The Bogtavern
- December 30, 2022
- Bunlysh Studios
Get on Steam"The Bogtavern" is a top-down, mouse and keyboard-controlled game set in a Lovecraftian-inspired swamp in North-East Germany. The story follows a professor and captain as they explore the ominous waters, with their psyche affected the longer they stay. Gather collectibles to learn more about the unique lore and experience a dynamic, condensed narrative, all without jumpscares or graphical violence.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an amazing dark atmosphere with well-themed visuals and sound design that enhances the overall experience.
- The unique method of storytelling and the cryptic writing create an engaging narrative that encourages exploration.
- Despite its minimalism, the game successfully immerses players in a mysterious and creepy setting, making it a compelling experience.
- The gameplay is repetitive, with only six maps that can lead to a feeling of déjà vu during exploration.
- Boat controls are slow and unresponsive, which can become frustrating over time.
- There is a lack of tracking for branching storylines, making it difficult to follow narrative progress.
- story13 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its intriguing setting and character development, with a unique text-based approach that enhances immersion. While some narrative elements are compelling, others fall flat, and the lack of tracking for branching storylines can be frustrating. Overall, the atmosphere and music contribute to a captivating experience, encouraging exploration and engagement with the unfolding mysteries.
“Amazing setting and story.”
“The navigation mechanics retain mystery throughout, and story snippets build up the setting and characters in an interesting way.”
“What really impressed me is that when you get into the game, it has a hold over you, making it easy to immerse yourself in the story and the dread of being lost in the foggy swamp.”
“There are events that can branch the story, but no real means of tracking these storyline points.”
“The story is a bit of a mixed bag: some parts are interesting, others are not.”
“The story holds many mysteries, which encourages further exploration of the swamp and uncovering those.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its successful dark and horror atmosphere, effectively utilizing minimalism to create a sense of mystery and creepiness. Reviewers highlight the impressive sound design and the emotional depth conveyed through the atmospheric elements, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre. Overall, the combination of a gloomy setting and cryptic storytelling contributes to a captivating and immersive atmosphere.
“This game has a beautiful, gloomy atmosphere and a really interesting, mysterious setting.”
“A nice little atmospheric game that plays with the emotion of uncertainty and spreads an increasingly creepy feeling throughout the narrative progression.”
“Very successful dark/horror atmosphere.”
“Small, interesting game with a mysterious and creepy atmosphere.”
“But as I said, I love this sort of authorial experiment with atmosphere and as someone who would love to try making one someday, it's a lesson in keeping things cryptic and minimal.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are consistently well-themed, featuring immaculate low-poly visuals that enhance the game's Lovecraftian atmosphere. The minimalist design contributes to a dark yet chilled ambiance, complemented by crisp visuals that effectively support the storytelling. Overall, the graphics play a significant role in creating an engaging and immersive experience.
“Consistent and well-themed visuals.”
“Immaculate vibes thanks to ambient, low-poly visuals and distorted bass tracks.”
“A nice Lovecraftian mood piece with cool graphics and ambiance.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for being lacking despite a strong core concept, with navigation mechanics that maintain a sense of mystery. While the story and writing are engaging, the transitions between scenes can feel abrupt, leaving characters unresponsive to significant events. Overall, the minimalist approach contributes to a dark yet relaxed atmosphere, but the gameplay loop may detract from the overall experience.
“The navigation mechanics retain mystery throughout, and story snippets build up the setting and characters in an interesting way.”
“The text is good, the story is interesting, and as minimalist as the graphics and gameplay are, they really create a good dark but also chilled atmosphere.”
“The core concept is really good, but the gameplay is lacking at best.”
“Some of it is quite well written, but sometimes it's a little weird: something happens, cut, next scene... and the gameplay loop continues, and the protagonists don't even talk about what they just witnessed.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its ability to enhance storytelling and evoke a strong atmosphere, with a gloomy soundtrack that effectively captures the game's aesthetic. Reviewers note its eldritch horror elements, which contribute to a sense of fear and the unknown, further amplified by the excellent sound design.
“Love the music and the storytelling.”
“I also really liked the music and sound design.”
“Gloomy soundtrack that captures the look and feel of the game very well!”
