Available on mobile devices, Oxenfree remains one of those games that has left a lasting impression on me. Its blend of realistic, conversational dialogue and a storyline that feels like a supernatural podcast kept me completely engrossed. It unfolds from the perspective of witty teens dealing with bizarre radio signals, eerie ghost sightings, and some quirky phenomena involving time and space—all on one final adventure before they head off to college. I found myself unable to recommend it enough to friends.
Fast forward to 2023, and the sequel made its debut. Surprisingly, I delayed playing it. Part of me feared it wouldn’t capture the magic of the first game, which felt perfect. Additionally, Night School Studio’s previous venture, Afterparty, released in 2019, hadn’t resonated with me either. But I eventually decided to give it a shot, spurred by a craving for a strong narrative during a short holiday getaway, my Android tablet being the only gaming tool I’d packed. Fortunately, Oxenfree II is part of a Netflix subscription—so I dove in.
And guess what? It’s fantastic! While it does stumble with a few more missteps than its predecessor, especially some story elements that feel disjointed (potentially due to the choices I made—why Olivia, the teenage character, seems so antagonized, isn’t clearly explained), it once again shines with its outstanding vocal performances and a captivating, if slightly implausible, storyline. Radios typically don’t operate that way, but it serves the narrative brilliantly. Now approaching the finale, I’m on the edge of my seat, eager to see how it all concludes. — John Walker
