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After the 5 Star high of the Fourth Drop, I’m super excited to get into Fatal Frame 5: Fifth Drop Gameplay!

Who are all these people?

  • Ren Hojo – This drop’s POV character. Ren is an author who lives with his assistant, Rui, at the base of Mt. Hikami. He’s become obsessed with his dream in which he believes he kills a young, white-haired girl, and postmortem photographs of shrine maidens from Mt. Hikami. Could there be a connection?
    Rui Kagamiya – the organized assistant to Ren Hojo. She lives him with and accompanies him on his increasingly dangerous forays onto Mt. Hikami.
  • Kazuya Sakaki – Ren’s friend since high school, who works in the city. He was helping Ren collect postmortem photographs when he suddenly cut contact. Recently called Ren to tell him he was getting married. But to who?
  • Keiji Watarai – a folklorist obsessed with the rituals conducted on Mt. Hikami. He moved there to learn more but he, and the house he lived in on the mountain, have vanished into the mists.
  • Yuri Kozukata – An orphan rescued from suicide by Hisoka, who can see “spirit traces”, like Hisoka. She’s in possession of the Camera Obscura, the camera that can combat ghosts. She can see shadow traces of people and items.
  • Hisoka Kurosawa – Yuri’s mentor who runs an antique shop. She also reads fortunes and finds missing items and people by following their traces… but went missing on Mt. Hikami while looking for Haruka.
  • Haruka Momose – Rescued from Mt. Hikami, but still drawn there by the allure of some suicidal siren song.

There’s more and more characters each time. I think this might be the widest cast in any Fatal Frame game yet.

To catch you up

Last drop we rescued, however briefly, Haruka. But Ren is still obsessed with the postmortem photo album recovered from the inn. This album, compiled by Keiji Watarai, a folklorist who settled on Mt. Hikami, seems to bring trouble wherever it goes.

First Keiji vanished. Then the inn keeper’s father. Then the inn keeper himself. Will Ren follow suit?

Ren’s home

Back at home, Rui has secured a video tape that might shed some light on the whereabouts of Keiji Watarai. Ren settles in to watch it, and the images are immediately familiar.

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This is Shrine of Dolls, and the underground tunnel of Womb Cave. But the image flickers, and now a cabin fills the screen.

Fatal Frame 5: Fifth Drop Gameplay, Keiji Watarai's house
The house that vanished into the mists.

“I don’t remember seeing this house before.”

The person recording the video enters, cautious. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s lived here in awhile.”

Dirt and grime cover everything. And yet, there are items on the table. It looks as if someone vanished, rather than moved. An old rotary phone sits on the corner, and as they pass it chimes once, briefly. The explorer jerks away, not wanting to pick it up. I can’t blame him.

He passes a living room, and at its center is a massive black box.

The same type of box that Yuri found Haruka in.

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But he doesn’t investigate it. He goes towards the stairs, moving fast and jerky. His panic is obvious without him saying a word. He climbs the stairs, panning the camera across a room with a hole in its floor. A man stands in the closet, his face dark with decay. But he doesn’t react. Does he even see him?

A little further in he finds a room filled with books. This is undoubtedly Keiji’s study. In the storage room off its side is a ladder, leading up into an attic. And against his better judgement the cameraman mounts the stairs.

His breath trembles as he lifts the camera up. Only to see a man crawling across the floor towards him, blood streaking his face. The cameraman screams and the screams and the footage sizzles and cuts out.

Ren grabs the report Rui’s written about the video. It reads:

“This folklorist, Keiji Watarai, went to the mountain due to his obsession with the mysteries of the sect living there. He then went missing, as mentioned in the diary, and rumors about what happened to him abound.

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They say that he didn’t just die or go missing, but rather he stumbled on something the mountain wanted kept hidden, and so his entire house as swallowed up by the mist.

This is the origin of Mt. Hikami’s more recent stories of a haunted house.

While the veracity of this is unclear, I looked into a video tape, left behind by someone who stumbled across the house. The video is apparently famous in occult circles.

I contacted the publisher, and received the following response:

Dear Rui Kagamiya,

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Thank you for contacting us.

The tape was found near a river on Mt. Hikami. It’s unknown who filmed it. There were many sections too damaged by water to be usable, and so we took what was left and edited it together.

The master copy of the video was confiscated by the police. They conducted a search of the mountain, but were unable to find who shot the film, or even the house’s location.

We advise you not to look into this on your own.”

Ha. As if they’re going to listen to you, film publisher.

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As Ren puts down the report the phone rings.

Ren answers and is surprised to hear it’s his friend, Kazuya Sakaki. He hasn’t been able to get a hold of his friend in awhile, but Kazuya scarcely seems to hear him.

The point of view shifts, and we see Kazuya standing in an old house. His face and voice distant.

“I’m getting married,” Kazuya announces.

“What, you are?” Ren says, shocked. He stammers a congratulations. He asks if he knows the bride and Kazuya continues, as if in a trance.

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“Ever since I saw her picture…”

Fatal Frame 5: Fifth Drop Gameplay, Kazuya informing Ren about his new fiancee.
She secrets black water and men still love her. What’s her secret?

Black water creeps towards his shoes. The windows behind him are boarded up. This… doesn’t look good.

The voice of a woman floods the phone.

“Will you die with me?” she asks.

Beside Kazuya a grey faced, black-lipped woman stands, staring at him. The line cuts.

Shaken, Ren hangs up, staring down at the phone as he tries to comprehend what Kazuya has told him. The ghastly, feminine voice on the phone.

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But he doesn’t deviate from his plan. He has to find Keiji’s house. The cameraman seemed to follow the same path Yuri took when she found Haruka. He’ll have to go to the Shrine of the Dolls, through the wooden grate, and descend into Womb Cave. From there, perhaps he’ll be able to find it.

Before he takes a step outside the door, he finds Rui’s journal. Moral quibbles aside, he peeks inside, to try and get insight into what Rui’s been afraid to say aloud.

“Mr. Hojo often cries out in his sleep.”

“Mr. Hojo often cries out in his sleep. He won’t tell me much, but it seems like he has a recurring dream, about a ceremony from his childhood.

As a young boy, Mr. Hojo said he spent a summer with relatives at the base of Mt. Kagiroi. He’s mentioned playing in an old house and in a shrine on the mountain, and some kind of festival he went to.

Is he dreaming of that ceremony? I went to festivals as a child, but all I remember is having a good time.

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He often cries “don’t look at me!” in his sleep.

He’s always had a hard time with people staring at him. He especially dislikes it when women look at him for too long.”

Huh. Sounds pretty familiar to someone else. A tattooed face murderer, perhaps. Did the white-haired girl have the same ability as the shrine maidens, or is Ren just overcome with guilt at having her look at him before he kills her?

Shrine of Dolls on Mt. Hikami

Ren and Rui set out to the Shrine of Dolls, arriving unscathed. But they linger outside the shrine.

Fatal Frame 5: Fifth Drop Gameplay, the Shrine of Dolls
Why are we here again. Why would we ever go back.

Ren follows the path Yuri takes through the side door. He opens it, and the dolls that were standing guard when Yuri was here last are gone. So are the dolls that filled the hall.

Their absence is almost more disorienting than their presence. They’ve moved. I don’t like that they’ve moved.

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Rui, lagging behind Ren, hears the wordless sounds of something almost indistinguishable. Is it a child? Beckoning her to play? She turns, following the noise, into a doll display room. There on the floor is the white-haired girl, laying beside an effigy.

Fatal Frame 5: Fifth Drop Gameplay, white-haired girl "pretends" to be dead.
What a delightfully morbid little brat.

“Don’t talk to me. I’m not supposed to talk to the living.”

“Don’t talk to me. I’m not supposed to talk to the living,” the white-haired girl warns.

She’s so petulant and bratty. It’s hard not to like her.

She opens her eyes, sighing. “A man at last. You are a man, are you not?”

“I’m a girl,” Ren states, shocked but indignant.

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“Liar.”

“I am!”

“I see. In that case… Let us play.” The girl holds up the faceless doll, nearly identical to the one she had for Yuri.

“This is an effigy. Of you. … No. I’ll make you into an effigy.” She creeps closer to Rui, her scarlet eyes full of malicious intention.

Down the hall Ren, realizing that Rui isn’t behind him, turns back and enters the doll room that Rui was in moments before. But now Rui’s nowhere to be seen. It’s just the ghost children, who surround him.

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“It’s playtime! You’re the groom, now find your bride!”

They run off, vanishing through the walls.

Ren stares after them, perplexed. He has no idea what’s going on but he needs to find Rui. Opening the nearest door, he descends into the waterlogged storage room. Dolls still fill the shelves but there’s a new book amongst them, too.

A soiled notebook, belonging to a priest who once lived here.

It reads:

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“The children are playing. Sometimes I wake up at night, feeling their presence. The following morning, dolls that I know I’ve put away have moved someplace else.

The more this happens, the more clearly I hear the sounds of playing, and the more often I have dreams where I’m there among the children, playing with them.

I think my late daughter is one of them.

Last night, I felt like I as being watched. I awoke to find a white-haired girl staring at me.

She said, “Don’t worry. Your daughter is playing with the doll you fixed.” After that, she disappeared.

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Those eyes… It’s like she could see everything. She even seemed to answer the very question that was on my mind.”

Ah, so the white-haired girl has the same ability as the Blackwater Maidens. Maybe that’s why Ren was so frightened to have her look at him when he killed her all those years ago.

Ren works his way through the shelves, finally reaching the stairs on the other side. On the other side of the shrine, he encounters a sheer, ghostly sphere, hiding in a small room. When he takes a picture of it, it transforms into one of the hiding children, who leaps at him before running away.

Fatal Frame 5: Fifth Drop Gameplay
Found you! You creepy little bastard.

I guess that’s one child down, two more to go.

Down another hall we hear a small voice and find another hidden girl. That’s the second.

As we search for the third, we find another one of the priest’s diaries.

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It reads:

“Today’s dream was stifling. It was night, and several men carrying burning flames spent a long time exploring the area underneath the main shrine.

They carried a huge reliquary underground, burying it where no one would ever find it.

The white-haired girl was sleeping inside the box.

She was waiting for someone, but it wasn’t me. I didn’t have what she wanted. I remember feeling so incredibly sad when I woke up.”

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Ahh. So, does Ren have what she wants? We’ll have to wait see.

The third ghost is close by, hiding in a hole.

Now where do we go? In the flooded sanctum here the three large dolls are enshrined Ren finds another notebook, which wasn’t there just a few minutes before. But this book, with its shiny leather, is familiar.

It’s Rui’s journal.

Quickly, Ren flips through it, hoping for a clue.

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“Mr. Hojo has started acting strangely. It’s like his mind is completely elsewhere. This all started when he saw that photo. He’s usually on the lazy side, but now he’s obsessed with tracking down these photos.

I have to go with him, if only make sure he doesn’t wander off willy-nilly.

Would he put this much effort into searching for me if I went missing, I wonder?”

Woof. Rui doesn’t have a very high opinion of him, does she? But it’s hard to blame her.

But Ren believes that if he uses her diary, he can see where Rui’s been taken. Does that mean, he, too, has a spiritual sense like Yuri and Hisoka?

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A vague white mist glimmers at a door, and we follow it into a narrow room. Where it’s concentrated Ren takes a photo. Rui materializes, the Camera Obscura materializing her back into the living realm.

Fatal Frame: Fifth Drop Gameplay, found Rui
Was she hidden in the realm between life and death, like the photo album in the inn?

“You… you really came for me.”

“You alright?”

“Yes.”

But she really doesn’t sound alright. She keeps getting picked on by all these ghosts. Still, Ren isn’t ready to give up and go home yet. Not when they’ve come all this way. He needs to find the Veiled House.

He and Rui head back towards the doll room here she was first spirited away. But a man with a reliquary on his back attacks them. As he collapses into ether, Ren reaches out to touch him.

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We see his last moments, as he contemplates the black waters, the box on his back forcing him to bow.

“My body. Lost to the depths… of the Black Water…”

He seems to have thrown himself into a lake of water. Perhaps he, like so many others, couldn’t resist the allure of that place. It’s hard to feel sorry for him.

Inside the doll room, the white-haired girl is sitting on the doll display.

Ren is taken aback. He remembers her immediately. And she clearly remembers him. She stares at him intensely, contemplating him for a moment.

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White-haired girl knows Ren and gave him a token before she died.
She’s so disappointed in him. But I would have tossed that token too.

“You didn’t keep it with you. My token… Did you lose it? But, our promise…”

She turns, disappointed, away from him before vanishing into the ether.

Ren says nothing. He just goes to the wooden grate beneath the doll display and enters Womb Cavern.

Womb Cavern

“Th-thanks… Y-you know, I… I’ve been waiting,” Rui stammers, sounding chilled.

“Hmm?” Ren asks, clearly confused. Not turning around to look at her as he works his way through the waterlogged tunnel.

“For… for someone to choose me. I’ve been waiting… so long… for you.”

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Uh-oh.

“What are you talking about?” Ren demands.

“I… It’s not important. I understand now…”

“… Well, I don’t understand it at all.”

“The girl… She’s been waiting too. For the person with her token.”

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“Huh?”

It seems that more than just a murder happened during Ren’s childhood. But that, too, seems to be blacked out of his memory. But more pressing, is Rui possessed?

They reach the main cave, and the pool is still filled with black boxes. In the center, the women who attacked Haruka and Yuri attacks. Her arms swing wildly and blind towards Ren, but soon she vanishes. In her wake is an Iris key.

It occurs to Ren now that there is a woman in each of the boxes that fill this cavern. But he has the key to the metal door that leads out of this place. And he doesn’t linger, quickly unlocking it so they can leave.

And outside the cave, they find it. The Veiled House. The vanishing home of Keiji Watarai.

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The Veiled House

“Is… is someone there?” Rui asks, as they approach it, cautious.

It looks decrepit and long abandoned. Just like in the video they’d seen. But the moment they step inside it’s undeniable – this is surely the house that Kazuya called from. I recognize that boarded up window. And that phone, that started the explorer in the video. That must have been the phone that he used to call Ren.

So, he’s here in this house, somewhere.

“It’s just like that video..” Rui murmurs, her head swinging back and forth, nervous.

“Yeah.”

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Ren heads up the stairs, and catches a glimpse of Keiji staggering through the halls, towards his study.

“This box… is there something inside of it? What lies within… and what is its purpose?” Keiji’s voice drifts out of his study. “Have others been submered elsewhere on this mountain too?”

There are countless books here, but they are all unreadable because of water damage.

We see another trace of Keiji in the hall, murmuring to himself. He seems entranced.

Keiji Watarai mumbling to himself about a maiden

The TV in the sitting room is on, its monitor full of white static. A tray with two teacups and tobacco sit on a dusty table. It feels as if someone’s been here recently.

Ren approaches the phone, and it rings.

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“Ren. You’re… too late… I… I’m already…”

“Kazuya?”

“Really? Was that him?” Rui asks, shocked.

Rui spots an old photograph on the floor by the phone and picks it up, giving it to Ren.

“This is just like the picture you were looking at.”

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Ren stares dumbfounded at the photo. It’s the precise same postmortem photo he had in his photo album. The photo of a beautiful shrine maiden.

Did Kazuya come here because of it?

Keiji’s spirit appears in the hall behind them, stumbling away. He mumbles something almost too quiet to hear:

“The living and the dead… Bound by ceremonies of Ghost Marriage.”

“The living and the dead… Bound by ceremonies of Ghost Marriage.”

So, he married a dead girl. But why are all these men obsessed with her? These photos seem to have a siren effect, similar to the call to the suicidal Mt. Hikami has. But why? Why are they luring men here?

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Near the phone there’s a hole in the floor. Beneath it is dark, murky water. But there are traces of water on the floor, as if something had been dragged into it.

We follow Keiji’s trace and hear him murmuring. “The photo… she’s smiling at me. The photo’s smiling at me.”

His ghost vanishes into the next room, and Ren follows him. Here the room is filled with shelves of books. And still Keiji talks to himself.

“The picture… From the moment I let her draw me in, the union was already complete. I must go. I can’t just keep waiting until it’s too late. Even if I risk ruin…”

Until what’s too late, Keiji? He’s giving us more questions than answers. But amongst the shelves we find one of his books, filled with notes on Mt. Hikami. It reads:

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“Here on the mountain, water is considered the source of the soul. A person’s soul is then said to return to water upon death, rather than moving on to an afterlife.

Those ready for death would gather at the mountain and return their lives to the water.

Water connects everything.

I’m glad I came here. The people on this mountain have a yearning for death. That is to say, they have a yearning for water, and a yearning for nature.

Life and death are both connected to water.”

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There’s a cassette tape with the notepad, but the label has been left blank.

Fortunately, we can listen to it now. Ren plays it, and Keiji’s voice fills the room.

“The shrine maidens use the water as a conduit between the living and the dead. Those who come to the mountain are transfixed by death. To die is to return to the water. The water is connected to everything. The shrine maidens glance into the souls of the dying, taking on their final memories. Then the shrine maidens become the Pillars, and those memories are submerged into the water.

If water really is connected to everything, then this mountain, overflowing with water, must also be overflowing with death.”

Well, he isn’t wrong. There’s a lot of water and a lot ghosts.

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At Keiji’s desk, Ren sees the trace of the missing folklorist standing, looking down. He takes a photo and Keiji vanishes, leaving in his stead two notebooks.

The first reads:

“I saw this silhouette of a shrine maiden from within the mist that envelops the mountain. Something about her seemed somehow… unnatural. I’ve been told there are no more shrine maidens on the mountain now.

Would that then imply they are trapped within the mist?”

The next notebook is far newer than the others. There’s no dust on it, as if someone had just written in it.

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“It’s said that human sacrifice was once practiced through this region. Rather than returning people to the water upon death, the ritual involved placing so called “Pillars” in special reliquaries and sending them to the water while still alive.

It’s the role of shrine maidens to become such Pillars. They would take on the memories of the dying, and thereafter return to the water themselves.

In doing so, the subject would continue living on as Pillars.

But what did these maidens who became Pillars fear, or hope to appease?

There are various teaching in Japan about where the afterlife, also known as the Netherworld, or the hereafter, is located.

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Some teaching say it is above the mountains or across the sea, where others claim it lies underground, within the very earth itself.

Here on the mountain its’ said to lie within the water, implying a close link between water and death.

The Pillars within the reliquaries would be in a place close to death, but would go on living.

Perhaps it was the special reliquaries that allowed them to evade death and continue living, frozen in time.

It’s thought that perpetuating these Pillars allowed those close to death to live longer lives.

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In a sense it was believe that proximity to death helped develop a resistance to it.”

Ah. So, they were submerging these shrine maidens alive. For what purpose, though? Why did they need to become pillars? Why would they need to carry the memories of the dead with them?

In the side room we hear a low murmuring. Ren opens it, and the head of a doll rolls off its shoulders, onto the floor. This is the room that leads to the attic. To the place where the explorer was attacked.

But on the shelf is another cassette tape, and Ren plays it, putting off the inevitable.

“The shrine maidens were sacrificed as Pillars… but to what purpose? Pillars from shrines of other mountains, too, were routinely brought up in this custom.

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But through sacrifice… what did the aim to appease?

Those who died but were revied were considered strong pillars. Being touched by death must create a strong pillar.”

Well, looks like Keiji has the same questions I do. But that gives me hope that they’ll eventually be answered.

With nothing left to distract him, Ren mounts the ladder, lifting his head up into the attic.

There’s something, no, someone here. The man from the videotape. He lunges towards Ren, crawling on his stomach, but just before his out reached hands can claw at Ren’s face he vanishes.

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Beneath him is another of Keiji notebooks.

The notebook reads:

“Mt. Hikami seems to have been both revered and feared as a “mountain of death,” where only those prepared to die may enter, and those who visited were never allowed to leave.

Visitors to the mountain had to pass through the shrine grove at the foot of the mountain, where shrine maidens kept strict watch in allowing only the qualified – that is, the dying – to enter.

Today, the shrine at this grove has been rebuilt as an inn, whose innkeeper kindly let me borrow records of the time period.

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The records from the shrine’s final year list one individual who was able to leave the mountain alive.

Kunihiko Aso.

After taking his Postmortem Photographs, it seems he was invited to the mountain to photograph the maidens.

I have heard his research into the hereafter allowed him to develop a special camera.

If I could see these photos of the shrine maidens taken with this special camera, I’m certain I could come closer to unraveling the mysteries of Mt. Hikami.

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When invited to the mountain, it is said he was allowed into a house visited only by a select few individuals.

If I were invited to the mountain, would I be able to reach this place, too?

I truly wish I would.”

Kunihiko Aso? The creator of the camera obscura?

But Ren doesn’t have time to contemplate it. The room begins to fill with mist. And the maidens seem to move through mist, like they’re able to move through water.

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Sensing that things are getting very dangerous, very quickly Ren quickly descends the stairs, headed back to the house’s entrance.

… It’s locked. Of course it’s locked.

Cautiously Ren turns back around, and opens the closed living room. Within is a black box. A reliquary. Its lid opens and a man comes sliding out of it.

Ren dispatches him, and sees the last moments of Keiji. Keiji… was he put into the reliquary? Is that where he’s been all this time?

The vision of Keiji’s moments are black and white static, slowly coming into focus.

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“I made it… at last. She’s waiting for me inside this house,” Keiji gasps. He clutches the postmortem photo of the shrine maiden.

A door slides open for him, and she sits there in the room waiting for him. For a brief moment she is beautiful, dresses in the white bridal kimono. And in the next she is ghastly, her face grey, her lips black.

“You came for me me… Will you end yourself with me? After all this time,” the maiden croons.

He’s dragged into the room, screaming.

But where the ghost of Keiji was is another book. It reads:

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“On the way to the summit, I found a photo on a small path lined with spider lilies. The path seemed to head into the forest, but it has become overgrown and is unpassable. Could it lead to that mansion, that only the invited can find?

It is different from the other Postmortem Photographs. I can only describe it as being beautiful. It had a beauty and a sadness unlike the others I’ve seen.

Was she alive?

As soon as I thought how beautiful she was, I was bound. I heard whispers of love from the photograph. They were the words of a curse.

Love after death.

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I must go to that place.”

There’s also another cassette tape accompanying the notebook.

“There is a ceremony to bind doomed men with the shrine maidens, to keep them secure once they have become Pillars.

…Ghost Marriage.

A man’s fate is sealed once he recognizes a shrine maiden’s beauty. Whispers of love come from the photographs. They are a curse. The words are a curse. And yet… my heart is drawn to one word they utter. Suicide.”

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Ren is desperate to leave this place. But before he can even try the door again, a wall is torn down, and the man with the tattooed face stampedes through it, attacking Ren. Why is he here? I don’t know.

Rui’s cluelessness is highlighted in this fight, as she stands there, looking vaguely uncomfortable. Occasionally the tattooed man swings through her, and she shouts.

But once the fight is over, she still doesn’t say anything.

And yet if we peek out of the massive hole in the wall that the tattooed man makes, we can see a tall woman that is surely meant to be Hachishaku-sama, the eight-foot tall woman.

urban legend easter egg!
Well, that’s a cool easter egg.

She wears the same hat and everything. (I’d post a link of her but it’s a lot of weird fanservice. Go look her up if you like giant women, I guess. Or listen to her cool urban legend!)

Ren, instead of walking through the giant hole in the wall and out of the house, goes back for the front door.

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But now there’s a new box, and it opens. A woman floats upwards, as if caught in the eddies of water. I’m so tired of fights.

She floats around, teleporting before before diving in, like a miserable little barracuda.  But finally she goes down, and Ren and Rui are able to escape. But the moment they step out the door the house vanishes into the mist, leaving nothing but an empty space where it had once been.

“Was that the folklorist?” Rui asks.

“I guess so.”

“What’s going on on this mountain?”

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“I’m not sure.”

“Is Mr. Sakaki here on the mountain, too? Just like the folklorist.”

“Enough.”

Great. Scintillating conversation. Wait to show you care about your friend, Ren.

But they run towards the forest station, where a  decrepit train waits for them.

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I don’t trust this train. But that’s the end of the fifth drop.

Final Verdict

Welp. The final verdict on Fatal Frame 5: Fifth Drop Gameplay… Ren’s drops are always a little… lackluster, I suppose’s the word. Maybe it’s because he’s the folklorist, his drops are always full of exposition. But the entire drop was paced very poorly.

The Shrine of Dolls and the game of hide and seek now feel very repetitive, even if this might be the most relevant time for it to happen. Keiji Watarai’s house felt like a huge exposition drop that wasn’t really “earned”. And a lot of what we read felt repetitive, much like the ghosts.

The end of the chapter was also too fight heavy. Why was the tattooed man here? His bursting through the wall like the Koolaid man just felt ridiculous.

I really enjoy lore, so I’ll give it a 3 out of 5… but that’s very generous. I think Yuri’s drop will be better. I just hope we don’t have to go back to the Shrine of Dolls.

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Gaming

Dive into Adventure: A Comprehensive Review of the Pirate Borg RPG

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All images courtesy of Free League

Ahoy, ye landlubbers and aspiring pirates! Embarking on a journey with Pirate Borg, we dive headfirst into the treacherous waters of the Dark Caribbean, where sea monsters lurk and myths come alive. This pirate RPG, seeping with Lovecraftian horror and naval combat, is no ordinary roleplaying game—it’s an adventure set during the Golden Age of Piracy, promising dark, supernatural escapades.

Set your sails to explore dungeons deep below the taverns, navigate treacherous vessels, and face off against horrific sea monsters. Pirate Borg isn’t just a game; it’s a toolbox for crafting your own legends on the high seas, using the Mork Borg system to fuel tales of mystery, brutality (and rum!), and survival against all odds.

With its roots firmly planted in the Mörk Borg ruleset, Pirate Borg offers a unique blend of eerie tales and turbulent seas, compatible with both the award-winning MÖRK BORG RPG and easily hacked for any tabletop RPG. You don’t need to have played Mörk Borg before, but if you have played, you will see a few familiar mechanics, and some new spins on them. This game, designed for those who dare to sail the haunted seas, is a gateway to untold stories filled with undead mariners and cursed treasures, available for plunder from Free League Publishing.

Core Gameplay and Mechanics

Alright, mates, let’s dive right into the heart of Pirate Borg and talk gameplay and mechanics, the real meat of this pirate feast! Trust me, it’s as juicy as a seared steak on the open sea.

Character Creation: You’ve got a smorgasbord of character classes to pick from – think Brute, Buccaneer, or even a spooky Haunted Soul (more on Haunted Souls later!). Rolling for your pirate’s abilities is a breeze with just a few tables, and before you know it, you’re decked out with starting gear, a weapon, and maybe even a fancy hat. It’s quick, painless, and you’re ready to face death (which happens a lot) in no time.

I think this is a primary strength of Free League. You don’t get bogged down in creating your character like other systems (I’m looking at you AD&D 2nd edition!). This means if you die..well..take a sip and churn another sheet out. It also means you can start newbies with little prep time.

Simple yet vast, character creation is a breeze with random tables guiding ye through attributes, gear, and peculiar flaws. Takes but 10-15 minutes, yet every pirate emerges unique.

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Haunted Souls in Pirate Borg

In the world of Pirate Borg, Haunted Souls are spectral entities that inhabit the game’s universe, each with its own unique backstory and abilities. Not only can you encounter Haunted Souls in the game, but you can be one! There are two basic methods for becoming a Haunted Soul:

  1. Create one directly as your first character (GM Willing). If you go this route not only do you pick (or random) your Haunted Soul type (Yes, there are multiple types!) but you also see what class they are. It’s a two-fer!
  2. Create one upon death (GM Willing). When you die, you can come back as the undead! This way will let character play without trying to introduce a whole new pirate to the mix. I see this as a clever mechanic to keep the game flowing and even add more spice into the mix!

In the Navy!!

This reminded me of the difference between versions of Assassin’s Creed. Some of the ship combat design is well thought yet straight forward. I like how the system can be used so you are on a ship (along with all piratey things) but you don’t need to go on a ship to have an adventure. Although, to play Pirate Borg without as much as stepping foot on a ship might end you up in Davey Jones’ locker (the Monkee will feast!)

Naval Combat & Exploration: Ahoy, the real treasure of Pirate Borg! With over a dozen ships at your disposal, you’re set to conquer the seas. Combat is a slick affair, with the captain steering the ship into glory while the crew hustles with their duties. And let’s not forget the thrill of exploring uncharted islands and deciphering treasure maps. The game’s sandbox nature means you’re in for a unique adventure every time you play.

Ship-to-ship combat is a beast of its own. Think miniatures game on the high seas, with hex grids for tracking and character sheets for ships. Aye, your vessel has stats and abilities, making naval encounters a thrilling affair.

The Dread of Ship Combat: Here’s where the rubber meets the road, or rather, where the cannonball meets the ship. Combat is a high-stakes game of rolling d20s for attacks and defenses, with a hefty dose of strategy thrown in during naval battles. Expect to lose a few mates along the way, as character mortality is as common as finding rum at a pirate’s lair. But hey, that’s the life of a pirate, right? High risk, high reward! By the way, there is a modifier used for PC vs Ship, meaning if a player character takes a gun and shoots a ship, not a lot of damage is done. However, if a ship shoots a cannon at a character, well…

We’re out of Rum?! NOOOOO!!!

  • Alchemy, Sea Shanties, and Devil’s Luck (oh my!):
    • Alchemy ain’t just for landlubber wizards; Pirate Borg introduces an alchemy system for concocting potions or maybe even poisons, or even better–Grog n Rum!
    • Sea shanties offer more than a morale boost; they provide mechanical benefits, proving once again that a pirate’s best weapon might just be their voice. Like seriously–there are sea shanties that you have to sing to provide boosts or banes!
    • Lastly, the Devil’s Luck mechanic allows for re-rolling dice, dealing max damage, or dodging critical hits, proving that sometimes, the sea gods do favor the bold (or the lucky).

So, batten down the hatches and prepare for a game that’s as unforgiving as the sea itself but rewarding for those daring enough to embrace its chaos. With Pirate Borg, ye aren’t just playing a game; ye’re living the pirate life, risks and all!

The Sandbox and the Random Gens

Stepping into the world of Pirate Borg, you’re not just dipping your toes into some lukewarm kiddie pool of pirate adventures; oh no, you’re plunging headfirst into the chilling depths of the Dark Caribbean. This ain’t your grandma’s pirate tale, folks. We’re talking a setting so grim, even the bravest of souls might think twice before setting sail. Imagine a world where the Golden Age of Piracy meets a nightmare buffet of undead sailors, cursed riches, and eldritch horrors that would make even Davy Jones lock his locker and throw away the key.

  • The Curse of Skeleton Point & Black Coral Bay Adventures: These aren’t just any old treasure hunts. “The Curse of Skeleton Point” is like the ultimate pirate sandbox, offering nearly 40 pages of challenges, memorable NPCs, and a vibe so hardcore it’ll have you checking under your bed for zombie sailors. And “Black Coral Bay”? Picture this: supernatural beasts, mysterious temples, and an open-world tropical island that’s as inviting as it is deadly. Both adventures serve up a full plate of high-seas hijinks and horror, perfect for both newbies and seasoned pirate RPG veterans.
  • Random Generators Galore: Ever wanted to captain a ship named “The Scurvy Seadog” or find yourself hauling a cargo of, I don’t know, haunted coconuts? Pirate Borg’s got you covered with random generators for vessel class and names, mundane and special cargo, and even plot twists that’ll make M. Night Shyamalan nod in approval. It’s like the game’s saying, “Hey, why settle for a mundane adventure when you can have an epic one?” Plus, with the theater of the mind gameplay, your imagination’s the limit. So, grab your hat, polish your hook, and get ready to face off against hordes of zombie sailors and eldritch terrors in search of Ash, the ultimate pirate prize.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Diving into Pirate Borg is akin to setting sail on choppy, monster-infested waters; it’s a whirlwind of high stakes and lurking dangers, blended with a hefty dose of supernatural intrigue. From the riveting character creation to the adrenaline-pumping naval combat and dark, haunting visuals, the game carves out a niche in the RPG realm that’s unmistakably thrilling. It embodies the perilous allure of piracy while wrapping players in a cloak of shadowy tales and cursed treasure. Through every cannon blast and eerie encounter, the game reinforces the grim, yet electric atmosphere of the Dark Caribbean, ensuring that players remain glued to their seats, eyes wide with anticipation.

Did I mention you can grind the bones of the dead and get down with your inner Keith Richards?

What makes Pirate Borg not just an RPG but an immersive experience is its ability to balance the brutality of pirate life with the captivating essence of dark fantasy. The game invites players to not just witness, but partake in a world where every choice could lead to riches or ruin.

In the end, by the powers of the Elder Gods, Pirate Borg does more than just carry the torch from Mörk Borg; it lights up the cannon for a whole new adventure. With its more detailed mechanics and captivating themes, it’s a treasure trove waiting to be explored. So, grab yer compass and set sail into the unknown, for Pirate Borg promises a voyage like no other. Of course, I might be biased since our logo and ratings system would fit right in the game. 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

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Texas Chainsaw Massacre Board Game: A Chilling Adventure from Trick or Treat Studios

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Box of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre by Trick or Treat Studios. Leatherface with a chainsaw features and screaming people in the background

Diving into the world of horror-themed board games, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre game emerges as a thrilling adaptation of the iconic 1974 movie, designed to captivate fans of the franchise. Crafted for 1-4 players aged 14 and up, this game promises a spine-tingling experience of 45-60 minutes, where strategy, luck, and a strong nerve are key to escaping the grasp of the notorious Sawyer family.

With its unique, story-driven ending and an intriguing objective system that enhances replayability, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game stands out as a must-have for both avid gamers and horror enthusiasts alike. Offering a blend of beautifully crafted game tokens, map, and the creepy flesh bag it provides an immersive dive into a world of suspense, making it a standout addition to the collection of any board game aficionado.

GEN CON 2023 Experience

Ol’ Jimbo was lucky to run into the Trick or Treat Studios booth once again at Gen Con. Ok, so he has a permanent quest to find the booth each year after seeing the fantastic designs, masks, and board game concepts from that first magical moment of ‘WTF HORROR HEAVEN IS THIS?’.

Trick or Treat Studio’s group has a decent sized demo area with great staff on hand to answer questions and give you a run-through. Part of the magic of Gen Con is seeing game producers like Trick or Treat Studios bring life to their games and give each person a ‘instant new friend for life’ feel. I really enjoyed my time at their booth talking and playing with Joe Stoken. If I can ever find my iCloud drive photos (oh, Apple…we used to be so tight!) I’ll have some of the footage coming out on our YouTube channel.

If you do get a chance to get to GenCon this year, you need to check out their booth. I know they are my first stop, and soon you will know why they should be yours, too. (Quick note: When I was putting the link to their website in this review, I see they have pre-order available for GHOSTBUSTERS!!! Holy crow! I think my credit card just squeeled! You have to check their site out https://trickortreatstudios.com/)

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Overview of Trick or Treat Studios

Let me tell ya, Trick or Treat Studios is not just any run-of-the-mill company. These folks are the real deal when it comes to spooking the bejeezus out of you, and their Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game? It’s like they’ve channeled the spirit of Leatherface himself into a box!

  • What’s the Deal?: First off, this game’s all about teamwork. You and your pals band together to dodge Leatherface and his creepy family. It’s like thanksgiving at your uncle’s house…ermm…I mean a horror movie you get to live out. And the best part? You can go solo if your friends are too chicken. This really was a game clincher for me. As someone who grew up 35 minutes by car away from his nearest friend, having a game to play on my own AND with friends means I can enjoy this every day. It brings me back to my childhood in multiple ways and I wished more games had a solo mode for us (especially given what happened in the pandemic)
  • The Feels: Now, let’s talk immersion. Ever heard of the “Hideous Bag”? It’s this gnarly sack where you draw tokens that decide your fate and Leatherface’s moves. It’s tactile, it’s suspenseful – it’s like you’re really rummaging through some dark, forbidden place. It is also a great conversation starter. I am pretty sure as soon as we saw that at the demo, my wallet leapt to my hands.
  • The Gang’s All Here: This game’s got character – literally. You’re not just dodging Leatherface; Grandpa, the Cook, and the Hitchhiker are out to get you too. It’s a full-on family reunion from hell.

And before you ask – yes, it’s all about escaping in a van or ending up on meat hooks. Grim, I know. But hey, that’s the charm of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game. Trick or Treat Studios has outdone themselves, making a game that’s not just a plaything but a dive into horror lore. So, grab your game face, and let’s survive the night!

Game Mechanics and Player Experience

Diving headfirst into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game, you’re not just playing; you’re living a horror flick, but with the luxury of popcorn breaks. Here’s the lowdown on what makes this game a bloody good time:

  • Press-Your-Luck Mechanics: Feeling lucky, punk? The game’s all about drawing tokens from the Hideous Bag. You’re hunting for keys and gas, but pull three Leatherface tokens, and it’s game over, man. It’s a thrilling gamble that keeps you on your toes. This mechanic keeps the game fresh and adds something that dice throwers can’t manipulate (we know who we are…you know, the 6 is the other side of the 1, so if you have the skills you can easily…SHHHHH I’ve said too much!).
  • Character Roles & Abilities: Choose your fighter – each of the 1-4 players picks a character from the iconic 1974 film, rocking unique abilities. Whether you’re the brains, brawn, or just insanely lucky, your role is crucial in outmaneuvering Leatherface and his gruesome gang.
  • Sawyer Family Shenanigans: It ain’t just Leatherface you’re dodging. Grandpa, the Cook, and the Hitchhiker are on the prowl, each adding their spice of horror to the game. And let’s not forget the unique gating system for the family that ups the ante as the Sawyer family’s pursuit intensifies.

So, buckle up, buttercup. Whether you’re strategizing with pals or braving it solo, this game’s a rollercoaster ride through the Texas countryside – minus the actual risk of ending up on a meat hook.

Artwork and Design Elements

Stepping into the grim world of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game, the artwork and design elements are a horror aficionado’s dream come true, meticulously crafting an atmosphere that’s as chilling as it is captivating. Here’s a deep dive into the visual feast that awaits:

  • Faithful to the Original: The game’s artwork nails the grungy, sepia-toned aesthetic of the 1974 classic film. From the board designed to mirror the eerie Slaughter family property to the detailed components, it’s like stepping right into the movie. I won’t mention other games here–but let’s just say Trick or Treat Studios blows them all out of the water. This game is the Hamlet’s dad and all the other versions are Claudius–ohhh bet you didn’t think I’d be whipping out them Shakespearean insults now wud ye?
  • A Closer Look at the Components:
    • Character and Fam Standees: The pack includes artful recreations of the movie characters, bringing Leatherface and his macabre family to life on your table.
    • Horror in Detail: The draw bag, mimicking human skin, and a diner-style food tray as the game tray, amplify the thematic horror experience. Seriously this bag has to be felt to be believed.
  • Immersive Experience: The game’s design doesn’t just pay homage to the film; it plunges players into the heart of its terror. Every aspect of the game is designed to enhance the horror and suspense, making for an unforgettable gaming experience.

This board game isn’t just about strategy and survival; it’s a journey into the heart of horror itself, masterfully blending iconic imagery with engaging gameplay.

Why THIS Game?

When it comes to horror-themed board games, it’s a whole universe out there, and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game by Trick or Treat Studios is throwing down the gauntlet. In the end, there can be only one (unless you are true collector then knock yourself out!). My reasons for picking Trick or Treat Studios game:

  • Gameplay Dynamics: Here’s the scoop. Trick or Treat Studios’ version is like being in the movie – immersive, with a dash of strategy and a sprinkle of luck. This is as close to the real thing you’ll get this side of the Texarkana boarder.
  • Replayability: The Trick or Treat Studios’ game has you coming back with its story-driven endings and achievements that unlock new cards for future plays. You really can replay this game just for the endings and not be disappointed. I think that is the hallmark of a great game–will you have fun after seeing the game in action a few times. For this game the answer is a resounding YES!
  • Unique Features: Trick or Treat Studios’ version pulls you into the horror with fine details in their artwork and mechanics. This was one of the most immersive table top horror games I’ve played. They are, after all, THE Place for horror prop masks. Let everyone else try something that resembles a pale Temu version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre–Trick or Treat Studios slays it with the real deal. The only thing they missing is the smell of chainsaw fumes…

OK–But is Solo Really an Option?

Did that game box say solo?! Why, yes. Yes it did. Sometimes when a board game says solo it really means ‘crappy experience that makes you regret leaving that cat turd in your only friend’s lunch box’. Take it from the guy who used to play Dungeons and Dragons solo…this is a true solo enjoyment option.

When you play the game by yourself, you have a bit of a modified rules set. It isn’t too hard to learn the rules as you go, and Trick or Treat Games makes learning it a breeze. Doubt me? Check out their rule book here.

I set the game up by reading the game play directions. This was my first run though and, yes, I may have messed a blood splatter up–and maybe a Leatherface movement, but that’s ok. It was easy to get into the rhythm of the game. The set up of the board went pretty smoothly and everything is straight forward. I think this is the type of game where you can pick it off the shelf of your favorite gaming cafe and get right into it (unlike other games where you need to read and reread directions, google how the game board should look and watch 3 youtube videos just to make sense of first play-looking at you Catan…)

After the first round of survivor play, things became smooth. The mechanics really push solo play into the next level. Within 4 minutes, I was having a blast. The enemy movement mechanic is interesting and it lets you play solo with ease. The test-your-luck mechanic is a great way to ramp up the speed of the game towards the end.

In the end, I won (barely) and I would definitely play the game again. In fact, now that I have a solo game under me belt, I look forward to showing this to friends (as soon as they forgive me for the aforementioned cat turd).

The solo game from ‘learning to kill’ took about 55-60 minutes. It’s a decent way to spend some time winding down. I was so immersed in the game, I didn’t even realize the hour going by. I think if you add in 3 more players, some banter and beveratges, this game could last the night with either one long slow play session or a few regular paced games. The death and objective cards, along with the randomization of the token locations, makes this game easily replayable within the same night.

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Conclusion

Through an intricate blend of suspenseful gameplay, immersive narrative elements, and stunning visual design, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game from Trick or Treat Studios carves a niche for itself in the realm of horror-themed board games. It seamlessly marries the enduring terror of the 1974 cinematic masterpiece with the interactive excitement of tabletop gaming, offering players a chance to navigate their way through the chilling confrontations and strategic escapes from the Sawyer family. This game not only recapitulates the hair-raising atmosphere of its film counterpart but also enhances it with unique gameplay mechanics and character dynamics, striving to provide an unforgettable horror experience for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

As we embrace the thrilling challenge and strategic depth offered by the Texas Chainsaw Massacre board game, it further underscores the captivating potential of horror within the board game genre. Considering its engaging combination of strategy, luck, and narrative depth, along with its respectful homage to the original film’s aesthetic and atmosphere, this game represents a compelling proposition for anyone looking to delve deeper into horror-themed entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise, a board game aficionado, or simply in quest of a thrilling game night adventure, make the leap and buy the boardgame today. Embrace the opportunity to experience the innovative and terrifying journey that Trick or Treat Studios has masterfully crafted.

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

P.S. Like Horror? Like 1000 Corpses? Like uhh.. Houses of them? Kickstarter on now!

Check out the newest invention from Trick or Treat Studios: House of 1000 Corpses table top game. Click the link to see the kickstarter. I’ve already backed it at the Miniature bonus level and so should you!

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Heretic’s Fork Review: Punish Sinners Like it’s Your Job (It Is)

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Welcome to your new corporate job. It’s Hell. No, really. In Heretic’s Fork, Punish sinners, chat with your co-workers, and don’t forget to check your email before you clock out!  

Heretic’s Fork is a 2023 video game by 9FingerGames and published with Ravenage Games. 9FingerGames is a one-man studio run by Stevie Andrea that is also responsible for titles such as Zapling Bygone. While only out since September, Heretic’s Fork has already garnered several accolades. These include selection for Fear Fest 2023 and The Mini Indie Showcase as well as making Rock Paper Shotgun’s Bestest Bests list.

Watch the Heretic’s Fork Release Trailer here!

Heretic’s Fork is a deck-building, tower defense, bullet-hell (ha) game where you take on hordes of souls trying to escape Hell. To begin, you choose an employee to help you in your task. Each employee has a special ability (and variants) that do everything from nothing to stat buffs to adding whole new mechanics. For example the starting character, Intern Ruby, gives no bonuses. But, Gilbo Gibbins introduces a luck-based wheel that encourages you to gamble your cards away for potentially big rewards (and risks).

Screenshot from the character select screen featuring some variants characters.

As the game progresses, you build and upgrade structures to bolster your defenses against the increasingly difficult hordes of sinners. You also have a deck, through which you upgrade your stats and gain special abilities. With rogue-like elements, you are able to unlock new cards and characters by completing goals, using coins, or finding secrets. This leaves a lot to uncover as you work your way through the circles of Hell. While your screen quickly becomes bullet hell, your structures are more or less automated and do all the sinner punishing for you. The real strategy comes in what cards (and structures) you play, upgrade, and get rid of as the game progresses. 

Screenshot of Heretic’s Fork game play from Endless mode.

I have a soft spot for rogue-like deck building games. Heretic’s Fork is no different. I love the diversity of game play through the many structure, character, and card options. The mechanics really complement the game play choices, making each run feel unique and rewarding.

It was easy to spend hours at a time achievement hunting and exploring the hidden secrets buried in your file systems. In fact, I easily put 20 hours into Heretic’s Fork within two weeks of buying it! It also helped that it was an easy game to play on the Steam Deck, despite it not being created with the Steam Deck in mind. That being said, endless mode did stretch my Steam Deck to its limits (but my PC did just fine). It is also of note, that since September the game has been regularly updated with both paid and unpaid bonus content. It feels like every time I’m ready to move on, something new drops and I’m forced to dive back in!

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If you are a fan of tower defense, rogue-like, or deckbuilding games, Heretic’s Fork is definitely worth checking out! It’s only $10 on Steam, which is well worth the price for an interesting gaming experience.

5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

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