If On A Winter's Night, Four Travelers
- September 21, 2021
- Laura Hunt
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIn "If on a Winter's Night, Four Travelers" , players explore a masked ball on a train in the 1920s through the perspectives of four distinct characters. Carlo, in Rome, awaits his lover Patrick amidst rising fascism; Lady Winterbourne, grieving her husband's death, is plagued by fortune hunters; and Dr. Jordan Samuels dabbles in the occult to overcome his tormentors. Each character's story is filled with tension and dark themes, creating a rich, narrative-driven point-and-click adventure.
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Reviews
- Beautifully crafted interactive story with exquisite pixel art and poetic storytelling.
- Compelling characters and emotional narratives that resonate deeply with players.
- The game offers a unique and artistic experience, making it hard to believe it's free.
- The game may not be suitable for players who are feeling very unhappy due to its poignant themes.
- Some players found the ending to be a bit silly compared to the overall quality of the game.
- The music may not be entirely original, which could be a drawback for some players.
- story26 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game features a beautifully crafted interactive story that combines poetic storytelling with artistic pixel art, creating a haunting and melancholic atmosphere. It effectively explores deep themes, such as dementia, through relatable and tangible character experiences, while focusing on narrative over puzzles. Overall, players appreciate the well-written, emotional storytelling complemented by atmospheric sound design and visuals.
“Beautifully crafted interactive story.”
“A beautiful and haunting story.”
“Phenomenal short point-and-click story game with some good little puzzles, really well-written, with beautiful pixel art.”
“The third story felt a bit lacking, but by that time, it didn't bother me.”
“With a traditional point and click design, it moves away from puzzles (except for very light ones) to focus on the story it is telling.”
“Their problems felt very real, common, and tangible to me, unlike in a horror story where the problem usually comes from a supernatural or unbelievable source.”
- music16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its captivating and atmospheric qualities, with many players expressing a desire to purchase the soundtrack. While some tracks may be freely available, the blend of classic and original compositions enhances the emotional depth of the gameplay, contributing significantly to the overall experience. The soundtrack, alongside the game's writing and sound design, is highlighted as a standout feature that elevates it within the adventure genre.
“Finally, I was blown away by the soundtrack.”
“A pixelated delight where atmospheric settings, captivating music, and brilliant writing make up an absolute gem of the adventure genre.”
“On its surface, if on a winter's night... is a mysterious and moody point-and-click adventure game, but at its heart lies an intense emotional experience, conveyed by mood, music, and narrative.”
“I'm guessing, however, that most if not all of the music used in this game must be freely available.”
“On its surface, if on a winter's night... is a mysterious and moody point-and-click adventure game, but at its heart lies an intense emotional experience, conveyed by mood, music and narrative.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its pixelated visuals, captivating music, and strong writing, creating an immersive experience that appeals to players who appreciate depth in storytelling. The sound design and a blend of classic and original music enhance the spooky ambiance, making it a standout in the adventure genre. Overall, the game is recommended for those who enjoy a rich and atmospheric gaming experience.
“A pixelated delight where atmospheric settings, captivating music, and brilliant writing make up an absolute gem of the adventure genre.”
“[i]if on a winter's night[/i] is for patient gamers who like to soak up great atmosphere and story.”
“It is helped along by atmospheric sound design and a mix of well-placed classic and original music, as well as the non-obvious story and a few light puzzles.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's pixelized aesthetic enhances the overall experience, allowing players to envision characters more vividly. Reviewers praise the beautiful visuals and commend the combination of stunning graphics with engaging gameplay and strong writing.
“The pixelated aesthetic added a lot to the game: it makes it easier to imagine each character the way you'd envision them.”
“Beautiful visuals, astounding gameplay, perfectly written.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game "If on a winter's night..." is praised for its deep emotional resonance, with relatable character conflicts and a rich narrative that evokes strong feelings. Its atmospheric design, enhanced by mood and music, creates an intense emotional experience that transcends its mysterious surface.
“Each of the characters (including Laylah, the fourth 'traveller,' the one who's asking about the stories instead of telling her own) have emotional conflicts I can relate to.”
“On its surface, If on a Winter's Night... is a mysterious and moody point-and-click adventure game, but at its heart lies an intense emotional experience, conveyed by mood, music, and narrative.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers consistently highlight the gameplay as astounding, complemented by beautiful visuals and strong writing, creating an engaging and immersive experience.
“Beautiful visuals, astounding gameplay, perfectly written.”
“Beautiful visuals, astounding gameplay, perfectly written.”
