Scarlet Hollow

Okay, bit of a clickbait title but honestly this game is great. I'm normally not a big visual novel fan (I'd only played one before) but this has really changed my view of what a VN can be. I've been a fan of Abby Howard for a while, so when I first saw this project announced I was excited but a bit skeptical if I would like it. It met and exceded all my expectations. Of course the art is amasing (no suprise there), but the story is also equally amasing. It's legitimately scary in some places, heartwarming in others, and always interesting. There has even been a few times where I yelled at my computer because the game was so good. I've played through episode 2 about 10 times and episode 3 about 5 and there's always more new things to find every time. Overall I highly reccommend.

If you like horror and branching narratives this game is wonderful! Playing different trait combinations can give you a completely different look at the lore and encourages multiple playthroughs!

You visit a mysterious town named Scarlet Hollow at your estranged cousin's invitation for your aunt's funeral. The game is well-written, funny, emotionally gut-wrenching and horrifying at different points. You get many choices, even minor ones and they actually matter. The incredible depth of detail and coherence is something I haven't seen in any other game.

Excellent mystery, with an incredibly strong sense of place. The amount of character customization and choice reminds me of a tabletop RPG.

Scarlet Hollow is as of this review not completed, yet has already fantastically achieved what it advertises; a complex relationship system, choices that matter in more ways than you think is possible for a game, beautiful hand drawn assets and rich, expansive writing that makes its setting feel alive and that you're living in it. It is a truly immersive experience; and i haven't even mentioned the kickass horror elements! But you're better off experiencing that for yourself. What are you waiting for!!