GamingPizza is supported by our readers. When you buy products through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
A PC code was provided to GamingPizza for this review. The Fox’s Way Home is available now on PC via Steam.
I’m not one to pass up a chance to carve out a few minutes of my typically packed weekend for a quick gaming session. Call it self-care.
The Fox’s Way Home, developed by BeXide Inc., fits that bill as a rhythm-based deception game that asks players to scrutinize and spot subtle differences. While it may not be a full-featured title, it delivers a charming, low-stakes experience that’s perfect for casual gamers who have jus a couple of minutes on their hands.
However, the game’s simplicity is a double-edged sword, leaving it a little short on content for those seeking a bit more depth.
Watch Closely, or You Might Miss It
The core premise is simple: you’re lost in a mystical world and encounter a fox shrine maiden who offers to help you get home. To return, you need to memorize her dance and appearance, then spot any differences when she repeats the ritual eight times. The game challenges you to stay vigilant and pick out the impostors—”Mononokes”—that try to mimic her, slipping subtle differences into her dance. If you think the maiden is real, you press a button to confirm it. If you spot something strange, you call out the deception and pinpoint what’s off.
While this setup might sound easy, it’s actually harder than you think. The first few rounds introduce simple, easy-to-spot changes, like objects sticking out of the maiden’s outfit, color scheme changes, or slight shifts in the background. But as you progress, the Mononokes get far more craftier, and you’ll need to rely on your memory and attention to detail. It’s like a blend of a rhythm game and spot-the-difference puzzle, but with an extra dose of mysticism (and sexiness) to keep things interesting.
Visuals That Pop and Sounds That Soothe
One of the first things that drew me into The Fox’s Way Home was its gorgeous visual presentation. The game boasts crisp, 4K graphics, and the character model of the shrine maiden is pretty stunning, with every detail meticulously designed. The setting is also beautifully done, with glowing lanterns casting a soft, moonlit glow that enhances the mystical atmosphere. I appreciate how the shrine feels like a serene, dreamlike space, even if it was the only environment throughout the entire game.
The ambient music does its job well, providing a soothing backdrop to the action. The calming, repetitive tunes might be a little too repetitive for longer sessions, but they suit the game’s low-stakes vibe perfectly. If you’re just jumping in for a few quick rounds, the music is a nice touch. However, the track plays repeatedly during each round, and after a while, it starts to get a bit monotonous. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I wish there was some more variety to the soundtrack.
It’s All About the Replayability
While a round The Fox’s Way Home can be completed in about 20-30 minutes, its randomization means that no two playthroughs are exactly the same. There are 65 different Mononokes to find, and they’re cataloged in the game’s Apparition Encyclopedia, which keeps track of the ones you’ve discovered. This feature is a clever way of encouraging repeat playthroughs, as you’ll need to keep playing to spot every single one to unlock a secret ending.
I have to admit, though, that I haven’t managed to find them all yet. The Mononokes get progressively sneakier, and even after multiple sessions, I still come across new ones that catch me off guard. This aspect of the game is where it shines—it’s easy to pick up and play, and the satisfaction of adding another apparition to the Encyclopedia keeps you coming back. It’s the kind of game that you can play for just a few minutes at a time, which makes it ideal for short bursts of casual gaming.
Stuck in a Fixed Camera Angle
One area where The Fox’s Way Home stumbles a bit is its camera functionality. The game uses a semi-fixed camera angle during the maiden’s dance, which can be a little restrictive and sometimes make it tricky to spot changes. I found myself wishing for a more dynamic, sandbox-like camera that would allow me to take in the dance from different angles. I get that the fixed perspective is probably meant to make the challenge more difficult, but I think having more control would have added to the experience. It’s a small thing, but it’s something I kept thinking about while playing.
That said, the controls are simple and easy to pick up, and the game doesn’t require much of a learning curve. Anyone can jump in and start playing without needing to master complex mechanics, which fits the game’s low-barrier-of-entry appeal. The downside, of course, is that the simplicity might make it feel a bit repetitive after a while, especially if you’re playing for longer stretches.
Worth the Price? That Depends
So, is The Fox’s Way Home worth the $15.99 price tag? That’s a bit of a tough question. On the one hand, the game is visually stunning, easy to play, and offers plenty of replayability. It’s a perfect title for casual gamers who want to relax, unwind, and enjoy a bit of light puzzling. The Apparition Encyclopedia is a neat feature that gives you a reason to keep playing, even after you’ve completed the game once.
On the other hand, the gameplay loop is pretty basic, and I could see how some players might find it a bit too repetitive, especially if you’re expecting a deeper, more varied experience. The game doesn’t have much of a story, and there aren’t any additional modes, like a photo mode or endless dance mode, which feels like a missed opportunity. For $15.99, it might be a little steep for what you’re getting, but I wouldn’t be surprised if fans of anime and rhythm games find it worth the price—especially if it goes on sale.
In the end, The Fox’s Way Home is a charming, visually appealing game that excels at what it sets out to do: deliver a soothing, low-stakes experience that’s easy to pick up and enjoy. The visuals and ambient music create a serene, mystical atmosphere, and the simple gameplay loop makes it accessible to a wide audience. If you’re intrigued by the concept of spotting differences and enjoy the subtly (or not so subtly) sexier side of anime-inspired aesthetics, The Fox’s Way Home might just be your cup of tea.
Next: KAKU: Ancient Seal Review – A Vibrant Platforming Adventure Worth Undertaking
