Welcome to Boon Hill
- October 31, 2015
- Matthew Ritter
Get on SteamA graveyard simulator, a story of epitaphs, a tale of ghosts that haunt, a game with no goal - all valid descriptions of Boon Hill.
Reviews
- Boon Hill offers a unique and somber meditation on mortality, encouraging players to reflect on life and loss.
- The game features beautiful, haunting music and a variety of epitaphs that evoke a range of emotions, from humor to deep sadness.
- It provides an open-world exploration experience without objectives, allowing players to engage with the environment at their own pace.
- The game lacks depth and polish, feeling more like an unfinished art project than a fully realized game.
- Many gravestones are unresponsive or unreadable, which disrupts immersion and detracts from the overall experience.
- Players seeking traditional gameplay mechanics or structured narratives may find the game boring and lacking in engagement.
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers a unique storytelling experience that emphasizes open-world exploration and player agency, allowing users to create their own narratives without the constraints of missions or objectives. It encourages thoughtful engagement with the concepts presented, rather than delivering a traditional, linear story.
“This game gives you the chance to actually take some time and think about the concepts presented, rather than being spoon-fed a story or playing a game for pure gameplay.”
“There are no HUD elements, map indicators, or mission objectives, allowing for a more immersive storytelling experience.”
“If you are looking for something more objective and mission-based to keep your attention focused, this game will not be for you.”
“It’s not meant to convey a set story but aims to set in motion for the user to create their own experience.”
“There are no rails, no story forced upon the player, just open world exploration through the lives you choose to hear about.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and haunting quality, creating a relaxing yet emotionally resonant atmosphere. Players appreciate the artistic composition, which complements the game's themes, although some feel it is the standout feature amidst a mixed overall experience.
“The music is fantastic.”
“Relaxing music, funny gravestones, also some depressing ones, and very artistic.”
“The music is beautiful, haunting even, and I'd absolutely be willing to pay for the soundtrack.”
“I just wish that this music played whenever I walk into a graveyard.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is a blend of dark and whimsical elements, featuring funny gravestones and easter eggs alongside more somber themes related to death. This juxtaposition creates a unique atmosphere that invites players to reflect on the complexities of life and mortality while still finding moments of levity. Overall, the humor is both artistic and thought-provoking, contributing to a distinctive gaming experience.
“Relaxing music, funny gravestones, and some artistic yet melancholic elements create a unique blend of humor in the game.”
“The humor, pain, and intrinsic oddities of what death represents to us are all explored in a surprisingly engaging way.”
“Even some funny little Easter eggs can be found in just the first hour of play, adding a lighthearted touch to the experience.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is polarizing; some players appreciate the opportunity for thoughtful engagement with the game's concepts, while others criticize it for lacking depth, mechanics, and polish, labeling it as boring and poorly executed.
“This game gives you the chance to actually take some time and think about the concepts presented, rather than being spoon-fed a story or playing a game for pure gameplay. Definitely worth the price of a cheeseburger.”
“Boon Hill tries to excuse its lack of mechanics, depth, or polish as a 'minimalist art project which invites the player to self-examine', but really, it's just boring, lazy, and looks like garbage.”
