A Wolf in Autumn
- October 26, 2015
- David Szymanski
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Get on itch.io Store"A Wolf in Autumn" is a psychological horror game with a focus on narrative and atmosphere over jump scares. Players control a young girl lost in an autumn forest, trying to escape sinister forces while solving puzzles using real-world logic. The game features voice acting by Julie Hoverson and draws inspiration from works like 'The Sound and The Fury' and 'Silent Hill 2.'
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a compelling story that explores dark themes of family and trauma.
- The visuals are striking and create a haunting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
- The puzzles are logical and provide multiple solutions, encouraging exploration and critical thinking.
- The game is very short, typically taking only about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, which may leave some players wanting more.
- The lack of an inventory system, where players can only carry one item at a time, can lead to frustration during gameplay.
- Some players found the writing and dialogue to be poorly crafted, with issues in grammar and punctuation that detracted from the narrative.
- story410 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story of "A Wolf in Autumn" is a short, unsettling narrative that explores complex themes such as trauma and the mother-daughter relationship, often leaving players with a sense of ambiguity and emotional impact. While some find the storytelling compelling and atmospheric, others criticize it for being vague, poorly written, or lacking depth, suggesting that it may have been better suited as a traditional narrative rather than an interactive experience. Overall, the game is noted for its haunting atmosphere and intriguing premise, though opinions on its execution vary widely.
“Another of David Szymanski's works with a great art style, characters, and a very impactful story and message told through your adventure in another of his dark but captivating worlds.”
“The story is told brilliantly through terrifying voice messages left by the mother, and through the daughter's inner monologues.”
“I found myself drawn to this game with its stunning visuals and stayed for the gut-wrenching storyline and intensity that shook me.”
“I was just starting to get invested in the game when it ended and left feeling unsatisfied... so a little thin and confusing on the story.”
“The story really didn’t make too much sense; a lot of games try to use a lack of information to make the game seem deep or dark, and this game just spent a whole lot of time saying nothing.”
“This game is essentially like playing nothing; the puzzles are easy, the story doesn’t really exist, nothing at all stands out, I feel like I have wasted an hour doing nothing.”
- graphics162 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the unique art style and vibrant colors that create a surreal atmosphere, while others find the visuals harsh and difficult to look at, often causing discomfort. Many reviewers note that the graphics, though not technically advanced, contribute to the game's psychological horror elements, but the oversaturation and high contrast can be off-putting for some. Overall, while the visuals are intriguing and add to the narrative experience, they may not appeal to everyone due to their unconventional presentation.
“Another of David Szymanski's works with a great art style, characters, and a very impactful story and message told through your adventure in another of his dark but captivating worlds.”
“The visuals were stellar, the setting, and unique story/atmosphere made this indie horror game easily stand out.”
“A really interesting game with stunning visuals, that really creates a weird environment for the game with such a deep and depressing story, bringing out the contrast of both happy and sad.”
“The graphics hurt my eyes a little.”
“You can do low poly or simple visuals well, and this game just doesn't.”
“The graphics are intentionally bad; it seems to suggest that the little girl (the protagonist) is partially blind?”
- gameplay122 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "A Wolf in Autumn" is primarily puzzle-based, featuring simple mechanics that involve exploring environments and solving straightforward puzzles, often described as lacking depth and clarity. While some players appreciated the atmospheric elements and narrative integration, many found the gameplay to be rudimentary, confusing, and at times frustrating due to clunky controls and a lack of explanation for mechanics. Overall, the game is seen as more of a walking simulator with minimal interactive challenges, appealing primarily to those who prioritize story and atmosphere over gameplay complexity.
“Wonderful story with engaging enviro-interactive gameplay.”
“The gameplay itself is decent; you'll have to explore around to find tools and then use the right one on the right object: sometimes the solution might be less straightforward than it first seems and a couple of objects/levers might require you to think a bit.”
“Beyond amazing, gameplay is good and the sound effects are amazing and add a lot to the game.”
“The gameplay is nothing special; A Wolf in Autumn is mostly a puzzle game where you walk around your environments and solve very simplistic puzzles.”
“Unfortunately, I felt it hurt the gameplay too much, as you could easily miss important stuff, and playing with the flashlight to see things around you wasn't so comfortable.”
“However, a total lack of explanation regarding the game's mechanics and simplistic controls can make for painfully obtuse puzzles, stalling the narrative instead of enhancing it.”
- atmosphere116 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its chilling and immersive qualities, enhanced by excellent voice acting and sound design that create a sense of unease and tension. While the art style has received mixed reviews, with some finding it visually challenging, the overall ambiance is described as beautifully haunting and effectively creepy, drawing players into its dark narrative. Despite some gameplay clunkiness, the game's ability to evoke a strong emotional response through its atmospheric elements stands out as a significant strength.
“Beautiful and terrifying atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere here is chilling and deeply saddening at the same time.”
“This game nails the creepy atmosphere, and doesn't require jump scares or blood and gore to do so.”
“Note though that the interfaces/hit boxes for interactions can be more than a little finicky, which absolutely detracts from the atmosphere, jolting you out of the narrative flow as you try to adjust the camera angle to allow you to successfully interact with an object to solve a puzzle/further the plot.”
“All oppressive atmosphere and nothing else.”
“The game is grim, the atmosphere is dark.”
- music106 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in "A Wolf in Autumn" is generally praised for its atmospheric quality, enhancing the game's eerie and unsettling ambiance, although some reviewers noted it is less prominent compared to the developer's previous title, "The Music Machine." While the soundtrack is described as beautiful and well-placed, contributing to emotional and tense moments, opinions vary on its overall impact, with some feeling it doesn't quite reach the heights of earlier works. Overall, the sound design is considered excellent, effectively supporting the game's horror elements.
“I especially really liked the soundtrack, it's beautiful and helps elevate certain sequences of the game, especially the more emotional beats.”
“The music is equally well-made and punctuates the game with well-placed menacing tracks.”
“The overall art design of the game is stunning and really adds to the haunting atmosphere David Szymanski was trying to create; however, what really makes the atmosphere, in my opinion, is the music and subtle sound effects that make you doubt yourself and have a quick look around your area to make sure you are still alone.”
“Sound track: 2/10”
“The music machine had this problem as well, but it was redeemed by its great visual direction and stylish flair; A Wolf in Autumn doesn't have this.”
“The music in this game is less present than in the music machine, but it does sound good, and the ambient sounds are well placed.”
- emotional24 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game elicits strong emotional responses, with players reporting feelings of deep sadness and a desire for connection, particularly with maternal figures. The haunting soundtrack and exceptional voice acting enhance the emotional weight of the narrative, which tackles difficult themes and creates a sense of discomfort and protectiveness towards the protagonist. Overall, it is described as a short yet impactful experience that resonates on a personal level, often leaving players emotionally drained.
“I especially really liked the soundtrack; it's beautiful and helps elevate certain sequences of the game, especially the more emotional beats.”
“It's a short horror puzzler, and I won't spoil what it's actually about, but it touches on an emotionally difficult topic it uses successfully to make the player feel increasingly uncomfortable and protective as the nature of the threat to the little girl you play as becomes more and more apparent.”
“The voice of the mother is done phenomenally by Julie Hoverson, who presents every frustration, every emotional high or low with a stellar performance.”
- stability10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The game's stability is inconsistent, with several users reporting significant glitches that hinder progression, particularly towards the end. While some players experienced smooth gameplay and enjoyed the overall aesthetic, others faced frustrating issues that led to refunds. Overall, the stability appears to be a mixed bag, with notable glitches detracting from the experience for many.
“No glitches, good progression, somewhat confusing (thought-provoking) ending, I enjoyed it.”
“Six minutes in, and my eyes are nearly bleeding from the head-bob, and then, near the end of the game (the basement), there were two different glitches that prevented progression.”
“Not gonna start a third game to see if it glitches again, so I have no idea how the game ends, and I am refunding it.”
“However, the game glitches a decent amount.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The game has been criticized for its lack of replayability, with many users noting that it offers no alternative paths or choices that would encourage multiple playthroughs. Despite being enjoyable and reasonably priced, its short duration (approximately 45 minutes) and absence of varied outcomes leave players feeling disappointed in its replay value.
“It has zero replay value; there are no 'what if I chose differently' paths.”
“It's fun and quite interesting, but it has no replay value, which is a bit disappointing.”
“It's quite simple, short as the store page says (beaten in 45 minutes), basically no replay value.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, with some expressing frustration over mechanics that limit multitasking, such as only being able to use one hand. This has led to a sense of monotony that detracts from the overall experience.
“Life is a grinding machine indeed.”
“I feel like playing the music machine for the 3rd time just to rinse this tedious experience from my brain.”
“The gimmick of only having one hand so you can't even hold a flashlight and open a door at the same time got kinda tedious.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has seen notable improvements, particularly in graphics, which now look nicer and run smoothly. Additionally, the voice acting, especially by Julie Hoverson, enhances the overall experience without feeling excessive.
“Graphics have improved since last time, although I'm not very picky with these things as long as it looks nice and runs smoothly.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is derived from a mix of intentional comedic elements and unintentional absurdities, with players finding laughter in both clever literary devices and the game's shortcomings. Many users report moments of unexpected hilarity, particularly when encountering spooky situations that provoke an exaggerated response. Overall, the humor is a blend of self-aware commentary and genuine amusement at the game's quirks.
“Common literary devices had me laughing while reading sentence-long paragraphs.”
“I find it hilarious when I get spooked by something I shouldn't have in the game (it was really embarrassing when I got scared by the lights seemingly lining up to look like eyes in the bush. I have an odd feeling those were placed like that on purpose. Coincidence? I think not).”
“This game is so bad, it made me burst out laughing so hard.”
