RGM Reviews – Through the Woods

The best horror games, in my opinion, are ones that are able to elicit a memorable response from those who play them. Much like a good horror film, it comes down to more than just a bunch of pants wetting jump scares ala Resident Evil, which if we’re honest, leans more in the direction of action than horror. Good horror needs to take the time to build tension and suspense and leave players/audiences with a palpable sense of dread that remains long after the experience has concluded. With that in mind, I’m happy to say that Norwegian developer Antagonist have absolutely created some good horror with their new title, Through the Woods.

Played from a third person perspective, the game places you in the role of a mother searching desperately for her son when he is whisked away in a boat by a mysterious stranger. After diving in to pursue and losing your way in the mist, you find yourself on the shore of a densely forested island that hosts the ruins of an ancient Norse tribe as well as some not-so-friendly creatures straight out of Norwegian folklore. I’m going to be deliberately discrete when divulging story details as I don’t want to venture into spoiler territory. Suffice it to say, the narrative is a grim one that is both harrowing and confronting with a surprise twist or two thrown in to enrich the experience. Not only is it the story of a frantic mother looking for her child, it’s also a journey of acceptance and eventual atonement for past sins.

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Antagonist has plumbed the riches of Norse mythology to craft this tale of sorrow and it shows, not only story-wise, but in every facet of Through the Woods. Most people’s knowledge on the subject probably ends with Thor and his trickster bro, Loki. However, folklore from the region is much deeper and darker than just the thunder god and his Asgardian pals and the developer has included many lesser known, much less amiable beasts from ancient Scandinavian myth. Hulking forest trolls roam the forest looking for prey. The Mara, a peasant woman who transforms into a horrifying wolf creature every midnight stalks the trails thirsty for blood.

There are even a pair of hungry wolf brothers whose growling exchanges while they hunt for you are delightfully unsettling and very entertaining. The encounter with these two malicious canines is a highlight and a testament to the effort that went into providing authentic lore from the area. Antagonist stated that they have tried to capture the feeling of the forest as they saw it as children, with all the frightening and mysterious feelings of roaming the woods alone. It amazes and disappoints me that more games haven’t been based around these darker folk tales – it’s fertile ground just begging to be plundered.

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Gameplay in Through the Woods revolves around running and sneaking about the island in the search for your son. While the majority of the game may be classed as exploration with no real input besides moving forward and shining your trusty flashlight into the murk, I think that would be unfairly selling it short. There are several frenetic sequences where you must evade one of the aforementioned monsters and these serve the dual purpose of providing a quick burst of action to mix up gameplay as well as laying a platform for some great horror moments that will get your adrenaline pumping. Creeping slowly along the forest paths while being stalked by the terrifying Mara is definite nightmare fuel, especially when all you have to illuminate the darkness is your flashlight. Scary stuff!

Perhaps the game’s biggest weakness stems from it’s short playtime. I finished it up within three hours and that was taking it slow and drinking in the sights and sounds. There are some collectibles to search for that add flavor to the history of the area but you’ll stumble across most of them during the course of the game. As such, any replay possibilities are pretty thin unless you want to experience the enjoyable story a second time.

From a graphical perspective, the environments are stunningly detailed and many of the vistas on display are convincingly atmospheric. While most of the game takes place in forested/rocky environs, each section still retains a feel of it’s own. Each tree seems to be individually drawn, twisted and misshapen in it’s own unique way. There is a wonderful viking vibe to the game’s overall aesthetic as you travel through old villages and ruins that are adorned with runic writings and elaborate carvings. Weather effects are also a sight to behold. A light curtain of snow drifting across a sky filled with a stunning animated aurora had me wishing it was winter already.

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In contrast, the character models are a little weak and not up to the same standard as the rest of the visuals. It’s largely unnoticeable as you spend the majority of your time looking at the back of your character, but on the odd occasion when you see them from the front, the lower quality is quite apparent. Also, if you want to see Through the Woods run smoothly on highest settings, make sure you’ve got a beefy PC. Granted, I played it on a two year old gaming laptop but the framerate stuttered a fair bit even on medium so expect to dial down the graphics if you want a smooth experience.

Great horror relies on sound just as much as visuals and this aspect of the game is arguably it’s strongest. Music is excellent across the entire playthrough with an understated score that competently accentuates the tense moments with frantic flourishes and the more sedate explorations with somber strains. Sound effects are equally good. Wind rushing, trees creaking, crows cawing in the distance. It’s all here and adds that extra quality to the already immersive atmosphere. The bloodcurdling howl from the Mara as it pounces upon you in the dark will surely stay with you long after the game is done.

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Through the Woods does horror right. Visually striking, aurally atmospheric and boasting a compelling narrative about a mother searching for her son in the unlikeliest of places. The Nordic mythology spread throughout the game brings it to another level and provides a richly woven background that anchors the story while also giving it that chilling undertone that will stick with you even after the game is over. A unique take on the horror genre that should be relished and enjoyed!

Reviewed on PC.

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Gameplay
7
Story
7
Graphics
8
Sound
8
Replay Value
5
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Hi. I'm Josh and if you are checking this out then you are probably as mad about gaming as I am. The first game I fondly remember playing was Metroid on the NES and I've owned or played on just about every platform since. I also like to write so why not combine two of my favorite things and write about games. I'm excited about the future of this industry and I look forward to sharing that excitement with everyone. Contact email: [email protected]
rgm-reviews-through-the-woodsAn enjoyably unsettling horror tale, Through the Woods will leave it's mark on you long after it's conclusion. Featuring superb sound design and gorgeous visuals, the story of a mother looking for her son on an eerie island straight out of Norse folklore, is definitely a journey worth taking!