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The online Mysterium game setup from Asmodee on Steam, with the ghost offering visions to the psychics by choosing cards that hint at the suspects you are trying to lead them to.
Online version of Mysterium through Asmodee on Steam

Get out your crystal ball and your talisman, it’s time to deduce a murder!

I admit this comes as no surprise – you know you always wanted to use your psychic abilities to solve a decades-old murder mystery. Well, look no further because you can do so in Mysterium.

Play as a clairvoyant investigator gathering clues to determine who the murderer is, where the crime took place, and what weapon was used. Or become the victim through transference and play as the ghost, offering visions to your friends as you try to impart the story of your untimely demise…

Setup for the physical game from the psychic's perspective, looking at the lineup of suspects, locations and weapons arrayed before the looming barrier of the Otherworld.
Physical starting setup with the psychics surveying the lineup before getting visions from the ghost…

Go home to Warwick Manor and prophesy the past.

Each dealing of cards offers a random assortment of beautifully rendered murderers, rooms, and weapons to choose from. Stare perplexed at the exquisitely illustrated surreal visions granted by your ghost as you try to match clues based on subtle idiosyncrasies and/or glaring commonalities, depending on which psychics you ask and the ghost’s luck of the draw.

The more you play the more nuances you’ll notice. Hone your mind reading capabilities as you start to develop a mental connection with your friends, picking out those details that stand out to you again and again. Because you’ll never unsee that invisible doughnut car ever again…

The other side of the screen, showing the complexities of tracking all of the cards associated with which psychics you are playing with.
The ghost’s view from the other side of the Ether…

Or go virtual if you don’t want to go home…

An online version of Mysterium is also available through Asmodee on Steam where you can meet old & new friends and A.I. to solve the crime together. But be forewarned, don’t call a garden implement a hoe unless you want to answer to her tool – you can be totally censored for this. And the A.I. has some interesting ideas about connectivity from which it cannot be distracted, especially if as the ghost you accidentally swapped clues while offering visions in your confused and blundering incorporeal state. Because there’s just no coming back from the dead after that.

Another image of the interface for the online version showing how many turns remain to offer clues to the psychics o steer them to guess the right lineup, this time showcasing weapons.
Online interface for Mysterium through Asmodee on Steam

I give Mysterium an average of 3.75 Cthulus.

3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

The physical board game earns 3.5 out of 5 Cthulus. There is a lot of setup and the complexities of ghosting are much greater than just ignoring your friends – it requires your very own hideaway screen and well-honed card-tracking abilities.  And the psychics are dependent upon the ghost to determine the course of the action for all that they can chide one another about how good their guesses are.  So the game itself kind of depends on what kind of friends you invite over to Warwick Manor to play.  Well that and the luck of the draw, but as psychics we all know that goes without saying.

3.5 out of 5 stars (3.5 / 5)
The final sequence of the online version in which the ghost has chosen the actual lineup and offered clues to all of the psychics to pick the correct one.
Online interface for Mysterium through Asmodee on Steam

The online version earns 4 out of 5 Cthulus. This adaptation is wonderfully true to the original board game, with the beautifully blended art styles and all of the same inherent difficulties as well as some new ones thrown in for added flavor…  It is a lot easier to play and clean up without all that dealing and arranging cards, and the virtual platform is fun and immersive for a card game. The price point is good and the interface is easy to learn.  The music is catchy and well-suited, although it can get repetitive after a while. There is even a solo story mode that helps to teach you the game so you can learn how frustrated you will get with the A.I. interpretive strategy.

But, as I hinted at before, the A.I. makes some interesting decisions based on whatever is haunting it, and it will try to train you to alter your strategy accordingly lest you all risk failing out otherwise.  And I have been censored in the chat feature for using the word “hoe” to describe, well, an actual hoe, like the tool that you would use in a garden. Fortunately a moderator came in and revived my chat ability but it was a little late to save us that round. And note: I cannot speak to what it’s like to play with random players on the forum, I have only ever done so with my totally clairvoyant real world friends who have logged in at the same time, you know, like we do…

4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)
Mysterium physical game box and time tracking pieces.
Mysterium box design and time-tracking pieces…

This unique cooperative deduction game hails from Libellud.

As always, if you buy anything from the links provided, we will get some $ back. And check out more game reviews on Haunted MTL here.

Jennifer Weigel is a multi-disciplinary mixed media conceptual artist residing in Kansas USA. Weigel utilizes a wide range of media to convey her ideas, including assemblage, drawing, fibers, installation, jewelry, painting, performance, photography, sculpture, video and writing. You can find more of her work at: https://www.jenniferweigelart.com/

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.

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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.

A ghoulish girl looks at the viewer. Below is a combat system. To the right side is the player character stats. To the upper left is the ghoul's stats
What Combat Looks Like in WORLD OF HORROR

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.

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No Longer Human (Junji Ito)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Ito, Junji (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update on 2025-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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.

White background, rubber stamp with disclaimer pressed against the white background.
Disclaimer Kimberley Web Design

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.

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Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition (Junji Ito)
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  • Ito, Junji (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)

Last update on 2025-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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.

In a dark room, someone observes a spotlight over a telescope.
Selecting your eldritch enemy in Custom Mode.

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 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

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🎮 Eldritch Automata: Exclusive GenCon 2024 Reveal with Nick Francia!

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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.

Eldritch Automata quicklaunch guide with a sinister looking mech warrior on the cover

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

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🎬🎃 House of 1000 Corpses and Halloween II–GAMES!! 🎃🎬 Trick or Treat Studios

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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.

Rob Zombie's House of 1000 Corpses a game of horror. Cover had three evil looking people one of them a clown in a top hat and the other looks like amanda turd, with the middle one looking with a hand reaching out to grab you...spooky!

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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