You can play Oxenfree on your mobile device, and the current mission is all about keeping those pesky kids from causing trouble. Oxenfree has always been at the top of my list of favorite games. It captivated me with its engaging mixture of natural, witty dialogue and a storyline that feels like a spooky podcast. The game spins an intriguing tale where radio signals are bizarre, ghostly apparitions are not uncommon, and the concepts of time and space seem slightly off-kilter. All this is seen through the eyes of sharp-tongued teenagers spending one last adventure together before college starts. I couldn’t recommend it enough to everyone around me.
Fast forward to 2023, and a sequel hits the scene. Oddly enough, I didn’t jump on it immediately. Maybe I was worried it couldn’t recapture the magic of its predecessor, a game that had been perfect for me in every sense. Plus, the developer Night School’s previous release, Afterparty in 2019, just didn’t resonate with me. But putting aside my hesitation, I found myself craving a strong narrative during a quick holiday getaway. With just my Android tablet in tow, I remembered Oxenfree II was available through my Netflix subscription. And you know what? It’s fantastic! Truly a great experience! Sure, it stumbles here and there, with parts of the story feeling a little disjointed—likely due to some choices I made in the game, such as why the two main characters keep clashing with the teenage character Olivia. Nevertheless, it once again dazzles with impressive vocal performances and an intriguing, if not wholly believable, storyline about magical radios. As I near the finale, I’m eagerly anticipating how everything ties up. — John Walker
