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Oxenfree

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Oxenfree
Item: Oxenfree
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Side View Perspective, RPG, Drama, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableJan 14, 2016

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperNight School Studio

Overview

Oxenfree is a supernatural adventure game. Rites of passage and Senior year traditions set the stage for a group of friends sneaking off to Edwards Island, an old military outpost with no phone service. Players will take on the role of Alex as she brings her new stepbrother Jonas to an overnight party gone horribly wrong. Inspired by classic cult films like Stand by Me and Poltergeist, Oxenfree is an adventure that pulls from the past but looks to the present. “It’s a coming of age story where players control how their hero comes of age,” says Sean Krankel, co-founder of Night School. “We’re drawing on the fond and mortifying aspects of being in your late teens, and setting it against a dangerous and ghostly backdrop.”

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Oxenfree's narrative for its compelling exploration of teenage relationships and the perils of adolescence, blending a coming-of-age tale with a ghost story. While some found the narrative convoluted and the ending unsatisfying, the majority laud its emotional depth and authenticity. Overall, Oxenfree is hailed as a powerful and engaging story that resonates with players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Oxenfree has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the game's narrative, describing it as compelling, clever, and engaging. They highlighted the exploration of teenage relationships, personal issues, and the perils of adolescence as some of the story's strongest aspects. Critics like Game Informer and The Escapist commended the game for its coming-of-age tale mixed with a ghost story, featuring complex and relatable characters. They appreciated how the story focused on human interaction and the intricacies of relationships, making it feel authentic and relatable. The narrative was also praised for its emotional depth and touching moments, with EGM noting the presence of deep emotional scenes and multiple laugh-out-loud moments. However, some critics did have reservations about certain aspects of the story. Push Square mentioned that the narrative became convoluted when it switched to the island, failing to live up to its ambition. They felt that the two narratives felt separate and distanced, which may have impacted the overall cohesion of the story. Gaming Age expressed disappointment with the ending, finding it confusing and unsatisfying. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the story of Oxenfree remains positive. In conclusion, the story of Oxenfree is widely regarded as a strong and engaging narrative by the majority of critics. The game's exploration of teenage relationships, personal issues, and the perils of adolescence resonated with reviewers, who praised its clever and innovative approach. The characters were commended for their complexity and relatability, with the dialogue capturing the teenage voice admirably. While some critics had reservations about certain aspects, such as the narrative becoming convoluted or the ending being confusing, the overall consensus is that the story of Oxenfree is a powerful and moving coming-of-age tale with a supernatural twist. Critics like DarkStation, CGMagazine, and Forbes all praised the engaging conversation and narrative, comparing it to paranormal thrillers and commending the enjoyable and touching lines delivered by the characters. Overall, the positive reception of the story indicates that Oxenfree successfully delivers a compelling and memorable narrative experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Oxenfree's gameplay receives mixed reviews, with praise for character development and radio mechanic, but criticism for limited interactivity and simplistic puzzles. The game focuses on dialogue choices, exploration, and light puzzle-solving, similar to Telltale titles, offering engaging replay value. While lacking traditional adventure game mechanics, Oxenfree excels in providing an immersive narrative experience that may appeal to fans of character-driven storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Oxenfree, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted. The positive aspects of the gameplay include the emphasis on character development and the immersive radio mechanic. Critics such as DarkStation and CGMagazine praise the game for its ability to tailor the protagonist's personality through dialogue choices, allowing players to feel more connected to the story. The radio mechanic is also commended for adding a fascinating supernatural element and enhancing the immersion of the game. On the other hand, some reviewers express negative opinions about the gameplay of Oxenfree. Critics like Push Square and Slant Magazine criticize the limited interactivity and rudimentary puzzles, claiming that the game revolves solely around its characters and narrative. Yahoo! and Official Xbox Magazine UK also mention the lack of variety and challenge in the gameplay, with the latter stating that the puzzles are too simplistic. These criticisms suggest that the gameplay may not offer enough depth or engagement for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Oxenfree is primarily focused on dialogue choices, exploration, and light puzzle-solving. The game is often compared to titles from the Telltale series, with reviewers mentioning the impact of choices on relationships, information learned, and multiple endings. The Escapist and Xbox Achievements highlight the engaging nature of the gameplay and the replay value provided by the branching dialogue system and multiple endings. However, there are also critics like Twinfinite and Slant Magazine who express disappointment in the lack of traditional adventure game mechanics and meaningful interaction. While the gameplay of Oxenfree may not offer a traditional gaming experience with combat or complex puzzles, it seems to excel in providing an engaging narrative-driven experience. The emphasis on dialogue choices, character development, and the integration of the radio mechanic are praised by several critics. However, the limited interactivity and lack of challenge in the gameplay are aspects that some reviewers find lacking. Ultimately, players who enjoy immersive storytelling and character-driven experiences may find Oxenfree to be a compelling and worthwhile game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praise the stunning visuals and art style of Oxenfree, highlighting its beautiful environments, colorful palette, and unique papercraft aesthetic. While some reviewers criticize aspects like the 2D sidescrolling and repetitive visual effects, the general consensus is that the game's graphics are a standout feature that enhances its atmosphere and storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Oxenfree, it is clear that there is a general consensus among the critics that the game's visuals are a strong point. Many reviewers praise the game's art style, with descriptors such as "beautiful," "gorgeous," and "lovely" being used to describe the visuals. Critics like Push Square, CGMagazine, and Shacknews specifically mention the stunning environments and well-designed settings. The game's use of color is also highlighted, with ActionTrip noting the "colorful art" and ZTGD mentioning the "nice colors" and "pastel-like aesthetic." The surreal papercraft aesthetic mentioned by NZGamer and the combination of 2D and 3D visuals mentioned by Shacknews are also seen as positive aspects of the game's visual design. However, there are a few critics who express some reservations about the graphics and visual design of Oxenfree. DarkStation criticizes the 2D sidescrolling nature of the game, stating that it does not contribute well to the horror atmosphere. games(TM) mentions an emotional disconnect caused by the zoomed-out camera and illogical behavior of the characters. Official Xbox Magazine UK points out that the repetition of certain visual effects diminishes their impact. These criticisms suggest that while the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's visuals, there are some aspects that may not resonate with everyone. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Oxenfree are a strong aspect of the game. The positive comments from reviewers such as Push Square, CGMagazine, and Shacknews highlight the beauty and stunning environments of the game. The use of color, surreal aesthetics, and combination of 2D and 3D visuals are also praised. While there are a few criticisms regarding the 2D sidescrolling nature, emotional disconnect, and repetitive visual effects, these critiques do not overshadow the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design. The majority of critics agree that Oxenfree offers a visually appealing experience that complements the game's atmosphere and storytelling.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Oxenfree's standout sound design and music, with praise for its haunting soundtrack, immersive radio mechanic, and eerie chord arrangements. While some critics mention minor shortcomings, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, applauding the game for its exceptional audio experience that effectively creates unease and enhances storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

92%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Oxenfree, considering it to be a standout aspect of the game. DarkStation commends the "fantastic" music and sound design, stating that the lo-fi, droning music perfectly fits the atmosphere, while the radio mechanic and unique recordings contribute to a sense of immersion. CGMagazine adds that the haunting soundtrack scored by SCNTFC and the "VHS synth-pop" music enhance the overall experience. The sound design is also highly regarded, with ActionTrip mentioning its effectiveness in triggering emotions and sudden anxiety, and Forbes recommending playing the game with headphones for an immersive audio experience. While the positive opinions outweigh the negatives, there are a few critics who mention some shortcomings in the sound design and music of Oxenfree. games(TM) notes that while the game has a moody atmosphere and fantastic voice performances, the script fails to realistically portray the distress of the characters. However, this is a minor criticism compared to the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Oxenfree are exceptional. The soundtrack is frequently described as stunning, haunting, and able to convey a range of emotions. The use of lo-fi, droning music, synth tracks, and eerie chord arrangements adds to the game's atmospheric and creepy tone. The radio mechanic and unique recordings are praised for their immersive qualities. The sound design effectively creates unease, enhances the storytelling, and contributes to the overall sense of dread and loneliness on the island. The positive opinions of critics like Push Square, Shacknews, and Xbox Achievements further support the notion that the sound design and music of Oxenfree are of high quality.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in Oxenfree has garnered high praise from numerous critics for its believable, nuanced, and authentic performances that bring the characters to life. While some critics noted minor shortcomings like stilted dialogue, the majority agreed that the voice acting was excellent and added to the immersive experience of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Oxenfree has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the voice performances for being believable, nuanced, and authentic, with lines delivered in a naturalistic and genuine manner. DarkStation, Push Square, Brash Games, Forbes, Yahoo!, Telegraph, ZTGD, Official Xbox Magazine UK, Slant Magazine, USgamer, VideoGamer, Xbox Achievements, Nintendo Life, and Vooks all highlighted the excellent voice acting in the game. They mentioned that the voice performances helped to bring the characters to life, making them memorable and sincere. The dialogue was also commended for being well-written and capturing the teenage voice admirably, with memorable lines that added to the immersive experience. While the majority of critics praised the voice acting in Oxenfree, there were a few mentions of minor shortcomings. IGN and Metro GameCentral noted that the dialogue could be stilted at times, but both critics acknowledged that the voice acting still helped to bring the characters to life. games(TM) mentioned that while the voice performances were superb, the script did not effectively convey the emotions of the characters. However, these criticisms were minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the voice acting. In conclusion, the voice acting in Oxenfree has been widely praised by critics. The majority of reviewers found the voice performances to be excellent, with many mentioning specific actors such as Erin Yvette and Gavin Hammon as delivering fantastic performances. The dialogue was often described as authentic, genuine, and natural, with memorable lines that enhanced the player's sense of agency in the game. While there were a few minor criticisms regarding stilted dialogue or script shortcomings, these were outweighed by the overall consensus that the voice acting in Oxenfree was very good.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics had mixed opinions on Oxenfree's technical performance across different gaming platforms. Pros: Xbox One version didn't lose progress despite crashes, and Switch version had manageable loading times. Cons: PS4 version had unstable frame rate and slow load times, Xbox One experienced frequent crashes, and PC version had minor issues. Overall, Oxenfree faces technical issues on multiple platforms, with crashing problems on Xbox One being a major concern. Improvement and patches are needed to enhance the player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance, the critics had mixed opinions across different gaming platforms. On the positive side, the Xbox One version of Oxenfree, as mentioned by VideoGamer, did not lose any progress despite experiencing crashes. This is a notable positive aspect as losing progress can be frustrating for players. Additionally, Switch Player mentioned that the loading times in the Switch version were only a little lengthy, indicating that the game runs relatively smoothly on this platform. However, there were several negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the technical performance of Oxenfree. DarkStation, who played the game on PS4, pointed out technical problems such as unstable frame rate and slow load times. The frame rate dropping to around five fps and the need for auto-correction after entering a new zone can significantly impact the gameplay experience. Similarly, ZTGD mentioned that the Xbox One version experienced crashing issues, which can greatly disrupt the overall experience. Xbox Achievements also highlighted the frequent crashes as a major issue in the Xbox One version. Twinfinite, playing on PC, mentioned slight issues like walking in the wrong direction without indication and enemies with motives that are hard to grasp. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Oxenfree suffers from technical issues on multiple gaming platforms. The crashing issues on Xbox One, as mentioned by ZTGD and Xbox Achievements, seem to be a significant concern. DarkStation's critique of the PS4 version's unstable frame rate and slow load times further supports the notion that the technical performance of the game needs improvement. While there were some positives, such as no progress loss in the Xbox One version and relatively manageable loading times on the Switch, the negative aspects outweighed them. It is clear that the technical performance of Oxenfree needs attention and patches to enhance the overall experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Oxenfree for its replay value due to branching paths, varied dialogue choices, and multiple endings that keep players engaged. Well-developed characters and a compelling script also contribute to its replayability. However, some critics criticize the game's short length, lack of multiple save files, and slow pacing as drawbacks to replaying. Overall, Oxenfree offers enough depth and intrigue to warrant multiple playthroughs despite its flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Oxenfree are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's branching paths and varied dialogue choices as factors that provide interesting options for replayability (Game Informer, Brash Games). The ability to explore different choices and routes, as well as view various endings depending on player choices, adds to the game's replay value (CGMagazine, The Escapist). The well-developed characters and script also make players want to experience the story again (Yahoo!, Washington Post). Additionally, the New Game+ feature in Oxenfree allows players to replay the game with a fresh perspective and acknowledges previous choices (GameSpace, Switch Player). However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by critics regarding the replay value of Oxenfree. The game's length is considered a downside by ActionTrip, Twinfinite, and Official Xbox Magazine UK, as it can be completed in a relatively short time. The lack of multiple save files, as mentioned by EGM, may discourage players from fully exploring different paths and choices in subsequent playthroughs. The slow walking and sluggish pacing, as noted by IGN, may also make some players reluctant to replay the game. Overall, the critics agree that Oxenfree offers replay value through its branching narrative paths, varied dialogue choices, and multiple endings. The motivation to replay the game and explore different choices is mentioned by Gamers' Temple and games(TM). The game's ability to change how others think of the main character and the desire to uncover more details are also highlighted (The Escapist, Nintendo Life). However, the game's short length and lack of exploration opportunities are seen as drawbacks by some critics (Twinfinite, Official Xbox Magazine UK). Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus is that Oxenfree provides enough replay value to warrant multiple playthroughs, with its solid narrative, well-developed characters, and intriguing choices (CGMagazine, Yahoo!, Switch Player).

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the critics' opinions on the overall verdict of Oxenfree were largely positive. The game received praise for its engaging and experimental narrative, well-written dialogue, and immersive audio design. Critics such as Push Square, Forbes, and The Escapist commended Oxenfree for its excellent storytelling and memorable experience. The game was described as a superior supernatural thriller with a smart plot and clever ideas by Metro GameCentral. The intriguing story and superb soundtrack were also highlighted by critics like Nintendo Life and Switch Player. These positive aspects of Oxenfree contributed to the majority of critics considering it a very good game. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Some reviewers, such as DarkStation and ActionTrip, felt that the story never quite came together and the graphics and technical issues detracted from the overall experience. The slightly questionable dialogue mechanics and relatively short story were also mentioned as downsides by ActionTrip. Gaming Age found the ending to be disappointing and confusing, while Official Xbox Magazine UK criticized the lack of challenge and underutilized radio mechanic. Despite these criticisms, the strengths of Oxenfree outweighed its weaknesses according to Yahoo! and Slant Magazine. In conclusion, the overall consensus of the critics is that Oxenfree is a highly recommended game with a very good overall verdict. The engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and immersive audio design were praised by multiple critics. The game was described as a memorable experience that stands out as an excellent example of video game storytelling. While there were some criticisms regarding the story, technical issues, and certain gameplay elements, the majority of critics found the strengths of Oxenfree to be compelling and enjoyable. Overall, Oxenfree received positive feedback and is considered a worthwhile game to experience.

TL;DR

Critics largely praised Oxenfree for its engaging narrative, well-written dialogue, and immersive audio design, calling it a superior supernatural thriller with a smart plot. Some critics mentioned drawbacks like story coherence and technical issues, but the game's strengths outweighed its weaknesses, making it a highly recommended and memorable experience in video game storytelling.

MONSTER

Reviews

125 reviews found

100

CGMagazine

Jan 21, 2016