By Matija Šerić
It’s autumn. We can say that the current season has already firmly settled into our lives. After the hot and humid summer, a so-called Indian summer lasted for a few weeks. However, day by day, temperatures are dropping, and there’s less and less foliage on the trees. Cold winds are blowing, demanding warmer clothing. Now, at the beginning of November, autumn is at 100%. Besides walking through city streets or rural paths, one activity that can help us fully experience autumn is playing video games. Over the past 15–20 years, the gaming industry has provided us with plenty of titles for chilly autumn days and nights, allowing us to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences. Although it’s not easy to create a list of the best autumn games, here are our picks.
#10 – Wytchwood
In 2021, the studio Alientrap released the very entertaining adventure game Wytchwood, which kicks off our top list. The story is set in an inspiring gothic world of fairy tales and fables. Players take on the role of a witch exploring a semi-open world, gathering magical ingredients, crafting spells, calming enraged villagers, creating interesting items, and solving challenging tasks. Players must solve numerous mysterious puzzles to succeed in their “witchcraft.” The game is beautifully designed graphically, full of autumn symbols like leaves, colorful forests, and autumn harvests (pumpkins, potatoes, cabbages). The atmosphere is a perfect autumnal mystery, complemented by a brilliant soundtrack.
#9 – Night in the Woods
At number nine is the adventure game Night in the Woods, published by the studio Finji in 2017. The story takes place in a world of anthropomorphic characters, centered on a young woman named Mae, who drops out of college to return to her hometown. Along the way, she encounters unexpected adventures. The autumn mood is visible at every turn – from the leaves on the streets of Possum Springs, to the Halloween festival, mysterious events, and personal reflection on life choices. The game encourages thoughtful reflection, especially for players who have experienced loss or struggle with anxiety and depression.
#8 – Life is Strange
Life is Strange (the first installment) from 2015 rarely leaves anyone indifferent. It is an episodic narrative adventure where players have a great deal of freedom of choice. This is a choice-driven game, focusing less on gameplay and more on decision-making with consequences, the so-called butterfly effect. The main character, 18-year-old photographer Max Caulfield, discovers she has the power to rewind time and change events in her life and the lives of others. It’s a superpower she decides how to use. Max is an extraordinary protagonist who deeply considers her next move. With a strong emphasis on character development and story that evokes deep emotions and dilemmas, the game depicts the realistic life drama of a young woman and her friends. The story unfolds during autumn (October), and the fictional town of the Pacific Northwest is full of autumnal motifs like fallen leaves and golden sunsets.
#7 – Firewatch
In 2016, studios Panic and Campo Santo released the (short) adventure game Firewatch. At the time of its release, few expected the title to become a cult classic. Like the previous games, it doesn’t rely on gameplay but on a story that’s top-notch. Forest ranger Henry in Wyoming forms a strong connection with his supervisor Delilah, all through a walkie-talkie. The game’s peculiarity is its quite lonely atmosphere. The main character is isolated from the rest of the world, and his only link to the outside is his supervisor. In this bizarre setting, the story unfolds amidst the beautiful landscapes of vast forests illuminated by sunlight in rare ways. Solving mysteries adds an extra Hitchcockian touch, and the twists and turns make the game stand out from others.
Ghost of Tsushima – Official Trailer
#6 – Ghost of Tsushima
Sony released the adventure game Ghost of Tsushima in 2020, which has over time become legendary as one of the best games of all time. Although it may not objectively be the absolute best, it is a true masterpiece. The game is historically themed: the Mongol invasion of Japan in the 13th century. Players can choose whether to fight the foreign invaders honorably as samurai or use dishonorable methods to free their homeland. Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world game, very rich and well-realized. Players can explore the world on foot or on horseback. Various combat techniques are available against the Mongols, including direct katana (sword) fighting or stealth tactics reminiscent of Hitman.
The game is comprehensive, featuring high-quality gameplay, well-structured story and characters, and an excellent musical score. The graphics are literally breathtaking. Most of the action takes place in late summer and early autumn. Historically, the Mongol invasion occurred in November, making it a thrill to witness fields covered in colorful fallen leaves and winds signaling the arrival of a new era—all while engaging in battle. For anyone who loves Japan and autumn, this is a must-play.
