Overall I liked this one less than Volume 1 and 4, but I still think it's a solid selection of games, though there's less "Horror" going on here than the other 2 packs I've played.
Starting off with the two non-horror games, Gloompuke was definitely my least favorite as it's a bit aimless by design, but I still enjoyed talking to all the weird little characters. Then we have Roads, which is by far the most tonally unique of all the haunted cities games, and I was a big fan. It's a touching little tale about two star crossed lovers leaving their mark on the abstract world around them, and I thought it was short, sweet and effective.
Getting to the horror side of the pack, we have Monastery, which is probably the best of the bunch. I really liked the vibe of exploring this old worship site, and I love Kitty's constant use of leeches and body horror elements. And even though the progression can be the definition of unclear at times, I still enjoyed it, despite the rough edges. And then lastly, we have Scarlet Bough. Its a simple, but cool little spooky town that to me feels like a less fleshed out version of Kitty's other game, Leechbowl which I am a huge fan of. That comparison seems fitting, as Scarlet Bough actually contains a note that directly references the town of Leechbowl, which is not only a cool little nod to tie the games together, but it also makes me wish that Kitty would make an entire set of haunted cities games that were entirely made up of small, run down, US towns.
Haunted Cities is 3 for 3!
Starting off with the two non-horror games, Gloompuke was definitely my least favorite as it's a bit aimless by design, but I still enjoyed talking to all the weird little characters. Then we have Roads, which is by far the most tonally unique of all the haunted cities games, and I was a big fan. It's a touching little tale about two star crossed lovers leaving their mark on the abstract world around them, and I thought it was short, sweet and effective.
Getting to the horror side of the pack, we have Monastery, which is probably the best of the bunch. I really liked the vibe of exploring this old worship site, and I love Kitty's constant use of leeches and body horror elements. And even though the progression can be the definition of unclear at times, I still enjoyed it, despite the rough edges. And then lastly, we have Scarlet Bough. Its a simple, but cool little spooky town that to me feels like a less fleshed out version of Kitty's other game, Leechbowl which I am a huge fan of. That comparison seems fitting, as Scarlet Bough actually contains a note that directly references the town of Leechbowl, which is not only a cool little nod to tie the games together, but it also makes me wish that Kitty would make an entire set of haunted cities games that were entirely made up of small, run down, US towns.
Haunted Cities is 3 for 3!