Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Wolfman unfolds as a three-part text adventure that demands both attentiveness and imagination. In Part 1, you awaken drenched in blood and tasked with suppressing the burgeoning werewolf curse consuming your host body. The narrative-driven puzzles hinge on choosing the right dialogue options, piecing together clues in your journal, and carefully balancing your dual identity. Each decision can either strengthen your resolve or hasten your descent into beastly instinct.

Part 2 shifts perspective to the woman who loves the cursed host, introducing tense stealth sequences and harrowing survival choices. Here, the gameplay interlaces moments of tender intimacy with sudden bursts of ultra-violence. Your decisions affect not only your own fate but also the emotional bond between characters, giving each choice added weight.

Returning as the host in Part 3, you must navigate treacherous terrain on your way to Fi Shan monastery. This final segment introduces time-sensitive crossroad choices, resource management (such as securing safe passage and holy artifacts), and the challenge of resisting the beast while traveling under pursuit. The branching narrative ensures multiple endings, rewarding thorough exploration and clever problem-solving.

Graphics

Although primarily text-based, Wolfman presents a polished interface that enhances immersion. The minimalist UI uses a dark, gothic-inspired theme, with blood-red accents highlighting key narrative beats. Paragraph transitions are animated subtly, evoking the sensation of flipping through an aged journal.

Static illustrations appear at pivotal story moments, rendered in monochrome sketches that capture the primal horror of transformation and the tender intimacy of Part 2. These images are sparse but effective, reinforcing the tone without overwhelming the reader’s imagination.

Typography plays a crucial role: the main text uses a serif font reminiscent of 19th-century horror novels, while choice prompts adopt a cleaner, more modern typeface. The careful contrast between fonts ensures readability while deepening the period atmosphere. Overall, the visual design complements the narrative, proving that even a text adventure can deliver a compelling aesthetic experience.

Story

The central mystery of Wolfman revolves around an age-old curse that reawakens with bone-chilling ferocity. The opening moment—waking in a pool of blood—instantly hooks you into the plight of the host. Rumors of werewolves in the region swirl through taverns and whispered confessions, setting a tone of foreboding and suspense.

By splitting the narrative into three distinct viewpoints, the game offers a multifaceted exploration of love, horror, and redemption. Part 2’s intimate encounters add emotional depth, demonstrating that passion and violence often go hand in hand in Gothic storytelling. The dual role-playing creates empathy for both the beast and the one who loves him.

The final trek to Fi Shan monastery provides a satisfying culmination. Encounters with occult cultists, spiritual guardians, and your own inner demon build to a climactic confrontation. Choices you made earlier—whether gathering holy relics, forging alliances, or resisting temptation—directly influence the ending you experience, providing strong replay value and a sense of ownership over your fate.

Overall Experience

Wolfman delivers a rich, atmospheric adventure that will enthrall fans of horror and interactive fiction alike. Its tightly woven narrative, split perspectives, and morally ambiguous choices make for a memorable journey through darkness and desire. Each chapter feels distinct yet interconnected, building a tapestry of dread and hope.

The game’s interface and presentation strike an impressive balance between gothic flair and user-friendly design, proving that text adventures can still innovate. The strategic puzzles, time-sensitive decisions, and branching endings ensure that every playthrough reveals new facets of the story.

Whether you’re drawn to tales of lycanthropy, intense character drama, or the challenge of choosing wisely under pressure, Wolfman offers a compelling package. By the time you reach Fi Shan monastery, you’ll understand why the curse endures—and why facing your own inner beast can be the most harrowing adventure of all.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10