Forbidden Solitaire

About

Forbidden Solitaire is a single player survival strategy game with horror, fantasy, mystery and dark fantasy themes. It was developed by Grey Alien Games and was released on April 1, 2026. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Forbidden Solitaire is a card-slashing horror game about unearthing the contents of a cryptic 1995 CD-ROM that should have never existed. From the creators of Ancient Enemy and Home Safety Hotline.

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97%Audience ScoreBased on 1,272 reviews

story182 positive mentions

stability6 negative mentions

Captures the nostalgic 90s PC game and FMV aesthetic perfectly with campy horror elements.
Addictive and fun solitaire-based gameplay with strategic twists, combos, and upgrades.
Engaging meta-narrative combined with enjoyable in-game storytelling and atmospheric sound design.

The story is predictable, linear, and less impactful compared to similar meta-horror games.
Gameplay suffers from RNG frustration and lacks replayability or alternate modes at launch.
Some players find intrusive messages from the sister character disrupt gameplay flow and immersion.

story
527 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
62%
3%
The story in this game is generally seen as a straightforward, linear haunted/cursed-video-game narrative with strong 90s FMV and retro horror aesthetics that many find charming and immersive, though often predictable and lacking depth. While some players appreciate its meta-narrative and nostalgic presentation, others feel it is underdeveloped, cliché, and more of a backdrop to the solitaire gameplay rather than a compelling standalone experience. Overall, the story effectively complements the gameplay and atmosphere but leaves many wanting more complexity, player agency, or additional content.
- “The game has perfectly captured the horror/cringey vibes from the 90s, and the meta story is really captivating.”
- “The total runtime even while taking your time only takes on average around 6-8 hours but nothing overstayed its welcome and I was surprised time and time again at the twists and turns the main story threw my way, which is mostly played out through analog horror style text messages or glitches littered across various levels.”
- “Blending solitaire mechanics with psychological horror, retro computer aesthetics, dungeon crawling, and FMV-inspired storytelling, the game creates the feeling of uncovering a cursed piece of forgotten software from the 1990s. This layered storytelling approach gives Forbidden Solitaire a strong sense of intrigue because players are encouraged to piece together the narrative themselves.”
- “The plot is riddled with stupid plot holes from top to bottom and requires everyone to act stupidly at every level in order to even reach the point it's at.”
- “It's a shame to reveal that the meta-story and the game story are not only linear but extremely pedestrian.”
- “On the other hand, the story sucks and it's so bad.”
gameplay
435 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
48%
4%
The gameplay is a simple yet addictive variation of solitaire that incorporates unique mechanics like jokers, gems, and combat elements to keep it fresh and engaging throughout its short 4-6 hour runtime. While not deeply complex or highly challenging, it offers a satisfying strategic depth and a smooth progression that appeals both to solitaire fans and newcomers. The blend of retro aesthetics, atmospheric storytelling, and clever gameplay twists creates a compelling experience, though some players wished for more variety, challenge modes, or extended content.
- “Despite all of that, the actual gameplay is really fun when you get combos going and use all of your abilities just right.”
- “The gameplay loop of just playing solitaire is simple but doesn't get boring, and as you go on, the enemies have different ways they can affect your game so it stays fresh the whole time.”
- “They're easily the most engrossing part of an engrossing game, and each one brings a new flavour to the gameplay, meaning you're constantly learning new ways of circumventing enemy tactics, and you're always on your toes.”
- “The gameplay loop is back to back solitaire with some flavor but honestly not enough and some of them just felt like they duplicated the bad effects.”
- “The gameplay is extremely shallow, not nearly as deep as real solitaire which is saying something.”
- “The gameplay remains exactly the same, stagnant to the point where it's maddening, and all the little gameplay innovations the devs did try to incorporate just aren't enough.”
graphics
265 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
55%
1%
The graphics of Forbidden Solitaire are widely praised for perfectly capturing the nostalgic, grainy, and slightly cheesy 1990s CD-ROM PC game aesthetic, featuring low-resolution, pre-rendered 3D models, FMV clips, and retro interfaces. This deliberate rough and imperfect style enhances the game's eerie, analog horror atmosphere and is considered the strongest aspect, immersing players in a convincing and charming throwback experience. While some note the visuals may appear under-polished by modern standards, overall the graphics successfully evoke a unique, nostalgic mood that appeals strongly to fans of 90s horror and retro gaming.
- “Absolutely nailed the aesthetic it was going for and had great fun with the short time I played.”
- “Everything from the graphics, sound effects, FMVs, music, style, etc... nailed the aesthetic perfectly from the 90's PC gaming era that it's based on.”
- “The grainy visuals, awkward animation, strange transitions, and surreal atmosphere all come together to create something that feels nostalgic without ever feeling lame or forced.”
- “The graphics are supposed to match the 1990's era but they looked underbaked for the whole game.”
- “They really nailed the 'old awful 3d graphics' feeling, but that's pretty much it.”
- “And the 'deeper' horror, the lore you're meant to uncover throughout the game, is reflected entirely through trite methods such as glitching visuals and corrupted text.”
atmosphere
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
36%
3%
The atmosphere is widely praised for its rich, nostalgic 90s CD-ROM aesthetic, combining grainy pre-rendered 3D visuals, atmospheric synth-heavy music, and quirky FMV sequences to create an immersive, eerie, and sometimes spooky tone. Reviewers highlight the game's faithful recreation of early PC game vibes, enveloping players in a surreal, unsettling, yet cozy mood that elevates the solitaire gameplay and narrative experience. Though some find it cheesy or occasionally marred by interruptions, the overall consensus is that the atmosphere is a standout feature that deeply engages and captivates players.
- “The atmosphere is rich, strange, and unforgettable.”
- “Forbidden solitaire masterfully captures the murky atmosphere and crunchy textures of the early 90s CGI nightmares while injecting timely cultural references, creating a uniquely nostalgic and eerie experience.”
- “The use of pre-rendered 3D visuals truly helps sell the idea that you're playing through an old PC game from the early-to-mid 1990s, where everything feels just a little bit off, oozing with an uncanny atmosphere that makes it easy to assume that the game is haunted.”
- “The atmosphere is agreeable, but ultimately it's just window dressing - this isn't Inscryption, and the plot and the gameplay never really intersect.”
- “Especially after getting all of these pop-ups that stop the gameplay and pull you out of the atmosphere of the game so sharply, only to get to the end and get nothing as a reward.”
- “The atmosphere is unsettling, without being outright terrifying, which is both a good and bad thing in my opinion.”
music
87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
51%
3%
The music in the game is widely praised for its atmospheric, synth-heavy, and eerie 90s-inspired dungeon synth style that perfectly complements the dark fantasy and horror vibes. Players appreciate the high-quality soundtrack, including original lyrical songs and haunting ambient tracks, which enhance the nostalgic retro experience and immersive atmosphere. While generally lauded, some note a desire for greater musical variety and occasional looping issues, but overall the soundtrack is considered a standout aspect that deeply enriches the game's mood and aesthetic.
- “The soundtrack combines eerie ambient music, distorted synth tones, unsettling whispers, and long stretches of silence that make exploration feel tense even during slower moments.”
- “The music is amazing 90s era dungeon synth and is perfect for an edgy 90s horror RPG like this.”
- “Great story, amazing art, addicting gameplay, deeply atmospheric sound design, a banger soundtrack, and most importantly, it is immediately apparent the developer put their entire heart and soul into this project (no pun intended).”
- “The sound and music are nothing special.”
- “The music is pretty dreary, I turned it off.”
- “The music does loop improperly sometimes but it's not exactly a major issue.”
replayability
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
72%
11%
Replayability is generally considered low due to the game's short, linear story and lack of multiple endings or endless modes. However, the solitaire gameplay, random elements, unlockable jokers, and planned new game+ mode add some replay value for players who enjoy the card mechanics. Many reviewers express hope for additional modes like roguelite or endless play to enhance long-term engagement.
- “At the time of writing this, a new game+ was added and I think that will add some needed replay value, but I almost feel like a roguelite-esque mode would do great to keep me and others coming back.”
- “While this game is on the short side as I was able to complete it in 3 to 4 hours, I feel that the addictive gameplay loop and amazing soundtrack combined with the random elements makes this game very replayable.”
- “The main campaign is a bit brief (took me around 6 hours to 100% the game), but as of writing this the devs are working on a new game+ difficulty so there's some ample replay value.”
- “At the end of the day, the story is pretty short and without any real replay value.”
- “The game lacks replayability because of the lack of variety and choice.”
- “Replayability is basically nonexistent.”
humor
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is often described as dark, campy, and delightfully goofy, blending retro 90s horror vibes with clever, sometimes cheesy comedic moments. Players appreciate its funny cameos, meta-narrative, and amusing voice-overs, though some find certain character writing unintentionally humorous. Overall, the humor complements the engaging and eerie atmosphere, offering a unique mix of laughter and chilling thrills.
- “Love the game, the wonderfully strange story and the humor.”
- “It even tells a gripping story with full-motion video and sometimes hilarious, sometimes terrifying voice-over.”
- “The narrative is hilariously goofy, in both the game and the meta narrative in the game's hub.”
stability
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The game runs smoothly, including on Linux, and effectively uses glitches, distortions, and analog horror elements to enhance its narrative and atmosphere. These deliberate stability quirks add an engaging and unsettling twist without compromising overall performance.
- “Game runs great on Linux!”
- “Runs great.”
- “Jokers and glitches give it an interesting twist.”
- “I enjoyed it, I loved the oddities and glitches that worsen as you go.”
- “Certain scenes use distortion, static, and visual glitches to make ordinary moments feel deeply uncomfortable.”
grinding
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
12%
88%
- “Combat and puzzle solving are both challenging but simple enough that even beginners can get the hang of basic functions, with just enough new elements to keep things fresh and engaging, though it becomes incredibly tedious at certain points.”
- “The game is very tedious, linear, unchallenging, and disappointing in terms of plot.”
- “It's very, very grindy.”
monetization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's monetization is cleverly integrated through nostalgic 90's-themed videos, ads, and retro media recreations that enhance its authentic vintage vibe without feeling like mainstream cash grabs. This pitch-perfect retro packaging adds value and charm, making the experience feel like a genuine homage rather than a typical monetization strategy.
optimization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
57%
The game is well-optimized, running smoothly without bugs or performance issues across a wide range of systems, from low-end laptops to high-end gaming desktops. Users consistently report stable performance and seamless gameplay.
- “I never encountered any bugs or performance issues with my 10-year-old desktop, and I really look forward to what the devs make next.”
- “No bugs or performance issues for me - I played on several different machines, from a low-end older (non-gaming) laptop, a mid-range older gaming desktop, and a much newer beefy gaming desktop.”
- “Ran absolutely smoothly, no bugs or performance issues.”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is subtle but impactful, with some players experiencing rare feelings such as fear and nostalgia. While the characters and story may not foster strong emotional attachments, the immersive atmosphere and unique design elements effectively engage players on a mood and memory level.
- “This was the first time a card game has ever made me feel fear, even a small amount.”
- “I really enjoyed the grungy dungeons and horrific monsters, which really made me feel engaged with the atmosphere.”
- “This made me feel nostalgic for a time I used to buy those '150 games!' CDs in book fairs, only to find out it's mostly full of demos and weird experimental games made by obscure indie developers with a little bit of PopCap games here and there.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players feel that character development could have been more engaging, particularly through meaningful choices that impact the story and encourage continued play.

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Forbidden Solitaire
€16.49
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6h Median play time

16h Average play time

5-15h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

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