Video Game Review: Night Book

Developer: Good Gate Media

Publisher: Wales Interactive

Genre: FMV, Horror

Nintendo Switch

The Switch now has a surprising amount of FMV video games in its library. From the classics like Night Trap to the brand new Dark Nights With Poe and Munro, there is no shortage of games with actual actors. The new Night Book is the latest game to be added to Switch’s robust FMV library, and while it certainly has its merits, it falls short in many ways.

Night Book is very much a found footage film and a product of its time. Shot entirely during the covid lockdown, the game is experienced through webcams and the video calls between the characters. Loralyn (our protagonist) is a pregnant woman who is at home with her father locked away in his bedroom. He is going through a bit of a breakdown, shouting about spirits and curses. It turns out that the woman’s fiance is away on a business trip preparing to build a new resort on an island that is upsetting the natives.

Loralyn works as a translater, and as one of the few people who can translate the language of said natives, she helps with a business exchange. The two parties are discussing the sale of an old text, and while translating a passage, Loralyn seems to unleash something awful on her and her father. There is another path that doesn’t involve the businessman but a family instead. Still, this leads to almost the same exact situation.

Throughout the game, players will make seemingly minor decisions for Loralyn as she navigates through her haunting night. Some decisions seem minor like locking a door, while others are impactful like attempting to destroy the book. Many paths can be locked by the way Loralyn interacts with the other characters. If they aren’t as trusting or if Loralyn is doing a poor job as an interpreter, they might not be apt to give Loralyn some essential aid. Despite the high stakes, NIght Book fails to be compelling and is instead only good for mild thrills.

The acting throughout the FMV is solid, but the writing leaves a lot to be desired. Some scenarios flow well into one of the game’s many endings, while others feel poorly paced. The scares aren’t really too great either, and it feels like there is a lot of wasted potential in Night Book. In the end, most of the scares are cheap, and players will feel rather desensitized before they reach the game’s halfway point. This is especially so on subsequent playthroughs, even if the scenes are different.

The end result is a game that feels like it will be terrifying early on but just falls short. Actors Julie Dray and Mark Wingett are the highlights here. They don’t get too many opportunities for chemistry as father and daughter, but both handle their roles well. Outside of the actors, there just isn’t much charm in Night Book. It might be enjoyable for an evening, but only if the game can be acquired with a nice deal.