Info about BOOK OF HOURS:

Official game description:
  
For fifteen centuries, Hush House was a fortress of knowledge. Until the fire. The collection is ruined, and the last Librarian is gone. Only one with your unique talents can rebuild the library, and uncover its mysteries.  
Enjoy the sweet peace of organising books and customising your new home, all while unpeeling centuries of history from the occult stones around you. As the newest Librarian, you've chosen solitude... but your influence extends far beyond the walls of Hush House. It's up to you to determine how history is written.  
_BOOK OF HOURS_ is an elegant, melancholy, combat-free crafting RPG set in an occult library, from the creator of _Fallen London_, _Sunless Sea_ and the double BAFTA-nominated _Cultist Simulator_.  
In this 20 - 40 (or 100) hour game, you'll:  
◆ **ACQUIRE and INVESTIGATE** occult books and curiosities.  
◆ **CRAFT and USE** inks, memories and other esoteric tools;  
◆ **STUDY the nine Wisdoms**, and conquer the nine Elements of the Soul.  
◆ **GUIDE visitors who come seeking your assistance**, gleaning rewards for your help with their investigations.  
◆ **EXPLORE the Secret Histories** and the pantheon of Hours that rules them.  
◆ **RESTORE a vast crumbling edifice** built on the foundations of an ancient abbey.  
◆ **DECIDE your past; WRITE your own History.** Choose from nine different Legacies which determine who you are. You might be a Magnate, abandoning wealth to seek peace. Or an Archaeologist, fleeing the curse you awoke. Perhaps your origins are more esoteric, like the Symurgist, or Twiceborn? Each playthrough offers a different opportunity.  
Weather Factory is a two-person dev team supported by many brilliant freelancers. _BOOK OF HOURS_ was partially funded by the European Union's Creative Europe Programme - MEDIA. Thank you, Europe! We love you. ♥

Release date: Aug 17, 2023

Categories: Resource Management, Crafting, Puzzle Solving, Research and Discovery, Collectibles, Base Building, Card-based Gameplay, Narrative-driven

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 12; verdict: Fair: DLC-Only Monetization, No In-Game Shop Evidence; summary: The reviews show no direct evidence of predatory real-money monetization such as paid gacha, loot boxes, paid currency, pay-to-win advantages, or an in-game cash shop. The main monetization topics are expansion DLC, a limited launch-period bundle with future DLC, and base-price/value complaints. Under the scoring rules, traditional DLC and upfront pricing cannot push the game above a fair score.
- Wiki: score 75; verdict: Tier 2: The Hoarder; summary: The dominant complaint is external data management: players must maintain spreadsheets, notes, or wiki tabs to track books, items, workbench locations, and crafting recipes. While learning-curve and guidance complaints also appear, the strongest explicit barrier aligns with Tier 2 because users need outside tools to manage inventory, resources, and crafting information.
- Proton/Linux: score 30; verdict: Mostly works with Linux and Steam Deck issues; summary: The game has a native Linux build and multiple users report smooth Steam Deck play, but Linux audio can be disabled by a known sound bug, Linux visuals have minor glitches, and isolated Steam Deck users report menu/cursor and performance problems. Overall compatibility is functional with notable but not dominant Linux-specific friction.
- Steam Deck: score 75; verdict: Broken for Many Steam Deck Users; summary: Steam Deck feedback is mixed but includes substantial high-friction evidence. Some users report smooth performance, but others encounter non-scaling small text, missing controller support, cursor restrictions in the menu, and core UI interactions that are insufferable or unplayable. The most severe reports describe basic card selection breaking and menus blocking progress, which aligns with a broken rather than merely tinkering-required experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $25.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews show a split but bounded fair-price view: one reviewer explicitly says about $15 would feel more appropriate, while others say the game is worth the asking price or even worth buying at full price due to the depth and 30-60+ hours of content. Several recommend waiting for a sale, which suggests the current full price is at the top of what the community considers fair. Together, this supports a fair base-game range of roughly $15 to $25, with $25 treated as acceptable only for strongly invested fans.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 80.0h
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Book of Hours reports place a full or personal completion run around 80 hours: one reviewer describes an 80+ hour run after doing everything they wanted, and another first playthrough at about 80 hours, probably 65 active. Session length has an explicit three-hour session plus longer 10-hour binges, so I use 3 hours as a conservative typical session. No precise story-only completion time is stated. The endgame wait for Numa is only described as 'several hours,' which is not a precise number, so endgame remains null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Book of Hours often starts opaque and clunky because of a steep learning curve and no tutorial; many players report it becomes fun and addictive once they grasp the mechanics and early progression opens up, though some never get past the friction.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Getting the hang of the game's mechanics and early progression loop
  - Time to anchor: 3h 0m
  - Friction: No tutorial and a steep learning curve; Clunky or confusing UI and click-drag controls; Slow, opaque early progression and trial-and-error restarts; Early inventory and shelf-space limits; Need for external wikis or notes to understand basic systems; Repetitive waiting or fast-forwarding when the right visitor or season is missing
  - Unlock drivers: Getting the hang of the mechanics and basic gameplay loop; Learning room-unlocking and book-curating goals; Unlocking more library rooms for inventory space; Exploring and experimenting with books, rooms, and crafting; Accepting the relaxed pace and that mistakes are rarely catastrophic; Using external guides or notes to overcome early opacity
  - Conditions: Tolerance for learning through exploration and note-taking rather than tutorials; Prior experience with Cultist Simulator may help; Enjoyment of repetitive, cozy management and crafting loops; Willingness to consult guides or wikis; Not over-optimizing or rushing progression; Patience for a slow start and fragmented narrative; Curiosity about lore and discovery; Preference for low time pressure and no survival failure
- Player Archetypes:
  - Cultist Simulator Devotee (buy)
    - Motivation: To explore expanded lore and refined systems in the same occult universe they already know.
    - Playstyle: Methodical experimentation, comparison with the predecessor, and willingness to consult wikis after restarts.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Cultist Simulator veteran; Cultist Sim fan
    - Reference games: Cultist Simulator
  - Cozy Occult Reader (buy)
    - Motivation: To relax inside a rich occult atmosphere and enjoy slow, story-driven discovery.
    - Playstyle: Slow-paced reading, library management, ambient exploration, and avoiding pressure or rushing.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Cultist Simulator
  - Note-Taking Archivist (buy)
    - Motivation: To uncover and organize a dense web of lore, recipes, and systems.
    - Playstyle: External note-taking, spreadsheet tracking, puzzle-solving, and methodical experimentation.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Blind Discovery Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: To solve the game's mysteries independently and feel the satisfaction of self-taught mastery.
    - Playstyle: Blind exploration, patient trial and error, and avoiding guides or external solutions.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Beautiful aesthetic and art (weight 0.28): The game features a stunning, gorgeous aesthetic with beautiful art and a distinctive art style that is immediately appealing and refined.
- Favorable comparison to Cultist Simulator (weight 0.28): Players frequently compare the game to Cultist Simulator, often finding it superior or a worthy successor. Many appreciate the removal of annoying crisis time management and consider it more fun and approachable.
- Relaxing and less stressful than Cultist Simulator (weight 0.28): The game offers a calmer, more forgiving experience with less tension, no time pressure, and lower risk of failure compared to Cultist Simulator. This makes it suitable for relaxed, low-pressure play.
- Highly fun and addictive gameplay (weight 0.23): Many find the game very fun, addictive, and hard to put down. It is considered an absolutely delightful experience with a lot to like.
- Well-crafted lore and worldbuilding (weight 0.21): The lore is deep, well-written, and captivating, with beautiful and fascinating worldbuilding. Players praise the rich universe and excellent tone.
- Slow, calm, and soothing atmosphere (weight 0.18): The game has a calm and soothing atmosphere with a relaxing pace, suitable for slow and relaxed enjoyment.
- Wonderful music and sound design (weight 0.11): The music is wonderful and the sound design is excellent, adding to the overall experience.
- Overall exceptional and enjoyable (weight 0.1): The game is extremely enjoyable, amazing, and one of the reviewer's all-time favorites. It is loved and considered interesting and good.
- Immersive atmosphere and vibes (weight 0.1): The game oozes atmosphere with great vibes, offering a pure atmospheric experience that is rarely seen.
- Excellent writing (weight 0.09): The writing is superb, fantastic, and of peak quality, contributing greatly to the game's appeal.
- Novel and unique gameplay (weight 0.07): The gameplay loop is totally original and unlike anything reviewers have played before, with unique puzzle mechanics.
- Rewards patience and curiosity (weight 0.05): The game respects the player's intelligence and patience, engaging those who invest time and rewarding curiosity greatly.
- Forgiving gameplay with mistake tolerance (weight 0.05): The game is very forgiving, tolerating mistakes and usually providing another way if stuck. This forgiving nature is a key positive.

Common complaints:
- Poorly explained mechanics (weight 0.19): The game mechanics are opaque and not intuitive, with no detailed explanations provided. Reviewers often give up quickly due to the lack of clarity.
- Cluttered and buggy UI (weight 0.15): The user interface is described as poorly designed, cluttered, and filled with bugs. It is cumbersome and convoluted, making interaction a disaster.
- No in-game note-taking (weight 0.12): The game requires manual information gathering but offers no in-game note-taking or tagging system. Players must use external notes or spreadsheets, which is inconvenient.
- Confusing and overwhelming start (weight 0.12): The beginning of the game is slow, confusing, and overwhelming, with unclear objectives. New players struggle to figure out what to do.
- Tedious and unfun gameplay (weight 0.11): Many find the gameplay tedious, boring, and repetitive, lacking fun. Some compare it unfavorably to Cultist Simulator.
- Less enjoyable than Cultist Simulator (weight 0.07): Reviewers explicitly state the game is less fun and enjoyable than Cultist Simulator, indicating disappointment for fans of similar games.
- Lack of search and item list (weight 0.06): There is no search function or item list, making it hard to find items. This adds unnecessary friction to gameplay.
- Missing quality-of-life features (weight 0.06): The game lacks many quality-of-life features that would improve the experience. This contributes to overall frustration.

Gameplay feedback:
- No hand-holding or guidance (weight 0.31): The game deliberately provides no tutorials, tooltips, or instructions, forcing players to discover mechanics and goals through their own exploration and experimentation.
- Core gameplay involves books (weight 0.29): Reading, cataloguing, and managing books are central activities. Players read books to gain knowledge, memories, lessons, and lore fragments.
- Explore and restore Hush House (weight 0.22): Players explore and repair the ruined Hush House room by room, uncovering its mysteries and unlocking new areas as they progress.
- Card-based gameplay mechanics (weight 0.18): The game uses cards as a primary mechanic, with players cycling through cards, placing them into slots, and managing various card types including Soul cards.
- Occult themes and rituals (weight 0.17): The game features an occult worldview, including practicing occult rituals and uncovering esoteric secrets.
- Role-playing librarian experience (weight 0.15): Players assume the role of an occult librarian, managing an esoteric estate and uncovering its secrets in a role-playing game format.
- Multiple paths and endings (weight 0.14): The game offers many possible paths and roughly 110 different endings, allowing players to choose their own approach without a forced solution.
- Crafting and combining items (weight 0.11): Players gather materials and craft recipes, combining items to synthesize higher-level items, similar to a merge game.
- Reading yields memories and lessons (weight 0.1): Reading books grants memories and lessons instead of experience points. These are used to upgrade skills and progress.
- Set in Cultist Simulator universe (weight 0.09): The game shares a lore universe with Cultist Simulator and continues its story, featuring a similar concept but with a different focus.
- No time pressure (weight 0.09): The game can be played at your own pace with no time limits or constraints, creating a slow and peaceful experience.
- Complicated esoteric systems (weight 0.06): The game has convoluted and esoteric systems that are largely unexplained in-game, with multiple layers that become more intricate and complex.
- RNG-dependent progression (weight 0.06): Story progression is heavily dependent on random number generation, and progress can be halted entirely by RNG.
- Climb the nine arts (weight 0.06): Progression involves researching great arts and climbing the nine arts, which is a central goal of the game.
- More approachable than Cultist Simulator (weight 0.06): The game is easier and more approachable than its predecessor, Cultist Simulator, with a slower pace and more forgiving mechanics.

Performance notes:
- Mixed performance on Steam Deck (weight 0.04): Feedback is divided: some users report the game plays well on the Steam Deck while others say it may not be good on the platform. This indicates inconsistent optimization or varying user expectations.
- Crash and progress loss (weight 0.03): A crash occurred after twenty minutes of play, resulting in lost progress. This is a critical stability issue that directly harms the player experience.
- Poor optimization (weight 0.03): Feedback states that optimization is poor, contributing to performance problems. This is a common criticism that likely underlies several other issues.
- Lag on every click (weight 0.02): One reviewer reports that every click causes the game to lag. This suggests a specific input-related performance issue that severely impacts interaction.
- Frequent stuttering (weight 0.02): Frequent stuttering is reported, which disrupts gameplay flow. This is a specific performance defect that needs attention.
- Runs well on old hardware (weight 0.02): The game is not taxing on an old system, indicating it can run smoothly on lower-end hardware. This positive note contrasts with other performance complaints.
- General lag reported (weight 0.02): A reviewer experienced some lag issues, but details are vague. This aligns with broader performance concerns raised elsewhere.

Recommendations:
- Cultist Simulator fans will love this (weight 0.26): Multiple reviewers with experience in Cultist Simulator strongly recommend Book of Hours to fans of that game. The game is seen as a worthy successor that refines and expands on the original's concepts.
- For lore lovers and readers (weight 0.15): Players who enjoy reading extensive lore, uncovering mysteries, and exploring fictional worlds will find a lot to love here. The game is especially recommended for avid readers.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.14): Many note that the game caters to a specific audience and may not appeal to a broad audience. It requires a certain mindset or preferences to fully enjoy.
- Spreadsheet and data management fans (weight 0.11): The game appeals to those who enjoy organizing information, managing data, and using spreadsheets. It's perfect for players who like to analyze and systematize.
- DLC highly recommended (weight 0.09): Several reviewers advise purchasing the DLC, even for a first playthrough, as it enhances comfort and adds richer text to the experience.
- Not worth time for some (weight 0.06): Some reviewers feel the game is not worth the time investment, stating it lacks value and is not worth playing.
- Note-taking and memory required (weight 0.06): Players who enjoy taking notes or have good memory will get more out of the game. It is recommended for those who like to organize information externally.
- Occult librarian fantasy (weight 0.04): The game lets players fulfill the fantasy of being a mythos librarian, managing an occult library and uncovering secrets, which is a strong draw for many.
- Organization and object searching (weight 0.04): Fans of meticulous organization and searching for objects within a lore-rich environment will appreciate the game's emphasis on these activities.
- Recommended for everyone (weight 0.04): Some reviewers believe the game has broad appeal and recommend it to everyone, encouraging all to give it a try.
- Tedious and shallow for some (weight 0.04): Some negative reviews criticize the game as tedious with shallow progression, leading to an unsatisfying experience for those players.
- Try something unique (weight 0.04): Even if it's not for everyone, many suggest giving the game a try because it offers a unique experience unlike other games.

Other player notes:
- More relaxed than predecessor (weight 0.5): Compared to Cultist Simulator, this game is significantly more forgiving, with less time pressure, no constant crisis management, and no unexplained deaths. It offers a slower-paced, peaceful experience that removes the survival stress of the original.
- Direct successor to Cultist Simulator (weight 0.41): The game is explicitly a sequel or spiritual successor set in the same universe as Cultist Simulator, featuring its characters, books, and lore. It shares the same developer, Weather Factory, and expands on the established worldbuilding.
- Extensive content and replayability (weight 0.19): The game offers a massive amount of content, multiple endings, and many in-game events that encourage multiple playthroughs. Reviewers note it can take over 100 hours to complete, with some feeling they have barely scratched the surface after tens of hours.
- Mixed comparisons to predecessor (weight 0.19): While many praise the game as a worthy successor, some reviewers find it worse or more confusing than Cultist Simulator, citing shared flaws or lack of clarity. A few note that the developers did not learn from criticism of the original.
- DLC adds new mechanics (weight 0.16): The game has paid DLC that introduces additional quality-of-life features, new mechanics, and content such as cooking, baking, and hosting dinner parties. Some reviewers purchased the DLC and found it lovely.
- Localization quality varies (weight 0.13): The Chinese localization is highly praised for its quality, with Korean and Japanese patches also available, though Japanese translation quality is inconsistent. Some note the DLC lacks Chinese localization or has a quality drop.
- Requires wiki to progress (weight 0.09): Many reviewers note that the game lacks in-game guidance and often requires consulting an external wiki to understand mechanics and progress. The game does not hold the player's hand, which can lead to confusion.
- Upcoming game Travelling at Night (weight 0.06): Reviewers mention an upcoming CRPG titled Travelling at Night, suggesting continued interest in the developer's future projects. This indicates the game is part of a larger planned universe.
- Large volume of reading (weight 0.04): The game is described as having a massive amount of text, with a voluminous writing style similar to Cultist Simulator. This appeals to fans of narrative-heavy games but may be daunting for others.
- Achievements require multiple runs (weight 0.04): The game has 95 achievements and requires nine playthroughs to unlock all of them, adding to its replayability. This is noted as a significant time commitment.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.17): Players are frustrated by the lack of guidance, tutorials, and clear objectives, forcing them to rely on external wikis or trial-and-error. The cumbersome UI, poor inventory management, and complex mechanics add to the difficulty, making the game feel like a chore. Technical issues such as lag, crashes, and bugs further exacerbate the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.07): Many players feel let down because the game fails to match the quality of the developer's previous title, with gameplay feeling monotonous and unrewarding. The lack of meaningful choices, poor introduction, and reliance on external information contribute to a sense of wasted potential. Despite beautiful art and lore, the overall experience is often described as not fun or incomplete.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Players enjoy the relaxing pace, the engaging gameplay loop of collecting and organizing books, and the sense of discovery as they figure out the mechanics. The atmospheric writing, music, and the satisfaction of solving puzzles at one's own pace contribute to a fun and immersive experience.
- Confusion (weight 0.06): The game provides little to no tutorial or guidance, leaving players unsure of what to do or how mechanics work, especially in the early hours. The cryptic lore, complex systems, and overwhelming number of aspects to manage create a steep learning curve that many find disorienting.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.03): Players derive deep satisfaction from gradually understanding the game's complex systems, solving puzzles, and unlocking new areas. The sense of accomplishment from mastering mechanics and piecing together lore without external help is highly rewarding.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players adore the game's intricate systems, rich lore, and the unique fantasy of managing an occult library. The depth of gameplay, beautiful writing, and the freedom to explore at one's own pace foster a strong emotional connection.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): The game is praised for its exceptional worldbuilding, beautiful art, and masterful writing. The depth of lore and the seamless integration of narrative and gameplay mechanics earn high admiration from players.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's unique concept, atmospheric writing, and the creative effort behind its world and mechanics. The cozy yet mysterious vibe and the community's helpfulness are also valued.
- Immersion (weight 0.02): The game's atmospheric writing, detailed world, and relaxing pace allow players to become fully immersed in the role of a librarian cataloging occult knowledge. The meticulous organization and sense of discovery make time fly by.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): The repetitive gameplay loop of reading books and managing timers becomes tedious, especially without clear goals or guidance. The lack of challenge and slow progression contribute to a sense of boredom.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Players are excited by the prospect of unlocking new rooms, discovering secrets, and experiencing the upcoming DLC and sequel. The sense of anticipation and the joy of exploration keep them engaged.
- Relaxation (weight 0.02): The game's slow pace, forgiving mechanics, and cozy atmosphere provide a relaxing experience. Players enjoy the lack of pressure and the freedom to organize and explore at their own leisure.
- Addiction (weight 0.02): The gameplay loop of collecting lore, upgrading skills, and unlocking rooms is highly addictive, compelling players to keep playing for 'just one more day'. The sense of progression and discovery hooks players deeply.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Frustration arises from poorly designed UI, drag-and-drop issues, and tedious manual searching for items. The reliance on RNG and the need to click through many menus add to the irritation.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Players experience joy from the sense of discovery, making connections, and the dopamine rush of achieving goals. The whimsical elements and the feeling of mastering esoteric knowledge contribute to delight.
- Interest (weight 0.01): The game's unique premise, rich lore, and the promise of uncovering secrets in an occult library spark curiosity and keep players engaged. The narrative and time-management aspects add to the intrigue.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Players find the game fun due to the engaging puzzle-solving, the joy of discovery, and the rewarding gameplay loop. The depth of systems and the freedom to experiment contribute to an enjoyable experience.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is triggered by technical issues, poor item management, and RNG-dependent mechanics that feel unfair. The lack of localization and unclear conditions blocking progress also incite frustration.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Players are amused by the game's absurd complexity and the quirky juxtaposition of mundane and occult activities. The relatable struggles of the protagonist and the game's self-aware humor provide comedic relief.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Enthusiastic players are drawn to the game's deep lore, intricate systems, and the rewarding experience of organizing and solving puzzles. The game's ability to reward patience and curiosity is highly praised.}