Big Walk, the new co-op adventure from House House, the studio behind Untitled Goose Game, has been awarded a 9/10 score by GameCentral, positioning it as one of the best releases of the year. The game, which launched on August 4, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC, redefines the modern co-op experience by making communication the core mechanic, rather than an optional extra.
A bold departure from the goose
Instead of following up their 2019 indie hit with a direct sequel, House House has created something entirely different. Big Walk moves away from the mischievous antics of a goose to focus on companionship and helping others, set on an island inspired by the Australian outback, reflecting the studio's origins.
The game is a multiplayer-only experience, designed for up to 12 players, and its primary pleasure comes from socialising and talking with others online. If that doesn't appeal, the game offers little else, but for those who embrace it, Big Walk integrates gameplay and co-operation in a way few other titles have.
Gameplay: puzzles and proximity chat
Big Walk is hard to pigeonhole into a specific genre, but it resembles a social simulation with real gameplay. Players control characters that look like '70s drinking bird toys, which the reviewer found visually off-putting, but the low-detail designs are a minor misstep in an otherwise polished experience.
The world is not procedurally generated, which is evident from its clever map design and excellent signposting. Puzzles change based on group size, and physics plays a significant role, requiring players to form human chains to reach high places or punt objects. The core experience revolves around communication, with the game constantly splitting players up and relying on proximity chat, meaning you must be close to hear others.
Innovative communication mechanics
This design forces players to develop new visual forms of communication, such as writing on a whiteboard for someone to see through binoculars or conveying information from inside a soundproof box. Calling out directions is also crucial, making communication a structured gameplay element rather than idle chatter.
Exploration is the third pillar, with no hints or on-screen indicators. However, vantage points reveal where puzzles and interactive objects lie, all rendered in simple primary colours against photorealistic backdrops. The game has a faint story but a definitive end, with the final section being a highlight.
Verdict: a must-play for co-op fans
Big Walk is entertaining not just because you play with friends, but because playing with friends unlocks new gameplay opportunities that other games cannot replicate. It avoids the 'friendslop' label by being carefully designed and well-made, with puzzles that are cleverly iterated upon. The only downsides are the character designs and the potential to break the game by circumventing proximity chat.
At £15.49, it's a bargain for a game that feels new and exciting, and unexpectedly innovative. The review concludes that it's an achievement worth celebrating with friends, making it one of the very best co-op titles of the generation.
