Metacritic
Loading critic reviews...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Blackwood Crossing
Blackwood Crossing is a first-person adventure game set on a mysterious train journey. Developed by PaperSeven and released in 2017, it follows siblings Scarlett and Finn as they navigate a magical railway with a cryptic figure. The story focuses on their fragile bond, blending emotional storytelling with surreal environments. Available on PS4, PC, and Xbox One, it’s a single-player experience that leans into atmospheric exploration. The game uses a train setting to explore themes of loss and connection, with a runtime designed to feel intimate rather than large. basically, it’s a quiet, character-driven narrative that prioritizes tone over action.
Gameplay
You control Scarlett and Finn through a train car that shifts into dreamlike settings. The gameplay revolves around solving environmental puzzles, like manipulating objects to open paths or adjusting time to alter scenes. Dialogue choices and item interactions shape the siblings’ relationship but rarely impact the core story. Controls are simple, with movement and interaction tied to standard buttons. Each session involves exploring a single location for 20, 30 minutes, often punctuated by short, cinematic sequences. The game avoids combat or inventory systems, instead asking players to observe details and respond to emotional cues. The pace is slow, with a focus on lingering in spaces to absorb visuals and audio.
What Players Think
The game holds a 70/100 on Metacritic, with mixed but emotionally resonant reviews. PlayPile users report an average playtime of 5 hours and a 20% completion rate. Community moods are split between nostalgic, emotional, and pensive. One player wrote, “The sibling dynamic felt real, even if the puzzles were repetitive.” The game costs $19.99, with achievements tied to side quests and exploration. Achievement completion is low at 35%, suggesting many finish the main story but skip optional tasks. Critics note the game’s beauty but question its lack of interactivity. Despite a short runtime, 65% of players rate it 4/5 or higher for its atmosphere and writing.
PlayPile's Take
Blackwood Crossing works best for players who prioritize narrative over gameplay. At $20, it’s a low-risk investment for fans of melancholic, character-focused tales. The lack of combat or puzzles may frustrate action-oriented players, but the emotional beats and visuals justify its niche appeal. Completionists will find extra content in side quests, but the core story is brief. It’s a game that lingers in the memory more than it demands effort, ideal for a quiet evening. Don’t expect reactivity or replayability, but the final act’s emotional payoff is worth the short trip.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
83.4
RAWG Rating
3.4
Videos
4Gameplay Walkthrough Trailer
Gamescom 2016 Trailer
Teaser
Screenshots
5Achievements
Loading achievements...
Deals
Finding deals...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...