Norse mythology is messed up
I knew I was in over my head with Through the Woods the very second I started the demo. The moment I put those headphones on, the loud world of PAX disappeared and was replaced with the unsettling ambiance of a dark forest. That strong atmosphere is one of Through The Woods‘ strongest weapons and had me on edge for the duration of my short demo.
Atmosphere may be a powerful part of Woods, but the true experience is crafted by its story. In the game, players follow a mother as she attempts to track down her missing son who she says was kidnapped by a being known as Old Erik. Old Erik is only one of many creatures from Norse mythology that roam the forest, and none of them are too happy to have an intruder in their domain.
Conversations between the mother and her doctor drive the greater plot. The events of Through the Woods happened long ago; the players are simply helping the mother with her retelling of the tale. The demo begins with the mother alone in the dark woods with only a flashlight to guide her way. Branches crunch beneath her feet as she slowly makes her way through the environment. From time to time, an object in the distance catches the light of the flashlight. These objects, the mother explains to the doctor, are reflectors her son often collected. Reflectors sometimes trigger a short conversation between the mother and the doctor, but more often than not simply serve as a welcome reminder that you’re on the right path.
Eventually the forest directs her toward an isolated cluster of cabins. As she tries to open each door, she calls her son’s name into the night. After finding every door locked, the door farthest from her creaks open and the soft sound of a woman’s singing beckons her toward the cabin. I was somehow still surprised when the door then slammed shut behind her. The sound something loudly drooling and shuffling nearby filled my ears and it was then I became well acquainted with the run button.
The game bills itself as psychological horror and it isn’t hard to see why. Through the Woods uses a finessed merging of sound, design, and narrative to craft an experience that is equal parts intriguing and terrifying. I can’t wait to give Woods another shot when it releases next year, but chances are I’ll be playing with the lights on.
