Info about The Horror at Highrook: Official game description: Explore an atmospheric setting on the edge of nightmare ------------------------------------------------------- Guide a team of occult investigators to investigate the disappearance of a noble family. Keep your team well equipped and safe from hunger, injury, madness and disease. Each member of this motley crew offers their own unique skills to aid with your quest. But they also harbour their own secret ambitions... Master the dark arts -------------------- Combine characters, items and locations to craft tools, potions and occult rites. Master a deep, nonlinear crafting system as you progress through the story. Explore eight chapters of cosmic horror. Each one presenting new challenges, events and characters.. all woven into this tragic twisted tale. Uncover secrets and defeat demons --------------------------------- Track the lost family with your team. Complete challenges to access new areas, items and characters. Build an arsenal of relics and rites to summon and banish ancient horrors. Withstand earthquakes, abhorrent incursions and face your innermost fears.  Delve into lore and mystery --------------------------- If your desire for hidden knowledge runs deep you can collect and peruse an extensive library of notes and letters. Revealing the dark history of Highrook, a gothic world inspired by HP Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker. Is it for me? ------------- The Horror at Highrook is an unusual game with some unique mechanics. There is a wealth of story, character and challenge hidden in the halls. There is a lot of text in the game and no voice acting (I couldn't afford it!) and that might put some people off, I understand. However, If you enjoy evocative writing, unpacking mysteries, and are wiling to experiment with a different type of game, then I think you will enjoy the journey! Check out the fully narrated gameplay trailer above to see how the game systems look in action. Release date: May 1, 2025 Categories: Story-driven Gameplay, Lovecraftian Horror, Occult and Lovecraftian themes, Card-based Mechanics, Resource Management, Survival Mechanics, Narrative Horror Elements, Multiple Endings Feature scans: - Wiki: score 75; verdict: Needs Improvement in Inventory Management; summary: The primary user complaints revolve around the necessity of using external resources like wikis and spreadsheets to manage inventory and understand item details. While some users appreciate the game's balance of challenge and accessibility, others find the lack of in-game explanations frustrating and immersion-breaking. - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: No data 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: - Enjoyable Gameplay Experience (weight 0.4): Players find the game to be fun and enjoyable, with satisfying gameplay mechanics. The game is praised for being engaging and providing a good time. - Compelling Story and Characters (weight 0.39): The game features a well-written and engaging story with intriguing characters. Players appreciate the depth and development of the characters, as well as the overall narrative. - Lovecraftian Horror Story (weight 0.22): The game features a compelling Lovecraftian horror story, with elements of cosmic horror and eldritch themes. Players enjoy the narrative's engagement with Lovecraftian mythology. - Improved Accessibility Compared to Cultist Simulator (weight 0.22): The game is noted for being more accessible and less stressful than Cultist Simulator. It retains similar gameplay elements but is easier and more forgiving. - Great Visuals and Art Design (weight 0.22): Players praise the game's gorgeous visuals, character designs, and overall art style. The art direction is noted for its high production values and unique aesthetic. - Excellent Atmosphere (weight 0.18): The game is praised for its strong atmosphere, which is enhanced by its music, visuals, and overall ambiance. Players find the atmosphere to be immersive and well-crafted. - Recommended for Lovecraftian Fans (weight 0.14): The game is highly recommended for fans of Lovecraftian horror and cosmic horror themes. It blends board game mechanics with Lovecraftian mythology effectively. - Good Value for Money (weight 0.08): The game is considered to offer good value for its price, with players feeling they get a worthwhile experience for the cost. - Influenced by Cultist Simulator (weight 0.08): The game is heavily influenced by Cultist Simulator and Book of Hours, offering a similar but more accessible experience. Common complaints: - Limited replayability and depth (weight 0.29): The game is criticized for its lack of replay value and depth in both gameplay and narrative. Many players find it too short and linear, with little incentive to replay beyond achieving specific accomplishments. - Repetitive and grindy gameplay (weight 0.17): The gameplay is criticized for being repetitive and grindy, with certain actions becoming tedious over time. This repetitiveness detracts from the overall enjoyment. - Lack of challenge (weight 0.15): Players report that the game is not challenging enough, with gameplay being too easy and simple. This lack of difficulty reduces the overall engagement and satisfaction. - Lacks complexity (weight 0.15): The game is seen as too simple and lacking in complexity compared to other games. The mechanics are simplistic and do not evolve or become more challenging. - Lacks trial and error (weight 0.12): The game is noted for its absence of trial and error mechanics, which limits strategic depth. Additionally, the writing and overall difficulty are seen as lacking polish and depth. - Overpriced for content (weight 0.11): A common complaint is that the game feels overpriced, with many suggesting it should cost no more than 10 euros. The high price point is seen as unjustified given the game's length and content. - Short game length (weight 0.11): Many players feel that the game is too short for its price, with some completing it in under 8 hours. This brevity contributes to a sense of limited value. - UI issues and bugs (weight 0.09): There are reports of buggy UI and potential soft-locking issues that can hinder gameplay. These technical problems detract from the overall experience. - Lacks experimentation and discovery (weight 0.09): The gameplay is noted for lacking experimentation and discovery, which limits player engagement and creativity. There is zero exploration or meaningful choices. - Stale and clunky writing (weight 0.09): The writing in the game is criticized for becoming stale and clunky. It is also described as simplistic and lacking polish. - Gameplay pacing issues (weight 0.05): The game is criticized for becoming too slow near the end, with the last third or fourth dragging. This pacing issue affects the overall enjoyment. - Players getting stuck (weight 0.05): Players report getting stuck on certain parts of the game, which can be frustrating and hinder progress. These moments detract from the overall experience. Gameplay feedback: - Story-driven narrative gameplay (weight 0.2): The game features a linear, story-rich narrative where players navigate through a plot with a team of characters. It includes story development and a major focus on narrative elements. - Similar to Cultist Simulator (weight 0.18): The game shares similar mechanics and gameplay style to Cultist Simulator, including card mechanics and timers. It is also compared to other games like Book of Hours and Citizen Sleeper. - Straightforward and linear gameplay (weight 0.17): The gameplay is described as straightforward, linear, and easy to understand. It is objective-based and can be repetitive, but it is generally enjoyable. - Narrative horror elements (weight 0.17): The game incorporates narrative-driven gameplay with horror elements, including Lovecraftian themes and detective elements. - Survival mechanics (weight 0.16): Players must manage survival mechanics such as hunger, sanity, fatigue, and health for multiple characters. - Occult and Lovecraftian themes (weight 0.14): The game features occult themes, rituals, and Lovecraftian-style horror elements, contributing to a cosmic horror atmosphere. - Board game mechanics (weight 0.13): The game features mechanics similar to board games, including card-based and digital board game elements. - Card-based mechanics (weight 0.12): The game features card-based mechanics, including card crafting, card exploration, and puzzle-solving aspects using cards. - Resource and card management (weight 0.11): Players manage resources and cards, including card-stacking and resource management simulations. - Pausable real-time gameplay (weight 0.1): The game features real-time gameplay with the ability to pause, allowing players to manage tasks and resources more effectively. - Puzzle game elements (weight 0.09): The game includes puzzle mechanics and side quests, adding a layer of challenge and engagement through puzzles. - Multiple endings and choices (weight 0.08): The game offers multiple endings based on player choices, involving unlocking mechanics and dealing with bottlenecks. - Similar to Arkham Horror (weight 0.07): The game is compared to Arkham Horror LCG and board games, sharing similar concepts and playstyles. - Single-player card-based game (weight 0.06): The game is a single-player, linear, Lovecraftian, card-based experience with cosmic horror elements. - Combination of genres (weight 0.05): The game combines elements of board games, visual novels, and puzzles, creating a unique narrative-driven experience. - Team management (weight 0.05): Players manage a team of investigators, each with their own skills and survival needs. - Primary gameplay loop (weight 0.05): The primary gameplay loop involves using cards to perform actions and unlock new items. - Unlocking new content (weight 0.05): Players can unlock new chapters and rooms as they progress through the game. - Achievement system (weight 0.05): The game includes an achievement system where players can collect achievements and complete tasks. - Character development (weight 0.05): The game features character development through personal quests and a main quest. - Card requirements and limits (weight 0.05): The game includes card requirements and usage limitations, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay. - Character upgrades (weight 0.05): Players can level up characters and upgrade their abilities, enhancing their performance in the game. Performance notes: - Game runs smoothly (weight 0.03): Many players have noted that the game runs smoothly without any performance issues. - Buggy cutscenes reported (weight 0.02): There are reports of cutscenes being buggy, affecting the overall gaming experience. - Improve Steam Deck interface readability (weight 0.02): Users have requested an interface that is easier to read specifically for the Steam Deck. - Bug with Devourer behavior (weight 0.02): Players have reported a possible bug related to the behavior of the Devourer. - Optimization issues (weight 0.02): Some players have mentioned optimization issues, though the specifics are unclear. Recommendations: - Recommended for Lovecraft and board game fans (weight 0.12): The game is highly recommended for fans of Lovecraftian themes and board games. It is particularly suggested for those who enjoy mystery-solving and Lovecraftian lore. - Try the demo first (weight 0.1): Many reviews suggest trying the demo to see if the game is enjoyable before purchasing the full game. This helps determine if the game mechanics and style are suitable for the player. - Fans of similar games may enjoy (weight 0.08): If you enjoy games like Darkest Dungeon or Cultist Simulator, this game might be appealing. It is suggested for fans of card-based management games and similar genres. - Highly recommended game (weight 0.07): The game comes with high recommendations from various reviews. Players express strong satisfaction and would recommend it to others. - Worth it during a sale (weight 0.06): Several reviews mention that the game is better purchased during a sale. It is suggested to wait for a sale price to get better value. - Play other similar games first (weight 0.06): Some reviews recommend playing Cultist Simulator or Book of Hours before trying this game. These games are suggested for more in-depth writing and experience. - Praised for atmosphere and writing (weight 0.04): The game is recommended for its atmosphere, writing, and production values. It is also noted for its linear narrative and puzzle-solving aspects. - Creepy but low-pressure experience (weight 0.04): Recommended for those looking for a creepy but not high-pressure gaming experience. It provides a unique blend of mystery and relaxation. - Interest in potential DLCs (weight 0.03): Players have expressed interest in potential DLCs for the game. Some would buy any DLCs that become available. - Good for card-based game fans (weight 0.02): The game is thoroughly recommended for those who enjoy card-based games. It offers a unique experience for fans of this genre. - Not a puzzle game (weight 0.02): Reviews mention that the game should not be bought if the player is specifically looking for a puzzle game. It offers a different type of experience. - Recommended for short play sessions (weight 0.02): The game is recommended to be played in small bursts. This suggests it is suitable for short, engaging play sessions. Other player notes: - Language barrier problems (weight 0.02): Some players experienced issues related to language barriers, which may affect their understanding or enjoyment of the game. - DLC mentioned in reviews (weight 0.02): Several reviews mention the DLC, indicating that it might be a significant aspect of the game that players are discussing. Emotions: - Enjoyment (weight 0.35): Players appreciate the blend of eldritch horror storytelling with engaging management and card-based mechanics. The game's linear progression, accessible gameplay, and Lovecraftian atmosphere contribute to a satisfying and enjoyable experience, enhanced by its unique board game feel and compelling narrative. - Satisfaction (weight 0.15): The game's straightforward and linear gameplay, combined with its brisk pacing and well-executed atmosphere, provides a satisfying experience. Players find the narrative easy to follow and the mechanics intuitive, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy card-based resource management without excessive stress. - Frustration (weight 0.11): Players experience frustration due to several gameplay issues, including bugs such as save files not carrying over and soft-locking situations. The game's mechanics, particularly the random card mechanics and resource management, can feel tedious and unrewarding, leading to a lack of challenge and progression difficulties. - Disappointment (weight 0.11): The game falls short of expectations due to its lack of depth in gameplay and narrative, limited replayability, and linear story progression. Players feel that the game lacks the complexity and challenge needed to fully engage them, resulting in a sense of wasted potential and disappointment. - Joy (weight 0.05): Players find joy in the game's engaging story, enjoyable gameplay mechanics, and the overall fun experience it provides. The art style, characters, and atmospheric elements contribute to a delightful and immersive experience. - Excitement (weight 0.03): The game's spooky Eldritch vibes and the potential for future DLC or stories generate excitement among players. The blend of mechanics and mythology, along with the intriguing worldbuilding, keeps players hooked and eager for more content. - Appreciation (weight 0.03): Players appreciate the game's high-quality visuals, character design, and narrative. The ability to pause time and the overall effort put into the game's design and mechanics are also highly valued. - Interest (weight 0.02): The Lovecraftian concepts, setting, and lore piqued players' interest. The intriguing characters and story keep players engaged and eager to explore more within the game's world. - Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's immaculate art style, compelling narrative, and well-designed atmosphere. The combination of these elements creates a mesmerizing experience that stands out. - Hope (weight 0.01): Players express hope for the game's future, including potential DLC, sequels, or additional content. They see the game as a promising foundation for more stories and developments within the same universe. - Contentment (weight 0.01): Players feel content with the game's enjoyable story and gameplay. The lore and setting provide a satisfying experience that meets their expectations and leaves them feeling fulfilled. - Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): The game's engaging gameplay and incredible ambiance generate enthusiasm among players. The overall positive experience leads to strong recommendations and a desire to share the game with others. - Surprise (weight 0.01): Players are pleasantly surprised by the game's longer-than-expected gameplay duration and impressive graphics. The realistic cat behavior and constantly satisfying surprises add to the overall enjoyment. - Engaged (weight 0.01): The game's engaging story and unique concept keep players invested. The addictive mechanics and the discovery of new cards and chapters contribute to a deeply engaging experience. - Hopeful (weight 0.01): Players are hopeful for future game developments and projects by the developer. They see potential for sequels with added complexity and more content to build on the game's foundation. - Engagement (weight 0.01): The game's engaging characters, art direction, and immersive story keep players deeply involved. The interesting characters and deep gameplay mechanics contribute to a highly engaging experience. - Boredom (weight 0.01): Some players find the game's tasks repetitive and boring, particularly towards the end. The gameplay can drag, leading to a sense of boredom and disengagement. - Amusement (weight 0.01): The game's realistic cat behavior and fun puzzles provide amusement for players. The engaging story and enjoyable gameplay mechanics contribute to a lighthearted and entertaining experience.}