As Dusk Falls: A Gripping Interactive Drama that Redefines Choice in Gaming

As Dusk Falls — a narrative-driven adventure that relies on player choices, launching on Tuesday for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X — is brought to you by the newly established studio Interior Night. Though they are new to the scene, the creators at Interior Night previously contributed to renowned titles like Heavy Rain and Beyond: Two Souls. Anticipation for this release was considerable, and I’m happy to report that it truly meets expectations. The compelling storyline of As Dusk Falls quickly immerses you in a crime narrative reminiscent of Breaking Bad and Fargo. Additionally, with its branching plot, you’ll find yourself returning for the best outcomes for the characters, who, despite less-than-stellar first impressions, will start to resonate with you.

Before we dive deeper, I must admit that I’m not typically a fan of narrative games that hinge on choices. I was also uncertain about the developer’s decision to adopt a graphic novel aesthetic instead of full animation. It took some getting used to, but I’m grateful that I persevered with As Dusk Falls.

The standout element of As Dusk Falls is undoubtedly its narrative, which revolves around the Walker and Holt families whose fates become intertwined in a multi-year saga. The voice acting is superb, and the background music alongside sound design heightens the tension in the situations the characters find themselves in — sometimes as a result of your poor choices.

As Dusk Falls review: the story

The tale of As Dusk Falls primarily unfolds through the eyes of Vince Walker and Jay Holt. Vince, an ex-aircraft mechanic dismissed under mysterious circumstances, embarks on a cross-country journey with his wife Michelle, daughter Zoe, and estranged father Jim, aiming for a fresh start in St. Louis, Missouri. A minor incident en route leads them to stop at a roadside motel in Arizona, where the Holt brothers, including Jay, take the Walker family and a few other bystanders hostage after a botched robbery.

From this moment on, every choice you make will influence the characters’ destinies — relationships might fracture, new partnerships could emerge, or a character might perish. I recommend taking your time with decisions, as the characters may not initially show their true nature. The narrative of As Dusk Falls is non-linear and provides richness to characters by disclosing their drives and daunting situations through flashbacks.

For instance, during my initial playthrough, I allowed a character to die very early, which I later regretted as more information unfolded. These morally complex decisions encourage you to replay the game seeking redemption and to encounter an entirely different narrative pathway.

As Dusk Falls review: gameplay

As Dusk Falls prompts players to make choices swiftly before a timer expires. However, you can extend the timer if you prefer to deliberate longer on these crucial decisions. The game also alerts you when you reach a “Crossroad,” a pivotal moment in the story with irrevocable effects. Additionally, quick-time events are dispersed throughout to maintain engagement, though often they involve mundane tasks like fixing an air conditioner or cutting a piece of wood.

The game is segmented into six chapters, each lasting over an hour. At the conclusion of every chapter, a story map reveals your journey with placeholders showcasing other potential outcomes. This feature greatly assists in planning your subsequent playthrough—whether you restart from the beginning or just replay a chapter.

The introduction of a co-op mode enhances the replay value of As Dusk Falls, accommodating up to eight players locally, online, or in a hybrid format. Players can also download a companion app on their smartphones to participate. This can be an ideal way to engage both gamers and non-gamers alike in a fun session, debating and voting on choices.

As Dusk Falls review: graphics, sound design

Interior Night has opted for a watercolor-inspired aesthetic for the world and characters of As Dusk Falls, complementing the graphic novel style. Initially, it took some adjustment, but persistence pays off with a remarkable experience, enriched by outstanding sound design and an enthralling background score.

The voice acting is also of high quality in As Dusk Falls, with dialogues flowing seamlessly despite the pauses for decision-making. However, one drawback was that the voice actor for young Zoe did not quite fit the character, disrupting immersion at times.

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As Dusk Falls review: final verdict

In summary, this is an impressive debut for Interior Night, showcasing a gripping narrative with a branching plot and thought-provoking choices. The ethical dilemmas keep you engaged, as the destinies of the characters rely on your actions. Coupled with the watercolor art and the excellent voice acting and sound production, the world of As Dusk Falls and its characters come alive.

The addition of a co-op mode and the “Explore Story” feature significantly boosts its replay potential. Despite a playtime of six to seven hours, As Dusk Falls is a worthy addition to your gaming collection, as you can always return to unveil fresh story paths you missed previously.

Pros:

• Exceptional voice acting and sound design
• Compelling storyline and characters
• Thought-provoking decisions
• Local and online multiplayer
• Engaging storytelling
• Strong replayability

Cons:

• Monotonous quick-time events
• Art style may not appeal to everyone

Rating (out of 10): 8

We played As Dusk Falls on a PC featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7GHz, AMD RX570 8GB, and 8GB RAM.

On PC, As Dusk Falls is available for purchase on Steam for Rs. 1,999. It can also be found on the Microsoft Store for Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X at the same price.

As Dusk Falls is also available through Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, with the regular subscription starting at Rs. 349 per month on consoles and PC. The Ultimate subscription, which includes online multiplayer and additional features, costs Rs. 499 per month.