The Path Review

The Path is a very unique non-traditional adventure game, and an experience that I can’t say I’ve ever had before. There’s no clear direction on what you’re supposed to do, and stranger yet: if you follow what little direction you’re given, you will fail. Simply calling this game weird would be a giant understatement, but it’s not without its merits.

The story seems simple enough; you chose from one of 6 sisters to play, and then you’re sent to your grandmother’s house to deliver a basket. This is, essentially, a modern take on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. However, things aren’t quite as simple as that. I’d go into more detail, but this is something that’s best experienced first hand.

The first lesson I learned when playing The Path is to disregard whatever conceptions I had regarding what a game should be. I simply went along with the game and explored its world. What I found was a place that’s unlike any other that I’ve seen. It’s creepy, weird, stylized and at times even beautiful. The atmosphere of the game is by far its strongest suit. I enjoyed exploring the creepy forest and finding different events that can be triggered. There didn’t seem to be a point to the majority of the events that transpired, but I felt compelled to keep going, to see what else was out there. The music is also very well done and adds to the creepy atmosphere.

Even though I played the game in its entirety, I still can’t quite say that I understand it. The game is so abstract that I wonder if the developers’ intention was to just let people experience it. I can’t say that The Path was fun, but it was definitely interesting and I don’t regret spending my $10.

The Path is not for everyone. If you go into the game expecting a traditional video game, with clear cut instructions on what needs to be done, you will be disappointed. But, if you’re willing to experience something unique, something where you will be unsure if you’re playing the game right, even after playing it for hours, you’ll be rewarded with an experience unlike any other, something that is more like a work of art than a game. And in the end, you will be left wondering: “What the hell happened?” for days after you’re finished playing.