As Dusk Falls Review: Is It Worth Playing?

As Dusk Falls is absolutely worth buying for fans of narrative-driven, choice-based games. Its strengths lie in a gripping, multi-generational story with exceptional writing and meaningful consequences that lead to vastly different endings. The unique art style is a bold and effective choice. While light on traditional 'gameplay,' it's a premium interactive novel experience. If you value story over action and enjoy titles like Telltale's catalog, this is a must-play, especially with its co-op features adding great replay value.

A single playthrough of As Dusk Falls takes approximately 6 to 8 hours. However, the game is built for multiple replays. Your choices drastically alter the story's path and conclusion, with the game tracking a 'story web' that reveals all possible narrative branches. To experience every major storyline variant and unlock all endings, you can expect to spend 15-20 hours or more. The relatively short runtime per playthrough encourages experimenting with different decisions.

Yes, As Dusk Falls features innovative multiplayer options. You can play locally or online with up to 8 players simultaneously. During key decisions, every player votes on the choice using their smartphone or controller, and the game follows the majority vote. This creates a fantastic social experience, debating moral dilemmas and witnessing the collective story unfold. There's also a dedicated 'Group Play' mode and a companion app to streamline the process, making it an excellent party game for story lovers.

As Dusk Falls was initially released on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam and Microsoft Store). It is available day one on Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, offering exceptional value for subscribers. As of now, there are no announced plans for PlayStation or Nintendo Switch ports. The game is developed by Interior/Night and published by Xbox Game Studios, making its permanent home on Xbox and PC ecosystems likely.

As Dusk Falls shares DNA with Telltale games in its choice-driven, narrative-focused design but carves its own path. It's more grounded and cinematic, focusing on realistic family drama rather than fantasy or horror. The branching is far more extensive, with a complex 'story web' showing tangible consequences. Its unique painted art style and multi-player voting system are significant differentiators. While Telltale games often feel like playing a TV season, As Dusk Falls feels like directing a tense, decades-spanning miniseries where control is genuinely shared.