BOOK OF HOURS
" Atmospheric occult RPG with deep lore and strategic spellcasting but steep learning curve "
BOOK OF HOURS Review
Book of Hours is a distinct and atmospheric RPG that immerses players in a richly detailed occult world filled with mystery, magic, and personal choice. The gameplay centers on managing dark arts through strategic spellcasting and resource management, emphasizing knowledge, experimentation, and careful planning over brute force. The in-game grimoire acts as both a narrative and gameplay hub, encouraging exploration and thoughtful engagement.
Visually, the game uses a moody, minimalist art style with hand-drawn qualities that enhance its eerie and timeless ambiance. The sound design complements this with subtle ambient effects and haunting music, deepening the immersive experience. The narrative weaves personal stories with broader mythological themes, delivered through cryptic texts and dialogues, rewarding players who enjoy piecing together lore and secrets.
While the game offers a deeply rewarding experience for those who appreciate slow-burn storytelling and intellectual challenge, it demands patience and note-taking due to its complex systems and minimal hand-holding. Some players find the UI clunky and the pacing uneven, but the unique blend of atmosphere, writing, and gameplay mechanics makes it a standout title for niche RPG fans.
Highlights
Players praise Book of Hours for its unique and immersive occult-themed narrative, rich lore, and evocative writing that creates a mysterious and compelling world. The strategic and thoughtful spellcasting mechanics encourage experimentation and intellectual engagement. The minimalist, hand-drawn art style and atmospheric sound design effectively build tension and enhance the eerie ambiance. The branching narrative and meaningful player choices add replayability and depth. Many appreciate the game's slow, cozy pace and the rewarding sense of discovery it offers, especially for those who enjoy puzzles, note-taking, and uncovering secrets at their own pace.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's steep learning curve and lack of clear guidance, which can be overwhelming for new players. The UI is frequently described as clunky, unintuitive, and buggy, leading to frustrating busywork and repeated actions. Organization of items and inventory management can be tedious, with items sometimes moving unpredictably. Some players find the story hard to fully grasp or feel the pacing is uneven. The necessity to take extensive notes or use external spreadsheets may deter those seeking a more streamlined experience. Overall, the game demands patience and dedication, which may not appeal to everyone.
Pros
- • Unique occult-themed narrative with deep, immersive lore and storytelling.
- • Strategic spellcasting mechanics that reward experimentation and planning.
- • Atmospheric minimalist art style enhancing the eerie, mysterious mood.
- • Sound design with subtle ambient noises and haunting music.
- • Meaningful player choices affecting story and character development.
- • Rich world-building with complex characters and mythological elements.
- • High replayability due to branching narrative and discovery.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve with minimal in-game guidance or tutorials.
- • Clunky, unintuitive, and sometimes buggy user interface.
- • Tedious inventory and item organization leading to busywork.
- • Repetitive actions required for resource management and progression.
- • Story can be difficult to fully understand or feels obscure.
- • Necessity of external note-taking or spreadsheets to track progress.
- • Pacing issues causing initial overwhelm or loss of interest.
Rating Criteria
Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be?