If you’re into mobile games, here’s one to add to your list. You might not expect those mischievous kids to grab your attention, but they certainly do. Oxenfree has always held a special place in my heart. The game seamlessly blends engaging, lifelike dialogues with a chilling storyline reminiscent of your favorite spooky podcast. It entices with its strange radio signals, eerie ghost sightings, and the bizarre twists of time and space—all seen through the eyes of witty teenagers on their last adventure before college. I couldn’t stop recommending it to everyone I knew.
Fast forward to 2023, and a sequel emerged. Surprisingly, I steered clear. Perhaps out of fear that it wouldn’t recapture that pristine moment the original offered. My reluctance was also fueled by Night School Studio’s follow-up, “Afterparty” in 2019, which didn’t quite resonate with me. However, during a recent holiday, I rekindled my interest, itching for a strong narrative while limited to my Android tablet. Remembering Oxenfree II was available via my Netflix subscription, I dove in. And wow, it didn’t disappoint! It’s fantastic, truly.
The sequel has its flaws—certain story elements didn’t quite gel, maybe due to my choices in the game. There’s this puzzling tension between the main characters and a teen named Olivia that was never fully explained. But once again, the game shines through its exceptional voice acting and a captivating (albeit somewhat unrealistic—who knew radios could do that?) storyline. I’m nearing the end and can’t wait to see how everything ties together. — John Walker
