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Yomawari: Midnight Shadows

PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

The dark is no place to be alone. After a beautiful show of summer fireworks, two young girls begin to make their way home. However, a mysterious attacker separates them, and both must brave the haunting night filled with unspeakable terrors and survive the darkness.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Adventure, Strategy, Puzzle

Pros

  • Strong emotional and atmospheric story
  • Beautiful hand-drawn art style
  • Engaging exploration and collectibles
  • Effective sound design and tension
  • Improved gameplay over predecessor

Cons

  • Some cheap deaths and frustrating trial-and-error
  • Linear progression limits autonomy
  • Lack of combat or varied mechanics
  • Save points sometimes poorly placed
  • Game length considered short by some

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have some freedom to explore the town and choose how to approach puzzles and encounters, but the game also guides players through a linear narrative with set paths and objectives."

  • Competence
    2

    "The game involves skillful avoidance of enemies and puzzle solving, but many encounters rely on trial and error and some cheap deaths, limiting the feeling of mastery."

  • Competition
    -5

    "The game is single-player focused with no competitive elements or leaderboards; players engage at their own pace without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report being emotionally invested in the story and atmosphere, encouraging extended play and exploration, though some frustration with backtracking exists."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "The game is a solo experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can experiment with items and charms and explore hidden side quests, but the game world and puzzles are mostly predefined with limited player modification."

  • Domination
    -5

    "Interactions are with environmental challenges and spirits, with no social dominance or power over other players."

  • Escapism
    4

    "The atmospheric horror setting and emotional story provide strong immersion and escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in the story and atmosphere, with no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "The game encourages trying different items and exploring various areas, though the core gameplay loop remains consistent."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Exploration of a detailed, eerie town with hidden collectibles and side quests is a major focus."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Character customization is minimal; players experience a fixed narrative and character presentation."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "The game features supernatural spirits, Japanese folklore, and a surreal horror atmosphere, strongly emphasizing imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "The experience is solitary with no social or community features."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn enemy patterns, puzzle solutions, and improve survival skills through gameplay."

  • Health
    -5

    "The game is sedentary with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "The game requires focused attention and careful navigation, with limited opportunities for passive play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationships are formed through multiplayer or social interaction."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles exist in this single-player game."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players collect items, charms, and unlock new areas, showing clear progression through the story and exploration."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "The game balances tension and calm moments, but frequent scares and trial-and-error deaths create some sustained stress."

  • Sensation
    3

    "The atmospheric audio and visual design provide sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "There is no social recognition or status system in the game."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative immersion is strong with emotional storytelling, character perspectives, and a connected plot."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players must plan routes, manage stamina, and use items strategically to avoid enemies and solve puzzles."

  • Thrill
    4

    "The game delivers suspense and tension through unpredictable enemy encounters and atmospheric horror."

  • Value
    1

    "Players find value in the story and atmosphere, though some note the game is short and somewhat pricey."

  • Violence
    -4

    "Combat is absent; gameplay focuses on avoidance and survival rather than destruction."

  • Survival
    4

    "Avoiding death by spirits and managing stamina are core survival elements."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026