Weird Autumn 🏠 Night in the Woods [Geeks & Grounds #071]
In today’s newsletter:
part 2 of our night in the woods discussion, "weird autumn"
notable indie releases from this week
the rise and fall (...and rise again?) of malls in America
a little literature on ghosts
last week's recap 🎧
our podcast discussion of the game + other media we've gotten into over the last week.
the episode is out now on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple podcasts!
A core question of this section is how you plan to spend your days in Possum Springs. Did you end up choosing to do crimes with Gregg? Revisit the past with Bea? Both illuminate different sides of Mae in a way that already has me planning my next playthrough: I don’t want to miss ANY details in this game.
Regardless of who you choose to spend time with — or how much time you spend engaging with the general townspeople — Part II: Weird Autumn culminates in a heated argument with your mom and a pivotal event after the Harfest play that feels like it has potentially changed the trajectory of the game.
Just getting started with Geeks & Grounds? Check out the playthrough guide I've set up for Night in the Woods -- it's never too late to join the discussion!
Listen to today's episode to catch up on this section, hear about how my experience differed from Joel’s, join the Discord to chat with the rest of the community, and prepare to play Part III (if you’re following along with the club).
👀 🎮notable indie releases (aug 11 - 17)
Caravan SandWitch| 12
(PC)
Sci-Fi Exploration
Embark on a journey across a Sci-Fi Provence-like world, driven by a mystery through your missing sister that unfolds with each step you take.
Fowl Damage | 9
(PC)
Physics Comedy
Carefully manage your jumps and falls as you adventure through this chilling, beautiful, and occasionally cute world.
*Free Steam Demo Available*
Mexico, 1921: A Deep Slumber| 13
(PC)
Exploration Photography
Follow the life of Juan Aguirre, a young photojournalist who will be swept by Mexico's whirlwind transformation to modernity, find himself inside the surreal revolutionary art world, rub shoulders with politicians, and discover through his camera why Mexico isn't a place for the weak.
*Free Steam Demo Available*
The Plucky Squire | 17
(PC, PS, Xbox, Switch)
3D Platformer Action-Adventure
Storybook characters discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book and must jump between 2D & 3D realms to save their friends in this charming action-adventure.
this week's brew ☕
the section of the game we're playing and pondering this week.
where are mae and gregg headed? find out this week: episode drops on Tuesday, Sept 17th
This week, we’re playing Part III: The Long Fall! We’ll see how (or if?) the horrible event after Harfest has impacted the town…but also? Life must move forward. Mae still has the aftermath of the fight with her mom to work through, and friends to reconnect with.
I’m curious though: will what Mae saw the night of Harfest inspire her to take action? To find a purpose? Even if it’s for a time, perhaps this is something that can get her out of her slump. We’ll summarize and discuss what happens in this section of the game on our podcast episode dropping September 17th!
If you have any thoughts you’d like to share, be sure to respond to this message (letting me know if you’re okay with us reading your comment and/or question) or leave a voicemail at https://sayhi.chat/geeksandgrounds.
reflection question 💭
reflect on a question related to the game by drawing on your experiences, other media, and the game itself in your response. If you'd like, leave a voicemail here (or email me) -- if you give the okay, we'll do our best to share them in the next podcast!
Did you listen to ghost stories when you were younger (and believe them)? What about now?
pour over ☕
additional links, activities, and resources to expand your understanding of the game
This video details the rise and fall of malls in America. But, are they really obsolete? This article from the LA Times explores how malls may evolve into something else, a renewed third space for future generations. (yes there is a definite capitalistic consideration in accessing new demographics of shoppers). What's even more fun to dig into is the difference in significance of malls across locales. When reading the comments of the linked video above, many comments reference how malls around the world have had a slightly different trajectory, partially through their intended design and purpose.
There sure are a lot of ghosts in this game! Why? Ghosts, and other otherworldly spirits, are often used to explore our relationship with our bodies and time. Ghosts, after all, are elements of (or complete) human consciousness separated from the body, removed from experiencing time in the way we do. Usually, unfinished business, a disconnect from body and mind, and intersections of faith and religion are prominent themes explored when ghosts are employed. I’m personally still exploring what this means for Mae and the city of Possum Springs: read up on ghosts with me, and we can think about it together!
