The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is a well-crafted point-and-click adventure game that excels in creating an immersive folk horror atmosphere. Players appreciate the game's eerie and beautifully strange setting, complemented by excellent voice acting and distinct NPC personalities. The story is compelling, blending Lovecraftian dread with a grounded, slow-building sense of doom. Puzzles are generally straightforward, avoiding frustrating moon logic, and the inclusion of quality-of-life features like fast travel enhances gameplay. However, some players find the pacing uneven, with a slow middle section dominated by fetch quests and a jarring, intense final act. The horror elements are more creepy than genuinely scary, partly due to the protagonist's rational demeanor which lessens tension. Despite minor frustrations with linear progression and puzzle design, the game is praised for its strong narrative, atmospheric pixel art, and sound design, making it a recommended experience for fans of classic adventure games and folk horror themes.

Highlights

Players highly praise the game's folk horror atmosphere, strong voice acting, and compelling storyline. The pixel art visuals and sound design are noted for enhancing the immersive experience. Gameplay mechanics such as clear, logical puzzles and quality-of-life features like fast travel are appreciated. The character-driven narrative and well-written protagonist add depth, while the game's pacing and mood create a slow-burn sense of dread reminiscent of classic Lovecraftian tales. The game also runs well on various platforms including the Steam Deck, appealing to fans of traditional point-and-click adventures.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a somewhat uneven pacing, with a slow and tedious middle section filled with fetch quests that can feel repetitive. Some puzzles are viewed as arbitrary or convoluted, and the linear progression restricts player agency, requiring tasks to be completed in a fixed order. The horror aspect is seen as less effective due to the protagonist's lack of fear, which reduces the sense of unease. A few players wished for more impactful choices and a less definitive ending. Additionally, the puzzle volume towards the end can feel overwhelming for some, and the game may not satisfy those seeking a deeply challenging or highly interactive experience.