beats that feel both epic and deeply personal. Whether you’re a fan of myth, narrative exploration, or atmospheric adventure, this is an experience that resonates long after the last scene fades. [b]Verdict:[/b] A beautifully crafted mythic journey with deep Nordic lore and unforgettable narrative. [h2]10 / 10 — Highly Recommended[/h2]

日本語には未対応でしたが、チャプター4くらいまでゲームを進めることが出来ました。 今時よくある内容のゲームだと考えたので、ストーリーにはあまり期待していませんでした。 今時よくあるとは、アトラクション型で多少話は理解できなくても物語を進行できる事です。 面白いので字幕だけでも、いつか日本語に対応してもらえたらと思うようになりました。 内容によっては、自分のプレイしてきたゲームの中でもトップクラスに入るかもしれません。 しかし、序盤のプレイヤーを少年と思わせておいて実は母親というのは何か気になりました。 それと、何も食べずに走り続けている彼女は休むべきだと思うし、妙な感覚にもなりました。 他のレビューを見ていたら、XUnity.AutoTranslatorなどが使えるらしいのでまた後でします。

奥利给

Through the Woods ma klimat i świetne udźwiękowienie, które naprawdę robi robotę i momentami potrafi zbudować napięcie. Niestety reszta gry mocno nie dowozi. Animacje są zwyczajnie paskudne, fabuła przewidywalna, a optymalizacja pozostawia sporo do życzenia. Graficznie bywa przyjemnie dla oka, ale tylko poza wodą — tam wszystko się sypie. Potencjał był, wykonanie już znacznie słabsze.