And it all began with a walk in the forest on a full moon night… It could easily be the start of a horror novel, but it’s actually the starting point of an adventure that plunges us into the suspenseful corridors of a mind haunted by “wolves” disguised as traumas. With a gripping introduction, The Night Is Grey presents itself as a point & click adventure from the Portuguese studio Whalestork Interactive, unrolling through beautiful hand drawn landscapes in a region flanked by a lake, a lighthouse, and mines that once housed mining families.
Graham, an ordinary-looking man leading a simple life, is first seen disoriented and weary in the forest, having narrowly escaped a pack of wolves. This is how we meet the story’s protagonist, whom the player will guide through the unfolding journey. Cloaked in mystery, as though stepping into a story already in motion, the player soon encounters a curious little girl, around 8 years old, alone in a country house. With the intent to help her and himself, the player’s main task is to guide both characters back to their homes. But not necessarily Hannah’s, as she insists she’s already home, left alone after her mother departed in search of a solution to the area’s power outage.
Each chapter opens with a short passage that delves into Graham’s mind, illustrating the traumas that haunt him in darkness—relentless voices that send chills down his spine every time he tries to open his eyes and escape the pull of these shadowy wolves. This growing sense of dread builds empathy in the player, culminating in an ending that lingers long after the story concludes. Despite the absence of voice acting, The Night Is Grey captivates with a beautifully composed soundtrack that aligns with every step of the protagonist, immersing the player in its atmospheric world.
Most interactive elements in the scenes make sense within the story’s context, and a simple button press reveals what can be interacted with. Thoughtful design ensures the player doesn’t feel lost or uncertain of their next step. The game progresses linearly, with each chapter focusing on a few areas at a time, keeping the pace structured and purposeful. Classic Point & Click mechanics support easy exploration of each scene: the left button interacts with objects, while the right opens a detailed menu. Not all objects provide this option, but each is clearly differentiated by function. A smart feature is the automatic removal of items that are no longer needed, keeping the inventory uncluttered and distraction-free. Players can also engage with other characters, choosing dialogue options that, although varied, ultimately converge on the same outcome, without branching storylines.
Each area is marked by puzzles of varying difficulty. Interestingly, the toughest challenge appears early on, while later ones are slightly simpler yet engaging enough to avoid predictability. By the narrative’s end, all pieces of Graham’s tormented mind fall into place, offering a satisfying resolution.
The Night Is Grey embodies the inner battles and personal conflicts that individuals face daily, culminating in a powerful ending. Its fusion of captivating hand-drawn visuals, an immersive soundtrack, and a finely crafted storyline positions this game as a standout title in the genre.
[This review is based on the final game code for Steam, generously provided by Whalestork Interactive.]
