BOOK OF HOURS Reviews

I absolutely loved this game. In a world filled with so many rehashed ideas, remakes and overexploited franchises it's great to see a game trying to do something new and interesting and succeeding to boot. I could really feel the love that went into this game and it made me want to dig deeper and deeper with every minute that passed. It's hard to explain the game in too much detail without spoiling the experience. I tried to get into the game a couple of times but bounced off pretty hard at first. I didn't really know what was going on in the game, or what I was supposed to do. But there is something mysterious and compelling about the game that made me want to try again. I'm so glad that I did, and I'm so glad that I didn't reach for any guides or spoilers. To me, the appeal of this game is all in figuring out what the game is actually about and how you are supposed to play it. In the game, you are a librarian in a remote Cornish village, who arrives at a sprawling old mansion to restore it and to find and catalogue all of the occult books that are gathered there. The rest of it is up to you to discover. Hush House has stood for centuries, and is filled with secrets and mysteries. As you explore the house, you piece together lore and history that draw you deeper in. Each room that you unlock seems to raise more questions than it answers. The reason that it's so hard to work out what's going on is that everything is so strange. The game takes place in a mystical, occult setting with more than a hint of cosmic horror. As the librarian, you are working with memories, aspects of the soul, as well as more mundane objects like candles, marrows and potted plants. How on Earth do all these things work together? Do I need to care about this stuffed pigeon that I found in the kitchen? But there's always some way to make progress, some way to move forwards, and bit by bit, you piece things together in a truly satisfying way. The writing in this game is a real standout feature and there is just so much of it. It really brings the game to life and it's just oozing with flavour. Every book that you read (and there are many) is filled with cryptic yet revealing passages, giving away a little more lore about the history of the house and the world. Every item that you mouse over, every little action, every character interaction has some delightful text to accompany it. In this game, everything that you read feels like a reward. The worldbuilding is truly top notch. If I really have to, yeah I could pick some holes in the game, for example the UI can be pretty clunky and frustrating at times, maybe the pacing is a little off and there are arguably some QoL improvements that could be made. On the other hand, that's part of what I enjoyed about the game: I ended up keeping a little notebook going on so that I could figure out what I was supposed to be doing and keep track of all the little bits and pieces that I discovered. I have been playing video games my whole life, and I have never felt the need to take notes like this before. I didn't need to take notes, I wanted to. Normally stuff like that drives me round the bend, but in this game it felt so right. After all - I am supposed to be a librarian cataloguing all these old books and writing a history. Of course I need a notebook or three!

Interesting game. I'm not sure If I'd call it a good one... but interesting. Learning the systems is basically what it's all about, so if you already played Cultist Simulator you have a leg up. Unlike Cultist simulator though I'm not sure this one is particularly deep once you get past that initial hurdle. You'll discover a new interaction here or there even after you've got your footing, but your goals are going to be basically the same from the moment you enter Hush House to the point when you've unlocked your final room and done all your librarian-ing and are ready to sit down and rest for the final time before you close your game. Definitely not as replayable as Cultist Simulator, but what it does have is a pretty enjoyable slow burn. Honestly what I'd relate it to more than anything is Graveyard Keeper... though I don't quite think it's as interesting as that is.

I was really on the fence up to the 10 hour mark. After boiling it down, the game is mostly about managing resources, but figuring out how to get those resources and how many of them you have access to is quite convoluted. Once it clicks, it is a comfy/chill experience. Recommended if you are looking for unique games and being an occult librarian sounds cool to you.

Endlessly enthralling. A major upgrade from Cultist Simulator in terms of mechanics while still maintaining the mystery and mystique

I've played through Book of Hours twice and just recently finished a play-through of Cultist Simulator. Of the two, I definitely prefer Book of Hours. Both are very text-based games for people who like piecing together a story from bits and pieces. I find them both very imaginative, but Book of Hours has two major advantages over Cultist Simulator: firstly, the visuals. There really was no visual aspect to Cultist Simulator at all beyond some brief background art that flashed up with certain events, and for some people (myself included), it's not as easy to stay engaged with a story that is broken up over a thousand little events if there's not much to look at in the time between the story bits. Here, you have this stylistic scene of Hush House and Brancrug Village that changes with the weather and the seasons. It's still primarily a text-based game, but this is a big improvement over looking at a field of the same set of cards for the entirety of the game. Not to mention it helps establish a sense of the style. The second advantage is the fact that this game is a little more relaxed. In Cultist Simulator, you constantly had to manage conditions (despair, obsession, and affliction) while trying to progress through the story. Given that the games are a little esoteric from the start, that pretty much results in everyone losing the first time they play through because it takes some time to figure out how to handle these, which can be a bit of a turn off. Not to mention when you want to focus on the story, managing these little annoyances just takes time away from that. That's gone in Book of Hours. The challenge is now figuring out the right way to unlock the rooms of the house and find the skills and ingredients you need to progress rather than racing to finish the story before some inevitable string of bad luck ends your run. I do miss some of the different settings from Cultist Simulator, though. The Hush House is interesting, but the expeditions and the dreams in the Mansus gave a little variety of place that Book of Hours could have used (especially if paired with the new visual art of the game). Hopefully, 'Traveling at Night' will keep the best of both.

Absolutely love it!! It is my most-played game. Normally I'd wax some poetry about what exactly I love about a game, but to be honest I am stumped here. I don't know why it has completely taken over my brain. Well. Anyway. Can't wait for the next DLC!

at first i thought i was too stupid to really enjoy this game, but now i'm making spreadsheets and just feeling in awe of how unique and satisfying this is.

Book of Hours is a unique and atmospheric RPG that blends occult themes with narrative-driven gameplay, inviting players into a haunting world where magic, mystery, and personal choice intertwine. From the outset, the game sets itself apart through its evocative storytelling and rich lore inspired by esoteric grimoires, crafting an experience that feels intimate and immersive. Its design focuses heavily on player agency, with decisions carrying weight and influencing both character development and the evolving narrative. The core gameplay revolves around managing your character’s grasp of dark arts while navigating a web of supernatural threats and human intrigue. Spellcasting in Book of Hours is not just about flashy effects but requires careful study and experimentation, reflecting the game’s emphasis on knowledge and preparation. The “book” itself—an in-game grimoire—is central to progression, acting as both a gameplay mechanic and narrative device. Learning new spells, rituals, and incantations requires time and dedication, adding a layer of depth that encourages exploration and thoughtful strategy rather than brute force. Visually, the game employs a moody and minimalist art style that complements its occult themes perfectly. The environments are often dimly lit and richly detailed, with an almost hand-drawn quality that gives the world a timeless, otherworldly feel. This aesthetic choice helps to build an atmosphere thick with tension and mystery, drawing players deeper into the story. Sound design also plays a crucial role, with subtle ambient noises, eerie music, and whispered voices enhancing the sense of unease and curiosity. Narratively, Book of Hours excels by weaving together personal stories with broader mythological elements. The plot unfolds through dialogues, journal entries, and cryptic texts, encouraging players to piece together the truth behind the occult events they witness. Characters are memorable and complex, each harboring secrets and motivations that unfold as the game progresses. The writing is thoughtful and often poetic, striking a balance between clarity and mysticism that suits the game's theme well. One of the most compelling aspects is the game’s approach to consequences. Choices in conversations and actions can lead to markedly different outcomes, affecting relationships, available spells, and even the fate of entire communities. This branching narrative structure adds replayability and encourages players to ponder their decisions carefully. However, the complexity of these systems may pose a challenge to some, as the game rarely holds the player’s hand, demanding attentive reading and note-taking. Combat in Book of Hours is less about traditional hack-and-slash and more about tactical spellcasting and resource management. Encounters require patience and planning, as reckless use of magic can lead to dangerous repercussions. This slower, more deliberate pace may not appeal to everyone but is fitting for the game’s overall tone and emphasis on intellectual engagement. While Book of Hours may not boast high-octane action or flashy graphics, it offers a richly textured experience for players who appreciate narrative depth, atmospheric world-building, and strategic gameplay rooted in occult mystique. Its thoughtful design and evocative storytelling make it a standout title for those seeking something off the beaten path in the RPG genre. The game’s rewarding sense of discovery and layered mechanics ensure that it lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Rating: 8/10

Have you ever wanted to play out your fantasies of building a fantastical library filled with mysteries and curios that seem endless but also never enough? Sure you have. No need to keep searching 'cause this is the game for you. I'd explain more about the mechanics and the quality of life changes but honestly? That's time I could be spending playing the game. Bye~

A game I always come back to, if I need some peace. It is beautiful, challenging and I can't stop playing, if I start. And the world is incredibly complex. It is my third playthrough and I still discover tons of new things. If you like puzzles, mystery and beautiful artwork - it is a game for you