Big Walk, the latest offering from Untitled Goose Game developer House House, aims to foster relaxed multiplayer hangouts through gentle puzzles that emphasize close communication. The game, which launches August 4 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and PC, was reviewed on PC using a prerelease download code.
Players step into a world that, despite its open-world design with naturalistic environments dotted by brightly colored, playground-like structures, is surprisingly intimate. The visual contrast aids in navigation, allowing players to establish landmarks even if separated. While the in-game proximity chat has a limited range, the game encourages non-verbal communication through gestures like arm flailing and jumping, serving as a core mechanic for reconvening or signaling distress.
Navigating Gentle Puzzles
The gameplay loop revolves around solving a variety of puzzles that consistently test the bonds and communication between players. Early challenges include using cooperative actions, such as picking up one player to reach high switches, or describing symbols visible only to one player to others who must then place corresponding cards in the correct order. Other puzzles involve physically moving heavy objects together or sinking shots into a basketball hoop to progress. These varied tasks feel akin to navigating a large escape room, where the process of discussing and executing solutions is as engaging as the solutions themselves.
Tools for Collaboration
Throughout their journey, players will encounter numerous gadgets and tools reminiscent of camping or hiking equipment. These include flashlights, radios with soothing music, megaphones, and walkie-talkies, all designed to aid in navigation and communication. Some tools have obvious purposes, like maps and compasses for not getting lost, while others, like a laser pointer, have uses that are not immediately apparent but prove crucial in later challenges. The game's inventory system can feel crowded, as players have limited hands to carry these items.
Unexpected Challenges and Bonds
Nights in Big Walk can be disorienting, with characters easily getting stuck on rocks and lights from companions fading into the distance. This vulnerability, coupled with the limited communication range, can create moments of fear and reliance on friends to notice when one player is falling behind. The game also introduces unexpected events, such as a player's headset dying, leading to their temporary or permanent removal from the session, prompting humorous reactions from their companions.
A Cycle of Discovery
Each play session typically begins near a central map and tutorial area, allowing players to plan their objectives. However, distractions from new discoveries often derail these plans. The core gameplay loop involves collecting "babies" by solving puzzles, using these babies to acquire keys, and subsequently unlocking new pathways and faster traversal methods across the island, including underground tunnel systems and ski lifts. This progression system creates a strong loop that consistently leads players from one activity to the next. However, navigating the darker, more ominous tunnels can lead to unsettling encounters.
Communication Redefined
A pivotal puzzle involves a glass partition separating players, forcing them to communicate symbols across the divide. While initially challenging, the discovery that a laser pointer can be used to clearly indicate symbols highlights the game's emphasis on creative problem-solving. This instance underscores how players can adapt and find novel solutions using the available tools. The shared experience of overcoming such obstacles, and the gestures of support like friends surprising a player with multiple laser pointers, foster a sense of deep camaraderie.
Big Walk’s puzzles, while offering fresh ideas, maintain a sense of familiarity, ensuring that players remain engaged and eager to discover new structures on the horizon. The game's ability to create serene moments amidst its challenges, while players joke and discuss their favorite puzzles, speaks to its success in fostering a positive social environment. The narrative culminates in a satisfying conclusion, leaving players with a desire to replay the game with different groups to see how their unique communication styles and tool usage impact the experience. The game's core design intentionally tests player bonds over intellect, creating an experience that is as much about trust falls and communication exercises as it is about gameplay. Ultimately, Big Walk is praised for its ability to create warm memories and a profound sense of friendship among its players, serving as a testament to the power of shared experiences in a digital world.