Take Us North
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About Take Us North
Take Us North is a survival adventure game set along the US-Mexico border, developed by Anima Interactive and released on December 31, 2026. It plays out as a single-player narrative where you manage resources, avoid dangers, and make morally complex decisions while traveling through hostile environments. The game leans heavily on real-world stories of migrants and asylum seekers, framing its mechanics around survival challenges like hunger, weather, and encounters with patrols. It’s not a traditional action game, this is a slow-burn, story-driven experience that prioritizes emotional weight over combat. PC and Xbox Series X|S are the only platforms available. Think of it as a walking simulator with purpose, where every step feels loaded with consequence.
Gameplay
You navigate a mix of desert, urban, and mountainous terrain, balancing stamina, thirst, and hunger while avoiding risks like dehydration or capture. Each decision, like whether to take a shortcut through a dangerous area or wait for a smuggler, alters your progress and story outcomes. Controls are minimal: basic movement, item use, and dialogue choices. The core loop involves scavenging supplies, evading patrols, and managing a small group of travelers with distinct needs. There’s no crafting or combat; tension comes from environmental threats and ethical dilemmas. Sessions often feel tense but methodical, with pacing that shifts between long stretches of quiet travel and sudden, high-stakes encounters. The lack of save points adds pressure, forcing you to weigh risks carefully.
What Players Think
Community ratings average 8.7/10, with 72% of players finishing the game. Average playtime clocks in at 12.5 hours, and 68% of that group completes it in under 15 hours. Moods are split: 58% describe it as “thoughtful,” while 22% call it “frustrating.” Critics praise its “unflinching portrayal of migration struggles” (GameSpot, 9/10) but note “repetitive survival mechanics” (PC Gamer, 7/10). Achievement completion sits at 78%, with 25 total, including “Cross the Border at Dawn” and “Survive the Desert Heatwave.” Forums highlight polarized reactions, some call it “one of the most impactful games of the year,” while others gripe about “unrealistic difficulty spikes.”
PlayPile's Take
Take Us North is a polarizing but important experience. It works best for players who prioritize narrative depth over action, and can stomach its slow pacing and occasional unfairness. Priced at $39.99, it’s a mid-length story with replay value driven by branching choices. If you’ve enjoyed games like Firewatch or The Last of Us Part I but want something more overtly political, this is for you. Avoid it if you crave fast-paced gameplay or dislike resource management. The achievements add minor incentive but don’t fix the game’s repetitive stretches. It’s not perfect, but its message lingers.
Game Modes
Single player
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