Info about Strange Antiquities:

Official game description:
 
**_Dear Applicant,_**
I am pleased to offer you the role of Apprentice Thaumaturge at Strange Antiquities.
You show promise – a sharp mind and a strong stomach – exactly what this work demands. I need you to run the shop while I attend to other pressing matters. You will need a keen eye for detail as you provide the townsfolk of Undermere with occult objects for their arcane needs.
Undermere might seem unassuming at first – a serene little town on the edge of a grand lake. But it also sits at the edge of our world and the world beyond – and it falls on us to preserve reality’s frayed edge.
Permit me now to outline your duties – you’ll need to be up to speed from day one.
**Every day, you will welcome new customers into the cosy, candle-lit interior of the shop. Their needs are unpredictable and often alarming, but never dull!**
*   **Study and Identify:** Examine, identify and catalogue strange artefacts. Observation, deduction, and careful reference to our collection of illustrated tomes will serve you well. Mistakes can be… costly.
*   **Help… Or Hinder:** When dealing with powerful items, your choices matter. Will you help someone with their problem, or curse them with a horrid affliction? In a small town like this, people remember your misdeeds.
*   **Explore and Discover:** From time to time, you will have to leave the safety of the shop. Whether investigating rumours or retrieving artefacts, my well-loved hand-drawn maps will guide you to where you need to go.
*   **Solve and Uncover:** Your day-to-day might already feel like a puzzle, but this store holds many more. Few know how old this building is, and fewer still know what secrets lie within its walls.
*   **Tending the Familiar:** And, of course, Jupiter, the shop’s cat, demands daily affection. In return for his company, please oblige him with the occasional scratch behind the ears.
These ravens are an omen. There is a sickness in this town and I intend to investigate it.
Barton Potter told me that his bad eye has been aching again. That can’t be a good sign. And a creeping dark has set up in Jack Hungerford’s house. I have business in Ravenglass but I will consult with the occult scholar, Verona Green, before I leave.
There are always forces at play that would see our beloved Undermere _unmade_. We stand between them and the threshold. If events take a turn, you may be called upon to take a stand.
This shop is my life’s work. And, for the most part, it has been good to me. May it now offer you equal parts reward and mystery! But remember: some curiosities are best left untouched, and some visitors are not what they seem.
I look forward to your arrival.
Yours,
**Eli White**
_**Thaumaturge & Proprietor**_
_Strange Antiquities, Undermere_
_Purveyors of the Arcane since 1683_
We are two brothers from the UK who have been making games together for over a decade. In 2022, we released our occult puzzle game Strange Horticulture, and the response has been incredible; from amazing reviews and award nominations to appearing in numerous best-of-the-year lists. Most importantly, it has been a joy to read the kind words left by so many of our players on Steam, where we are still rated Overwhelmingly Positive after close to 12,000 reviews!
_Strange Antiquities_ is not a sequel, not a direct one, at least. You’ll see some familiar faces, and maybe some plants will pop up, but it’s a brand new story. If you have a fondness for _Strange Horticulture_ and the dark, but welcoming world we’ve created, know that you’ll feel right at home.  
We want to thank everyone who has played Strange Horticulture, left us a review, told their friends, or supported the game in any way. It has been an amazing journey and we can't wait to share the next chapter with you.
Many thanks,
Rob & John
**Please wishlist and follow Strange Antiquities to stay up-to-date with the development and help us spread the word.**

Release date: Sep 17, 2025

Categories: Puzzle Solving, Deductive Reasoning Puzzle, Choice-based Narrative, Narrative Adventure, Occult and Lovecraftian themes, Interactive Fiction, Point-and-click Adventure, Atmospheric Horror (Light)

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: The user reviews for Strange Antiquities are overwhelmingly positive, with players appreciating the unique concept of running a magic item shop and the overall rewarding experience. The mention of DLC does not raise concerns about predatory monetization, as users seem to be accepting of it as additional content.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Needs Improvement; summary: The primary issues highlighted by users revolve around the necessity of using walkthroughs to progress through the game, poor game design, and a lack of sufficient in-game information. These factors significantly impact the user experience, making it frustrating and less enjoyable.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game runs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck, with users reporting excellent performance and playability. Gamepad support further enhances the experience, making it a great choice for Steam Deck users.
- Steam Deck: score 20; verdict: Good with Minor Issues; summary: The game generally provides a seamless experience on Steam Deck, with positive feedback on its playability and performance. However, there are some issues with battery life and controller support that could affect the user experience. Control mapping issues, though less frequent, also pose a problem for some users.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $20.00
  - Reasoning: The selected evidence indicates that while some users suggest waiting for a sale, many others believe the game is worth the full price, especially for fans of the predecessor or specific genres like dark academia. The overall sentiment leans towards the game being valued at its current price point, with several users explicitly stating it is worth the full price.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 11.0h
  - Story completion: 9.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides several direct mentions of playtime. One user explicitly states that their gameplay time was about 11 hours while trying all endings. Another user mentions that it took them a good 11 hours to play the entirety of the game plus the main endings, including extra time spent studying artifacts and exploring locations. Additionally, a user reports achieving 100% completion in 9 hours. These quotes indicate that the typical total time to finish the game (game completion) is around 11 hours, while the time to finish the main story (story completion) is slightly less but still significant. The session length is not explicitly mentioned, but the context suggests that players can spend several hours in a single session. There is no specific mention of endgame hours, so that field is set to null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game starts fun with its engaging puzzles and atmosphere, but becomes tedious and less enjoyable towards the end due to repetitive tasks and excessive detail management.
  - Stance: Fun then drops
  - Anchor: Completion of initial puzzles and narrative progression
  - Time to anchor: 1h 0m
  - Friction: Repetitive actions (dragging items, opening/closing books); Excessive detail management in the late game; Tedious item examination process
  - Unlock drivers: Narrative progression; Smooth pacing and sense of urgency
  - Conditions: Enjoyment of puzzle-solving and logical thinking; Patience for slower pacing and detailed examination; Interest in story and atmosphere
- Player Archetypes:
  - Cozy Mystery Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of cozy and mysterious puzzle games.
    - Playstyle: Casual and relaxed, focusing on solving puzzles and enjoying the story.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Fan of Strange Horticulture; Mystery lover; Puzzle game enthusiast
    - Reference games: Strange Horticulture; Return of the Obra Dinn
  - Puzzle Solver (sale)
    - Motivation: Enjoyment of complex and challenging puzzles.
    - Playstyle: Methodical and thorough, using guides and external resources to solve puzzles.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: Puzzle solver; Guide user
    - Reference games: Return of the Obra Dinn; The Witness
  - Chill Atmosphere Seeker (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxation and immersion in a cozy atmosphere.
    - Playstyle: Casual and relaxed, focusing on the ambiance and atmosphere.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: Chill gamer; Atmosphere enthusiast
    - Reference games: Animal Crossing; Stardew Valley


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:
- Challenging and enjoyable puzzles (weight 0.57): The game features a wide range of puzzles that are both challenging and enjoyable. Players appreciate the variety and depth of the puzzles, which range from simple to very hard, and are well-designed and engaging.
- Cozy and relaxing atmosphere (weight 0.27): The game offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, making it a great choice for players looking to unwind. The ambiance is pleasant and tranquil, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game.
- Beautiful and atmospheric visuals (weight 0.25): The game is praised for its beautiful and atmospheric visuals, including stunning animations and a pleasing art style. The aesthetic and ambiance contribute to the game's unique charm.
- Unique and engaging experience (weight 0.21): The game offers a unique and engaging experience, combining elements of coziness, puzzling, and horror. Players find the game to be innovative and fascinating, with a comfortable and engaging atmosphere.
- Engaging and interesting storyline (weight 0.21): The game's storyline is compelling and engaging, with interesting characters and a captivating narrative. Players enjoy the story and find it to be one of the game's strong points.
- Helpful and intuitive hint system (weight 0.17): The game features a hint system that is well-implemented and helpful. Players appreciate the ability to use hints without feeling penalized, and the hints are seen as a useful tool for solving puzzles.
- Multiple and satisfying endings (weight 0.14): The game features multiple endings that are influenced by the player's actions. Players enjoy the variety of endings and find them to be satisfying and interesting.
- Fun and immersive exploration (weight 0.12): The game offers fun and immersive exploration, with detailed maps and a variety of interactive elements. Players enjoy exploring the game's environment and discovering new things.
- Simple yet rewarding gameplay (weight 0.1): The game's gameplay is simple and repetitive but equally rewarding. Players find the gameplay to be involving and enjoyable, with a good balance of challenge and satisfaction.
- Cute and enjoyable cat companion (weight 0.1): The game features a cute cat named Jupiter, who serves as a companion and assistant. Players enjoy interacting with Jupiter and find the cat to be a charming addition to the game.

Common complaints:
- Puzzles are poorly designed (weight 0.29): Many players found the puzzles to be confusing, unfair, and poorly designed. They often required trial and error or external guides to solve, which defeated the purpose of a puzzle game.
- Clues are vague or insufficient (weight 0.21): The clues provided in the game were often too abstract, misleading, or insufficient for making deductions. This made it difficult for players to progress without using a guide.
- Gameplay is confusing and frustrating (weight 0.16): The gameplay was described as confusing, disorganized, and frustrating. The difficulty varied from simplistic to cryptic, and the game was also noted to be glitchy.
- Book searching is cumbersome (weight 0.13): The process of searching through books and artifacts was found to be tedious and nerve-racking. Players had difficulty flipping through pages and finding relevant information.
- Choices lack clear consequences (weight 0.07): Players found it unclear how their choices affected the story. They wanted to know why certain choices led to specific outcomes.
- Translation errors disrupt gameplay (weight 0.07): There were many translation errors, especially in French, which disrupted the gameplay flow and made it difficult to understand the context.
- UI is unfriendly (weight 0.06): The UI was noted to be too different and not in a good way. It was overhauled for the worse, causing minor friction and unfriendliness.
- Game is too short (weight 0.06): The game was criticized for being too short, with a short play length and duration.
- Item descriptions are vague (weight 0.05): Some item descriptions were too abstract and vague, making it difficult for players to identify and use them correctly.
- Lacks originality (weight 0.05): The game was noted to lack originality and surprises. It followed the blueprint of the first game too closely, making it feel uninspired.
- Font and labels are too small (weight 0.04): The font and labels in the game were too small to read, causing difficulty for players.
- Dice game is unnecessary (weight 0.04): The dice game was criticized for being frustrating and unnecessary, adding little value to the gameplay.
- Not as impressive as previous games (weight 0.04): The game was found to be less impressive compared to previous games like Strange Horticulture and Strange Herbalism, leading to a letdown for some players.
- Achievement system is flawed (weight 0.04): The achievement system was criticized for being difficult and for bricking one achievement due to the hint system.
- Tedious elements are multiplied (weight 0.04): Tedious elements from the first game were multiplied exponentially, making the gameplay far more tedious and unenjoyable.
- Force field operation is cumbersome (weight 0.03): The operation of the force field was found to be cumbersome and too restrictive, adding to the frustration of players.
- Unused mechanics (weight 0.03): There were unused mechanics and a minimum of new mechanics, making the gameplay feel limited and repetitive.
- Artifact interpretations are unclear (weight 0.03): The interpretations of artifacts were not always intuitive, and some puzzles for identifying artifacts were lackluster.
- Navigation is difficult (weight 0.03): Navigation in the game was noted to be not easy, adding to the overall difficulty and frustration.
- Lacks decision-making moments (weight 0.03): Players wished for more decision-making chances, as there were not enough moments where their choices significantly impacted the game.

Gameplay feedback:
- Puzzle-solving mechanics central to gameplay (weight 0.48): The game heavily features puzzle-solving mechanics that require deduction, lateral thinking, and identification of items. These puzzles are challenging and often involve occult objects and magic relics.
- Deduction and identification mechanics (weight 0.29): The game includes deduction-based gameplay where players use reasoning and observation to identify items and artifacts. This involves consulting documents and using various methods to inspect objects.
- Story-driven and atmospheric gameplay (weight 0.25): The game offers a narrative-driven experience with a captivating story set in a tranquil atmosphere. It includes role-playing elements and branching storylines that immerse players in the gameplay.
- Multiple endings based on choices (weight 0.23): The game features multiple endings that are influenced by the choices players make throughout the story. These choices have consequences and affect the character's outcome.
- Uncovering secrets and mysteries (weight 0.21): Players are tasked with uncovering secrets, clues, and lore through reading and following various hints. The game involves mapping and solving clues to unravel mysteries.
- Complexity and variety in puzzles (weight 0.14): The game offers a variety of puzzles with different types of clues and solutions. The puzzles are complex but not frustrating, providing a good level of difficulty.
- Exploration and discovery (weight 0.14): Exploration is a key component of the game, with players exploring various locations and maps to discover secrets and solve puzzles.
- Use of hints and books (weight 0.09): Players can use hints provided by the game to solve puzzles. Books are also helpful in uncovering mysteries and identifying items.

Performance notes:
- Stable performance on most systems (weight 0.1): Many players report that the game runs smoothly and is stable, with no crashing or freezing. It is also well-optimized across different play styles and has solid technical performance.
- Graphical issues reported (weight 0.02): Some players have reported poor graphics quality, which detracts from the overall visual experience.
- Compatibility with Steam Deck (weight 0.02): The game is noted to be compatible with the Steam Deck, providing players with flexibility in how they play.
- 21:9 screen support (weight 0.02): The game works well with a 21:9 screen format, enhancing the gaming experience for users with ultrawide monitors.
- Occasional technical issues (weight 0.02): There are isolated reports of the game stopping responding, indicating some technical issues that need attention.

Recommendations:
- Highly recommended for puzzle lovers (weight 0.19): The game is frequently recommended for fans of unique puzzle games, escape room type puzzle games, and those who enjoy narrative games and puzzles. It is praised for its calm and cozy puzzle-solving experience with nice art and story elements.
- Fans of Strange Horticulture will enjoy (weight 0.14): Many reviewers suggest that if you liked Strange Horticulture, you will likely enjoy this game as well. It is considered a well-made follow-up to Strange Horticulture and is recommended for fans of the previous game.
- General high recommendations (weight 0.12): The game receives overall high recommendations from various reviewers. It is often described as well worth playing and highly recommended to others.
- Play the first game first (weight 0.08): Several reviewers suggest playing the first part of the game or Strange Horticulture before playing this one. It is recommended to experience the predecessor for a better understanding and enjoyment.
- Immersive experience with spooky atmosphere (weight 0.07): The game is recommended for those who enjoy a spooky atmosphere and a great narrative. It offers an immersive experience with a relaxed gameplay style and an exciting story.
- Request for sequels and more content (weight 0.05): There are requests and hopes for a sequel or additional content, such as DLC. Players express interest in future games with similar themes or ideas.
- Recommended for specific player preferences (weight 0.05): The game is recommended for players who enjoy deduction and logic-based gameplay, quiet atmospheric mystery games, and those who prefer to play at their own pace.
- Appeals to fans of occult and mystery (weight 0.04): The game is recommended to fans of the occult, puzzles, and mystery. It is praised for its witchy, dark, mystery, and detective-style themes.
- Recommended by analysts (weight 0.02): The game is recommended by analysts, indicating a professional endorsement and adding credibility to its quality and enjoyment.
- Positive reception despite flaws (weight 0.02): Despite some flaws, the game is still recommended by many players. This indicates that the overall experience is positive and enjoyable.
- Improved mechanics (weight 0.02): The game has improved item-text referencing, which enhances the gameplay experience and makes it more enjoyable for players.
- Immersive worldview (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for its immersive worldview, which draws players into its unique and engaging atmosphere.
- Positive reception from fans of the studio (weight 0.02): Fans of the studio express a willingness to buy anything from this studio, indicating a high level of trust and enjoyment in their games.
- Recommended despite short play length (weight 0.02): The game is recommended despite its short play length, indicating that the quality of the experience outweighs the duration.
- Suggestion to wait for sale (weight 0.02): Some reviewers suggest waiting for the game to be on sale before purchasing, indicating that it may be worth playing at a discounted price.

Other player notes:
No miscpoints

Emotions:
- Enjoyment (weight 0.26): Players appreciate the blend of mystery, puzzles, and the occult theme, along with the addictive nature of the game. The exploration of artifacts, engaging storyline, and the fun yet challenging puzzles contribute significantly to the enjoyment. Additionally, the game's atmosphere, music, and the unique experience of playing as a shop owner for occult antiquities are highly praised.
- Frustration (weight 0.14): The challenging nature of the puzzles and the difficulty in identifying items and understanding clues lead to frustration. Translation issues and unclear puzzle criteria add to the frustration, along with repetitive tasks and the need to use external resources or guides to progress in the game.
- Joy (weight 0.12): The joy comes from the engaging and fun gameplay mechanics, including solving mysteries and puzzles. Players also enjoy the game's atmosphere, music, and the presence of a cat, along with the beautiful artwork and pleasant music that enhance the overall experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Players are excited by the engaging plot and challenging puzzles, which make the game hard to put down. The improvements and changes in the sequel, along with the interesting story and more possibilities, contribute to the excitement. The anticipation for more games like this also adds to the overall excitement.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Satisfaction arises from the well-balanced difficulty and engaging story with multiple endings. Players appreciate the improvements over the previous game, including better puzzles and art style, as well as the satisfying endings and the overall quality of life improvements.
- Disappointment (weight 0.05): Disappointment stems from the game not meeting expectations set by its predecessor, Strange Horticulture. Players find the puzzles poorly made and the story less engaging, with high similarity to the previous game. The lack of new mechanics and the short play length also contribute to the disappointment.
- Love (weight 0.05): Players love the stories, characters, and puzzles, along with the unique gameplay elements such as identifying items through books and the cozy game atmosphere. The art style, interface, and the overall vibe of the game are highly appreciated.
- Relaxation (weight 0.02): The game's relaxing atmosphere and slow pace provide a nice and chill gameplay experience. Players enjoy the pleasantly tranquil atmosphere, which makes it a perfect game to unwind and play before bedtime.
- Excited (weight 0.02): Players are excited about the complex puzzles and game evolution, along with the improved puzzle variety and story presentation. The more challenging and interesting gameplay, along with the great installment in the collection, contribute to the excitement.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from the lack of explanation and unclear gameplay mechanics. The nonsensical world setting and receiving items too early without clear usage add to the confusion, along with the fear mechanic and identifying items and clues.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players express hope for more games from the developers and the continuation of the series. The desire for a third chapter and looking forward to more games like this contribute to the overall hope.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Appreciation comes from the girlfriend loving the game and the crossover with Strange Horticulture. The realism of the game and the cosy esoteric atmosphere, along with the hint system, are highly appreciated.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players are excited to see what Bad Viking does next and are looking forward to the dev team's next project. The compelling storyline and the anticipation for another Strange game contribute to the overall anticipation.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity is sparked by exploring strange artifacts and the interesting storyline with different endings. The interesting puzzles and conundrums, along with the small discoveries and realizations, contribute to the overall curiosity.
- Happy (weight 0.01): Players are happy with the unique and engaging gameplay, along with the immersive and relaxing gameplay experience. The enjoyment of figuring out items and their purposes, as well as the sequel to a hidden gem, contribute to the overall happiness.
- Disappointed (weight 0.01): Disappointment comes from the vague hints and unclear consequences of choices. The gameplay experience not being as good as the previous one and the confusing items, along with the missed out on Jupiter Plushy and worse story progression, contribute to the overall disappointment.
- Contentment (weight 0.01): Players feel content with the chill atmosphere and enjoyable puzzles. The grand time playing the game and the enjoyable features and story contribute to the overall contentment.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from the sound design and the unique population of Undermere. Players are pleasantly surprised by how much they loved the game and the memorable experience.
- Interest (weight 0.01): Players find the story interesting and are interested in the game. The interesting storyline and the overall interest in the game contribute to the overall interest.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement comes from the engaging set of puzzles and the cozy yet engaging puzzle-mystery solving. The puzzle components mixed with the occult theme contribute to the overall engagement.}