Untitled Goose Game sets a high standard that is hard to match. It delivered a humorous take on life as a clever goose filled with waddling, honking, and plenty of playful trouble. That is why Big Walk, the latest title from House House, comes across as a bold and fresh turn. Instead of causing chaos as a goose in a quiet town, Big Walk offers co-op multiplayer where teams explore a wide island and join forces to crack puzzles. I have teamed up with my spouse for more than 13 hours of island roaming and joint problem solving. Though Big Walk stays compact in scope, the thrill of fresh finds gives it the feel of an epic quest in the style of Zelda.

The title Big Walk hints at plenty of foot travel, and that is true, yet the heart of the game lies in conversation. Beyond a few short notes on controls, the experience offers little direct instruction on play style, destinations, or puzzle order. Players must lean on proximity voice chat or a handy text system to share ideas and progress. Puzzles adjust for groups of two to four, yet up to 12 players can share one session.

Players control simple round beings with limbs that resemble no known creature, set on gathering odd red orbs nicknamed nubbins. Staying in contact helps when crossing an island dotted with shrubs, gentle slopes, and strange structures that can lead to confusion. Nightfall brings deep darkness, pushing teams to light lanterns and remain close. Without a map screen or glowing markers, navigation falls to group discussion and teamwork.

Big Walk places something engaging around nearly every bend, whether a fresh sight, a handy item, or lofty towers. Often a vivid structure appears that holds a puzzle requiring joint effort, such as calling across a barrier to arrange tiles in sequence. At times the game splits the group so proximity chat cannot be used.

Finding ways to share information proves tricky since characters can only point, leap, or carry objects. This turns separated puzzle moments into real tests of nerves. My pulse quickened while I nudged a buzzing timer uphill, hoping my partner had time to place it correctly. Solving a code-based challenge often means waiting tense seconds to learn the outcome. Success brings a bright shower of confetti and a fresh nubbin.

The game structure brings some drawbacks. Long treks across the island can grow tiresome when heading to new areas. Progress requires at least one partner, so schedules must align with the rest of the group. After busy days my spouse and I sometimes skipped sessions to avoid slow walks, getting lost, and tough puzzles. Our talks often ended in yawns, a feeling familiar to parents of young children.

Yet these same limits help create the game's charm. While promising ourselves just one puzzle before bed, we often shared stories from the day. Spotting a puzzle drew us in deeply, and finishing one usually gave energy for the next. We even found ways to use the basic actions for high-fives and hugs.

Many strengths from Goose Game return in Big Walk, including steady walking, steady talking, and steady mischief. At the same time the game recalls another series. The joy of discovery echoes what made The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild stand out, whether through odd puzzle fixes, useful finds, or reaching a high point for the view. Unlike that title, Big Walk lets you share the world and those discoveries with a close companion.

^{Big Walk launches August 4th on the Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and Steam.}

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Jay Peters