As Dusk Falls Review

As Dusk Falls, a 2022 interactive drama from INTERIOR/NIGHT, finally landed on PlayStation consoles in March 2024. Created by the lead designer behind titles like Heavy Rain, As Dusk Falls promises a sprawling narrative that stretches over decades, shaped by your choices. Originally an Xbox exclusive, the game has garnered critical acclaim for its emotional storytelling, but how does it fare on the PlayStation platform?

The story unfolds amidst the unforgiving deserts of the American Southwest. The year is 1998, and a botched robbery at a dusty Arizona motel throws the lives of two families, the Walkers, and the Holts, onto a collision course that will forever alter their destinies. The Walkers, a family on the verge of collapse, are desperately trying to make a fresh start in a new state. The Holts, a family burdened by crippling debt and a reputation for trouble, are simply trying to survive. This fateful encounter sets in motion a chain of events that will ripple through the next thirty years, testing the bonds of family, loyalty, and resilience.

As Dusk Falls shines brightest in its narrative. The story unfolds not in a linear fashion, but through a series of interwoven vignettes that jump between time periods. We see the immediate aftermath of the motel incident, the fallout that strains relationships and scars psyches, and how these characters cope with the choices they made in the heat of the moment. Over the decades, we witness the Walkers grapple with the trauma of the event, the fractured relationship between father and son, and the mother’s fierce determination to hold the family together. We see the Holts struggle with the consequences of their actions, the descent into violence, and the things done to protect their own.

The narrative masterfully explores complex themes. The weight of the past hangs heavy over the characters, shaping their decisions and influencing their actions. The story delves into the ripple effects of violence, showcasing how a single event can devastate lives far beyond those directly involved. It also explores the power of redemption and forgiveness, as characters grapple with their mistakes and seek to rebuild their shattered lives.

The characters in As Dusk Falls are the heart and soul of the story. Each one is meticulously crafted, with their unique personalities, flaws, and motivations. We see the world through their eyes, feeling their fear, desperation, and hope. The characters feel authentic and relatable. The voice acting elevates the script to even greater heights. Each performance is superb, capturing the essence of the character. The voice acting breathes life into characters, making you deeply invested in their fates and the choices they make. However, the gameplay fails to live up to the brilliance of the story.

As Dusk Falls falls under the category of interactive dramas, meaning players have the power to make choices that influence the narrative. But these choices often boil down to binary options with little room for nuance. While some decisions have significant consequences that alter the course of the story, dramatically affecting character relationships and even leading to their deaths, others feel inconsequential. You might choose to have a character confront their past or keep it buried, but the overall impact on the narrative can feel minimal. This inconsistency can leave you questioning if your choices truly matter in the grand scheme of things.

The gameplay itself is fairly static. You spend the majority of your time watching scenes unfold, with occasional prompts to make a decision or select an item from a limited list. This can feel quite passive at times, especially compared to more intricate branching narrative games that offer a wider range of player interaction. Imagine flipping through a graphic novel where you can occasionally nudge the characters in a certain direction, but for the most part, you’re simply along for the ride.

However, there are moments where the gameplay shines. Quick Time Events (QTEs) occasionally pop up during tense situations, adding a layer of urgency and forcing you to react quickly. Completing a QTE can have a significant impact on the outcome of a scene, making these moments particularly heart-pounding. Additionally, the game incorporates exploration elements at specific points. You can examine objects within a scene, uncovering hidden details or clues that can provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. While these exploration segments are brief, they offer a welcome change of pace from the passive scene-watching and add a touch of light puzzle-solving to the experience.

As Dusk Falls is best suited for players who prioritize narrative and character development over intricate gameplay mechanics. If you’re looking for an emotionally engaging story that will stay with you long after you finish, As Dusk Falls is worth checking out. Just be prepared for a more passive gameplay experience, akin to watching a well-acted play unfold before you.

The review code was provided by the publisher