The Hollow Woods
The Hollow woods is a storytelling game from Laurence King Publishing. There are multiple game modes, so the number of players varies a bit, but roughly 2-4 players each use the cards to tell a story.
Components
The game comes with 20 cards and 2 pamphlets. One goes over all the cards and one explains the four different game modes.
The main gimmick of the game is that the art is designed in such a way that the edges of any one card will match up perfectly with any other card. It looks great, and the cards are beautiful. There’s one or two cards that don’t line up quite as cleanly, depending on what’s next to it, but it’s hard to notice unless you’re looking for it.
I love the box. It’s only as big as it needs to be with almost no wasted space. The box is also really pretty, and opens like a book, which is very cute.
Playing The Hollow Woods
There are four different sets of rules that are essentially different games. In the first, you lay out all the cards face down, then each player takes turns turning them over. The player uses the imagery of the card to tell a story, each person picking up where the last one left off. This mode is more of a creative exercise than a game, there’s no way to win or lose and no reward except the satisfaction of telling a cool story with your friends. The rule pamphlet says any number of players can participate in this mode, but since there are only 20 cards I would imagine that puts some kind of cap on the maximum player count.
Game mode 2 is for 2-5 players. Deal 5 cards (or 4, if playing with 5 players) to each player. On their turn, the player plays all of their cards in any order and uses them to tell a story. After everyone has told a story, players vote on which story they liked best.
The next mode is also for 2-5 players. Start by dealing 2 cards face up to each player, specifying one as the beginning and one as the end. Then deal 3 cards (or 2 if 5 players) to each player. Each player then takes a turn playing their cards to fill out their story.
The last mode, for 2-4 players, is the most game-like. Deal an equal number of cards to each player, then each player takes a turn playing a card and telling part of the story based on that card. However, certain cards have special rules. For instance, the ogre card lets you interrupt the story and the unicorn card protects you from the other cards.
Thoughts
If the idea of a storytelling game just doesn’t appeal to you, I don’t think this game will change your mind. While the game is fun, and in my experience even people who aren’t super into storytelling can have a good time, there’s just not enough “game” here to really win anyone over. It might be a better idea to start with something more like Once Upon a Time; the fairy tale theme’s a pretty big turnoff but it does have more gameplay elements.
Because this is a storytelling game, your experience will vary depending on how good you and your friends are at thinking on the spot and what kind of tone everyone is going for. If someone is trying to tell a more serious story while someone else wants to tell a more jokey story, at least one of those people probably isn’t going to have as much fun. It’s not as big of a deal in the two game modes where players are telling individual stories, but it could definitely cause tension in the collaborative modes. Try to make sure everyone’s on the same page going in if you can.
The fourth game mode is a little underwhelming. First, only 6 out of the 20 cards have special rules. Second, the special rules themselves aren’t that great. I’ve already mentioned 2. The werewolf and the goblin both have the sort of “make another player do a silly thing” rules that you see in a lot of party games. I’ve never liked rules like that, they’re all just obnoxious and annoying. The dragon makes a player skip a turn, which is mostly fine, but the grim reaper forces any player of your choice out of the game. This card just seems perfect for starting fights.
I would have preferred that the rules interacted with the story itself more rather than the players. For instance, maybe there’s a card that lets you change something about the story so far, or a card that lets you introduce a weird character detail or plot element that everyone now has to work around or pretend was there the whole time.
Verdict
I give The Hollow Woods 3.5 out of 5 cthulhus. It’s a fun little storytelling experience but there’s not a whole lot to it. You can check it and the other myriorama storytelling games in the series out at the Amazon links below, but remember that we are an Amazon affiliate and if you buy anything from the links provided we will get some $ back.
(3.5 / 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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