The Art of Disarmament
When you think of horror games that give you a good fright, The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow might not top your list. Yet, it excels at disarming the player with clever pixilation and unnervingly intricate close-ups. While horror games often rely on jump scares or sudden darkness, this game lulls you into a false sense of security.
Folklore Meets Fright
Set in an idyllic village reminiscent of the quiet yet creepy Summerisle from The Wicker Man, Hob’s Barrow throws a little rural harmony into the chaos of horror. As you navigate through the storyline, you might find yourself chuckling amidst the dread, insider jokes that only fans of folk horror would appreciate pop up as you chat with the villagers. But don’t let the quaint atmosphere fool you; behind those smiling faces, deep-rooted secrets linger.
The Power of Close-Ups
The highlight of The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow is undoubtedly its perceptive close-ups. These moments shift from the traditional retro point-and-click style to intricately disturbing pixel art, making your heart race as you brace for the unknown. Just when you think it’s all calm, you’re hit with a grisly discovery, reminding us that the quaint village is not as charming as it first seems. This intentional juxtaposition serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, horror thrives in the ordinary.
