Forgotten Hill Tales
- April 27, 2022
- FM Studio
Forgotten Hill Tales is a series of horror-themed point-and-click games. The games follow a journalist's investigation into a cursed town, where they encounter a variety of supernatural creatures and dark secrets. Players must solve puzzles and make choices that affect the story's outcome. With its atmospheric setting and eerie soundtrack, Forgotten Hill Tales offers a chilling and immersive experience.
Reviews
- The game features five unique short stories that are well-crafted and engaging, enhancing the overall experience of the Forgotten Hill franchise.
- The puzzles, while sometimes frustrating, offer a good variety and are generally satisfying to solve, with a context-sensitive hint system available for assistance.
- The macabre visuals and atmosphere are charming and consistent with the series, making it a worthwhile addition for fans of point-and-click horror games.
- Some puzzles are poorly designed or overly obscure, leading to moments of frustration and reliance on walkthroughs.
- The game includes a timing-based hidden achievement that is difficult and unrelated to the main gameplay, detracting from the overall enjoyment.
- Technical issues such as disappearing inventory and a lack of comprehensive audio settings can hinder the gaming experience.
- story8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its engaging ambiance and the unique short story format, featuring five distinct narratives that, while seemingly unconnected, offer subtle ties for fans of the series. Although the puzzles are considered weaker compared to previous titles, the overall storytelling experience enhances the game's appeal. Achievements are primarily tied to the story, encouraging players to immerse themselves in the world of Forgotten Hill.
“This time we have 5 stories that apparently are not linked to each other nor with the main story seen in the other titles (but if you are a fan of the games you will see the connections).”
“Even though the puzzles are weaker than the ones in Mementoes, the short story format propels this entry much further than the other ones.”
“Most achievements are story related or require you to do something that just comes naturally in the world of Forgotten Hill.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as derivative yet fitting, with a varied and consistently sinister soundtrack that complements the chapters. While some puzzles are criticized for their quality, the overall sound effects are well-received, contributing to a good value for money experience.
“There are other puzzles that are just off the hook ridiculous like the musical wheel puzzle.”
“No voice-over, good sound effects, and a fitting, varied soundtrack that changes from chapter to chapter but always maintains a sinister tone.”
“The music is derivative; some of the puzzles are not so great, but you get good value for money.”
“There are other puzzles that are just off-the-hook ridiculous, like the musical wheel puzzle.”
“There is no voice-over, but the sound effects are good, and the soundtrack is fitting and varied from chapter to chapter, though always sinister.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around intricate 'escape the scenario' mechanics, featuring inventory management, mechanical puzzles, and environmental clues. While some mechanical puzzles can be frustrating, the overall experience is engaging and rewarding, with each tale offering a consistent blend of challenges and lore expansion.
“Each tale is a complicated 'escape the scenario' with inventory find-and-use, mechanical puzzles, and environmental clues.”
“Play them all, they're more of the same from a gameplay perspective, with all the good and not so good stuff, continuously expanding the lore.”
“I found a couple of the mechanical puzzles to be a bit irritating, but the overall experience more than made up for my few moments of frustration.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional response to the game is largely negative, with players expressing disappointment over frustrating puzzles that detract from the overall experience. This has led some to feel indifferent, wishing for a neutral rating option to reflect their lack of strong feelings about the game.
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as delightfully unique and familiar, featuring a macabre flair that enhances the horror concept of the game. Overall, players find the visuals appealing, contributing to a solid entertainment experience despite some flaws, especially considering the affordable price range of $2-$5.
“Delightfully unique (and after so many installments – oh, so familiar) visuals with macabre flair.”
“If you like puzzles and this game’s horror concept along with the main visuals seem appealing to you, you can hardly get disappointed with any of the games, as they range from $2-$5 in price and bring flawed but solid entertainment.”