Unlock: The House on the Hill
Unlock is a series of card games from Space Cowboys. In them, 1-6 players work together to solve a mystery or go on an adventure. Here, I’m focusing specifically on the House on the Hill scenario.
Components
The game comes with a short rulebook, 10 tutorial cards, and 60 cards for the main game.
A big drawback is that you can’t play the game on its own. Aside from the items in the box, you also need the companion app. The app contains the answers to all the puzzles as well as a timer.
This particular box is nice. There is some excess space but the box is small enough that I can forgive it. However, I’ve had my copy for a while. Nowadays, all the Unlock games come in a bigger box as a set of three, which have a lot more unnecessary extra space. Also, since they come in sets, usually all with a different theme, the odds that there will be a scenario in the pack that you just aren’t interested in at all is much higher.
Gameplay
You start with the intro card that sets the scene. You can find numbers and letters by looking closely at the cards. If you find something, go find the card with the matching number in the deck. You can combine red items with blue items by adding the numbers together and searching the deck for a card with that number. Yellow cards are puzzles. When you’ve figured out the solution you go into the app and put your answer in. If you’re wrong you’ll take a time penalty, but if you’re right the app will tell you what to do next. You have one hour to solve the mystery.
Thoughts
This game feels so much like a point-and-click adventure game. I’ve played a couple of mystery games like this (such as the recently-reviewed Crime Zoom), but this one does the best job of capturing that video game vibe. I think it’s specifically the way the combining items mechanic works that gives it the edge. Being able to try and slam any and every item together to try and find a solution, even if the result is nothing or a penalty, is peak adventure game and I love it.
The numbers and letters to find some items can be really hard to see. There’s one particular number in this scenario that many of my players could not see at all. I understand part of the appeal is finding hidden things, but there’s a line between what’s well-hidden and what’s unreasonably hard to see.
I hate that you have to use an app with this. I’m of the opinion that if you buy a game, it should come with everything you need to actually play. You don’t need to be connected to the internet to use the app, but you do need the internet to get the app. What if you live in an area where maintaining a reliable internet connection to download something is difficult? What if your phone is dead, or you don’t have space for the app?. What happens if or when the company decides to stop supporting the app?
Verdict
This game gets 3.5 out of 5 cthulhus. It’s very fun and I love the concept, but the visibility issues and the fact you need an app to play kinda take away from the experience. 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.
(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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