Werewolves: Haven Rising
- July 26, 2018
- Choice of Games
- 18h median play time
Get on SteamIn "Werewolves: Haven Rising," a 285,000-word interactive novel, you are a werewolf living in a government internment camp. When you're chosen for a dangerous mission, you must navigate the tensions between the military and werewolf radicals. As you explore an urban jungle, your actions will determine the fate of your pack. This text-based game lets your choices control the story without graphics or sound effects.
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Reviews
- The game features a compelling and immersive story that explores themes of struggle and resistance against oppression, particularly through the lens of werewolves.
- Players have a high degree of customization and choice, allowing for multiple paths and endings, which enhances replayability.
- The writing is generally well-crafted, with engaging characters and a unique setting that combines modern technology with werewolf lore.
- The stat system can be overly complex and may lead to frustration, as players must align their choices with their character's skills to succeed.
- Some players found the plot to be confusing or lacking logical flow, particularly towards the end, which left them unsatisfied with the conclusion.
- There are criticisms regarding the portrayal of certain themes, with some feeling that the game leans too heavily into political correctness, detracting from the player's experience.
- story108 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its inspiring themes of struggle and resistance, with well-crafted writing that captivates players, especially in the early stages. While the narrative offers depth and meaningful choices that impact the outcome, some players noted a chaotic finale and a lack of resolution, suggesting that multiple playthroughs are necessary to fully appreciate the story's layers. Overall, it is considered a solid and engaging experience, despite some inconsistencies in plot execution.
“But the well-written story quickly drew me in, and it showed a complexity and depth I hadn't been expecting.”
“The story also has layers of mysteries and hidden agendas that can be discovered.”
“Filled with plot twists that cause feelings of genuine horror and sympathy for the plight of the haven werewolves, populated by believable and well-rounded NPCs that have consistent behavior and motivations, and a vividly detailed, crumbling world, 'Werewolves: Haven Rising' is, in a word, riveting.”
“The writing, especially in the first half of the game, is very well-done, but towards the finale both the plot and the writing get more chaotic and 'lost in the action'.”
“I would say that this game is not entirely bad but the plot sometimes goes beyond what I am able to understand.”
“To be honest, the story was not what I expected.”
- character development6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development is generally well-received, with consistent writing that effectively conveys the traits of the werewolves. However, some reviewers feel that deeper development of the main characters and their relationships, particularly in the context of romance, could enhance the overall experience in future installments.
“The writing is good, and the character development is consistent. You soon pick up on the characteristics of the werewolves as you read.”
“I think more character development between the main character and the others, as well as between the main character and the romantic interest, would make the second book even better.”
“While it may not have the best character development or romance, I still enjoyed my time with the game.”
“I think more character development between the main character and the other characters, especially Rage and the romantic interest, would make the second book even better.”
“The lack of depth in character development really detracts from the overall experience of the game.”
“I felt that the characters were one-dimensional and lacked meaningful growth throughout the story.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional depth of the game compelling, as choices significantly impact character relationships and narrative outcomes, fostering a sense of agency and investment in the story. However, some critiques suggest that the game's emotional tone may lean too heavily into political correctness, which could detract from the overall experience for certain players. Overall, those willing to engage with the narrative are likely to find it rewarding.
“Things weren't too predictable either. When I did something right or was commended by a character I cared about, the dialogue made me feel I earned their agreement through my choices. When I fell short, it reaffirmed the feeling that I wasn't just some 'chosen one', but that I was actively making choices that got me to where I did in the story.”
“I can strongly recommend this game to anyone who has an evening to kill and is willing to get emotionally invested in the story the game is presenting you.”
“The emotional depth of the characters and the choices you make really draw you in, making every decision feel significant and impactful.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Gameplay is engaging and encourages players to focus on their strengths, particularly in terms of stats. After several hours of play, users find the experience interesting and enjoyable.
“After five hours of gameplay, I can say that it's interesting.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed feedback, with some players feeling overwhelmed by the text-heavy presentation that resembles a novel, which can be visually taxing. However, the graphic descriptions of certain scenes, particularly involving intense emotional moments, are noted for their vividness and impact. Overall, the lack of traditional visuals may detract from the experience for some, while others appreciate the depth of the graphic storytelling.
“At first, I was put off by the lack of visuals, and it felt like a novel that was altered slightly via my choices. Looking at a normal screen full of words was overwhelming and hurt my eyes sometimes.”
“The state of the corpse is graphically described, and at its end, my companion gets weak-kneed and says, 'I can no longer feel detached' as I struggle to keep up the facade of keeping it together.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find humor in unexpected game mechanics, such as the ability to save after defeat, leading to amusing outcomes like winning a fight upon reloading. This element of surprise adds a lighthearted touch to the gameplay experience.
“In the end of my first playthrough, I got killed and could still save the game. I was curious how that would proceed with part 2. It was quite funny that after reloading my save, I actually won that fight and our enemy was killed instead.”
