Fran Bow

Fran Bow made me smile more than any other game I've played this year. That might come as a surprise if all you've seen of the game is a couple of screenshots feauring gore and dead kids. Fran Bow opens with a gory murder scene and then traps its young protagonist in a creepy institution for (criminally?) insane children. But that initial setting and the dark tone are just a small slice of a story that spans worlds and perfectly captures the beautiful, delightful nonsense of Alice's Adventures, an inspiration that is imprinted on the game.

While a scattershot finale and outdated point-n-click mechanics diminish Fran Bow's broader appeal, there are enough positives for adventure fans to appreciate this vividly horrific Wonderland.

Fran Bow sends you down a rabbit hole to nowhere.

Fran Bow has been getting some hefty praise, but it really isn't all that and a bag of chips.

Come for the artwork and soundtrack, stay for the compelling mystery. Fran Bow slips a bit on the details, but its charm wins out.

Amazing game with a questionable ending, While its worth ones time and money, the story might not be meant for everyone.