The Horror at Highrook is an eerie role-playing game that brings the haunted house genre to life with its unique painterly look and deep, investigative gameplay. Developed by Tom Betts, this slow-burn horror experience challenges players to solve the mystery of the vanished Ackeron family. The game constantly pushes you forward, as your characters’ needs and decaying resources demand your full attention. A demo is currently available for players on Steam.
A Haunted House That Demands Your Attention
In The Horror at Highrook, you cannot afford to stand still. The game’s world is alive, and idleness is dangerous. Every moment you spend thinking, your investigators grow hungrier, more tired, and closer to madness.
This isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about survival. Resources you gather can go bad. For example, a fungus you planned to use for an experiment might rot if you leave it for too long. This creates a constant sense of urgency that forces you to manage your team effectively.
You must assign tasks to keep your party alive and sane. One character might be in the kitchen turning grain into food, while another searches the archives for clues. A third could be outside in the courtyard, digging for buried secrets. Only after these basic needs are met can you truly focus on the central mystery of the Ackeron family.
Darkest Dungeon Meets Cluedo
The gameplay of The Horror at Highrook feels both familiar and unique. It borrows the intense survival and madness mechanics from games like Darkest Dungeon but applies them to a Cluedo-style investigation. You place your characters in different rooms, give them tools, and let them get to work uncovering clues one by one.
Actions like deciphering texts or experimenting with strange artifacts are tied to character stats. You can boost these stats using special cards that add a layer of surreal, gothic horror to the experience, much like something written by Edgar Allan Poe or H.P. Lovecraft.
These cards provide fascinating and bizarre enhancements:
- Gift of the Bee: Improves a character’s lab work by filling their mind with alchemical knowledge.
- A Simian Vision: Grants a mechanic an unsettling, almost primal skill with handling tools.
This system rewards players who think creatively about how to approach problems.
Haunted by the Ghost of Another Game
Players familiar with occult-themed games will immediately see similarities to Cultist Simulator. The card-driven actions, poetic writing style, and the feeling that the world operates on its own rules are all reminiscent of that title. The game’s creator, Alexis Kennedy, was accused of harassment by several women, which has made some players hesitant to revisit his work.
While the influence is clear, The Horror at Highrook is not just a copy. It sets itself apart with more detailed character interactions and powerful environmental storytelling. The writing is rich and descriptive, creating an atmosphere that feels alive. For players who find the constant timers overwhelming, a helpful pause button allows for a moment to think and plan your next move.
| Feature | The Horror at Highrook | Key Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Survival | Manages Sanity, Hunger, and Decaying Resources | Darkest Dungeon |
| Investigation | Room-by-room Clue Finding and Puzzle Solving | Cluedo |
| Mechanics | Card-driven Actions with Poetic Text | Cultist Simulator |
Rough Edges but a World Worth Exploring
The game is still in development, so it has a few small quirks. For instance, the voice of one character, Atticus Hawk, seems to shift between a British and American accent, which can be a little distracting. It suggests that his character is not yet fully finalized.
However, these minor issues do not take away from what is shaping up to be a deeply engaging and atmospheric horror game. The demo on Steam offers just a glimpse into the mysteries of Highrook manor. There are more secrets to uncover, visions to interpret, and the chilling fate of the Ackeron family to piece together.
If you enjoy slow-burn horror, intricate game mechanics, and immersive worlds, The Horror at Highrook is definitely worth checking out. For those looking for a similar eerie experience, the demo for Blue Prince might also be of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Horror at Highrook
What kind of game is The Horror at Highrook?
The Horror at Highrook is a haunted house role-playing game (RPG) that combines investigative gameplay with survival and resource management mechanics. Players must solve a mystery while keeping their characters sane and healthy.
What is the main goal in The Horror at Highrook?
The primary objective is to uncover the fate of the Ackeron family, who have mysteriously vanished from their home. This involves exploring Highrook manor, finding clues, solving puzzles, and surviving the horrors within.
Is The Horror at Highrook similar to Darkest Dungeon?
Yes, it shares similarities with Darkest Dungeon in its focus on character sanity and survival under pressure. However, Highrook places a much greater emphasis on narrative, investigation, and puzzle-solving rather than combat.
Where can I play The Horror at Highrook?
A free demo of The Horror at Highrook is currently available to download and play on Steam for PC. The full release date has not yet been announced.
Who is the developer of The Horror at Highrook?
The game is being developed by Tom Betts, an indie developer who was formerly part of Big Robot, the studio known for games like Sir, You Are Being Hunted.
