HEXCRAFT: Harlequin Fair
- March 11, 2021
- OLEANDER GARDEN
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Get on itch.io Store"HEXCRAFT: Harlequin Fair" is a narrative-driven, dark fantasy visual novel. As a young witch, you must navigate the twisted politics of the Harlequin Fair, using magic and wit to uncover secrets and solve supernatural mysteries. Your choices determine the fate of your coven and the souls caught in the fair's grasp. Immerse yourself in a hauntingly beautiful world full of intrigue and danger.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game creates a haunting and immersive atmosphere that captivates players, making exploration feel rewarding and engaging.
- HEXCRAFT: Harlequin Fair offers a unique and cryptic gameplay experience that encourages experimentation and discovery, with no two playthroughs being the same.
- The art style and aesthetic are striking, contributing to a sense of unease and intrigue that keeps players invested in the world.
- The gameplay can feel janky and unpolished, with a lack of clear direction or goals, leading to frustration for some players.
- Combat mechanics are clunky and rigid, often pulling players out of the immersive experience due to their simplicity and lack of depth.
- The trial-and-error nature of the game can be infuriating, especially with limited saving options and the potential for losing progress easily.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its obtuse and janky mechanics, which can be both frustrating and rewarding for players willing to invest time in understanding them. While the world is intriguing and offers a unique experience, the lack of polish and defined gameplay loop can lead to a trial-and-error approach that some may find infuriating. Overall, it presents a bizarre and dynamic environment that requires players to engage deeply to uncover its layers.
“The gameplay was janky and opaque, yet fun to figure out.”
“It may take a couple or even more playthroughs to understand the story, but one is enough to love how bizarre and unique the gameplay is.”
“Everything about Harlequin Fair, from its mechanics to its themes, has to be pulled apart and inferred; if you're up to the task, it's a rewarding one.”
“I just find the trial-and-error gameplay infuriating: try something, die, restart.”
“There is an interesting simulated world here, but the actual gameplay is extremely unpolished.”
“I really wish it either had a quicksave system, or at the least made it easier to recover from a death by removing the hunger mechanic and making buffs less important.”
- atmosphere16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised as immersive and captivating, with many reviewers highlighting its strong aesthetic and enticing mystery. While some players find the gameplay mechanics frustrating, the rich urban exploration elements and detailed environments create a compelling backdrop that enhances the overall experience. Overall, the atmosphere is described as top-notch, making it a significant draw for fans of the genre.
“The atmosphere is top notch, and the mystery is extremely enticing!”
“The game is also really gorgeous with a strong aesthetic and atmosphere which helps you get lost within it.”
“The atmosphere is immaculate and there are all these gadgets you can use to your advantage, and yet every encounter boils down to you and your opponent standing still and shooting at each other.”
“Maps are dripping with atmosphere, but running back and forth to your apartment for saving quickly becomes a chore.”
“If you're a fan of urban exploration, you might want to pick this up just for the atmosphere alone.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story is often described as confusing and difficult to follow, leaving many players unsure of its quality. However, the game's unique and bizarre gameplay allows for enjoyment independent of the narrative, with some suggesting that multiple playthroughs may be needed to fully grasp the story.
“Fortunately, you don't have to wrap yourself up in the story to enjoy the game.”
“The story is... well, I'll be honest, I can't really follow it.”
“I couldn't tell you what that means for the quality of the story; it just flat out escapes me.”
“It may take a couple or even more playthroughs to understand the story, but one is enough to love how bizarre and unique the gameplay is.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their strong aesthetic and immersive atmosphere, creating a visually stunning experience. However, some users note that the visuals can feel muddy and dated, leading to frustration during gameplay.
“The game is also really gorgeous with a strong aesthetic and atmosphere which helps you get lost within it.”
“The graphics feel a bit janky, appearing muddy and dated, which makes it very frustrating to die repeatedly with little warning.”
“The graphics are muddy and outdated, contributing to a frustrating gameplay experience.”
