Ghosted
Ghosted is a game by Ryan Noonan where 3-6 players are ghosts trying to solve their own murders. The ghost who can figure out who killed them, with what, and why, before anyone else wins.
Components
The game comes with a rulebook, 36 cards, 12 for each category, 6 evidence boards, 6 dry erase markers, 6 tokens, and 1 die.
The cards come wrapped tightly in plastic, but there’s no specific spot in the box for the cards, so once you unwrap them they’re just free-floating around in the box. They could have at least provided a rubber band or something.
The box was strangely hard to open, but is otherwise mediocre. I like how the game boards stack. There’s some empty space just due to the nature of the components but everything fits as well as it could be expected to.
Gameplay
Each player is given a suspect, a weapon, and a motive. Without looking at them, they put them on their game board so that all the other players can see them. The rest of the cards are divided evenly among the players. On their turn, players roll the die which determines what question they’re allowed to ask about their cards that turn. The first person to correctly guess their 3 cards wins.
Thoughts
The theme is pretty weak. There is lore included for the various suspects but other than that there’s not much in the way of scene-setting here. You could easily get through a game without ever even acknowledging you’re supposed to be ghosts.
The questions are pretty imbalanced. The “yes or no” and “scales of justice” give you way more information than any of the “guess 2 X” options. I would argue that they give way more information to your opponents than they do to you. When you guess 2, you ask a specific person about 2 suspect/weapon/motive cards and if they have one or both, they pick one and secretly show it to you. Since you only ask one person, it’s possible another player could have it, and if one of the cards you ask about is actually your given suspect/weapon/motive, and the person shows you a card, everyone else automatically knows that it can’t be one of theirs, while you’re still in the dark regarding your own card. I suppose it could be argued that this is intentional, that there have to be some worse options on the dice, but it feels like it just drags the game out unnecessarily.
The game is still pretty fun. The rules are simple and easy to explain, game play generally moves pretty quickly and it’s really engaging. It functions similarly to Clue, but having everyone try to figure out a separate set of cards vs one shared set adds an interesting dimension to the deduction gameplay. Also, it’s easy to set up and put away, which is a nice bonus.
Verdict
Ghosted gets 4 out of 5 cthulhus. The theme is really weak and it could use some tweaking, but it’s still a fun game that doesn’t take a lot of setup or rules explanation to get going. You can check it out at the Amazon link below, but remember that we are an Amazon affiliate and if you buy anything from the links provided, we will get some $ back.
(4 / 5)
Gaming
Lovecraft Meets Junji Ito in WORLD OF HORROR
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully.
(4.5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
• The intricate game development process • Inspirations behind the eerie Lovecraftian elements
• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
Prepare for a spine-chilling experience as Jim Phoenix delves into the shadows with Trick or Treat Studios at GenCon 2024!
In this exclusive interview, we uncover the terrifying secrets behind their latest bone-chilling creations: “House of 1000 Corpses” and “Halloween II” board games.
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!
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