The Excavation of Hob's Barrow: A Traditional Horror Experience
The Excavation of Hob's Barrow stands out as a favorite during Spooky Season, cleverly playing with traditional horror tropes from literature, particularly gothic horror conventions.
Set in Victorian England, the game follows Thomasina Bateman, a lone female researcher, as she explores a barrow site near a small, isolated town on the moors. Her journey is sparked by a riddle from her father's old archaeology journal.
Upon arrival, things quickly take a turn for the worse for Thomasina, and she encounters various archetypal townsfolk, including the priest, the innkeeper, the dashing aristocrat, the town drunk, and annoying children.
The game's use of common horror tropes, such as the isolated setting and mysterious prophecy, creates a sense of familiarity and foreboding.
Author's summary: The Excavation of Hob's Barrow brings horror conventions to gaming.