# Hillthorn: A Spooky Investigative Card Game
Attention, fans of eerie atmospheres and investigative gameplay! Hillthorn, a captivating card-based game developed by Fool Moon and Finnegan Motors, beckons players into its haunting narrative. Known for their previous work on the corporate thriller *Inhuman Resources: A Literary Machination*, this duo takes a sharp turn into the realm of folk horror.
## The Story
Hillthorn invites you to step into the shoes of a detective who is tasked with solving a mysterious disappearance in a secluded mountain community. The adventure begins when you encounter a suspiciously stained forest ranger, leading you to cross a line of salt on the trail—a clear nod to the occult that sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. Armed with your skepticism and a deck of cards, you venture into this atmospheric tale.
## Gameplay Mechanics
Playing Hillthorn is reminiscent of other narrative-driven card games like *Cultist Simulator* and *The Horror At Highrook*. The game incorporates a variety of verb cards such as Talk, Search, and Investigate. Players slot these verbs into designated spaces, allowing for interactions with other cards that represent locations, items, or clues. A simple click on the magnifying glass initiates these actions, with a convenient tick marking completed tasks.
As you perform actions, new cards are dealt onto a tray, revealing more layers of the story. You uncover plot points and foreboding omens, paving the way for pivotal decisions, such as accepting a contract to search for a missing daughter. The gameplay often leads to milestone transitions that refresh the context and challenges faced by the player.
## Card Dynamics
A unique aspect of Hillthorn is how the cards convey underlying narratives and interpersonal dynamics, hinting at a world that looms just out of sight. Notably, certain cards offer observational insights about characters or scenarios—descriptors like “Naive” and “Anxious” provide depth and add a layer of strategy to the gameplay. The game thrives on player interpretation and decision-making, sometimes leaving choices open-ended.
Integral to the experience are items that persist across scenes, including a pocketwatch that manages time (with a warning that nighttime on the mountain is perilous) and a journal that outlines objectives while housing essential hints. This structure indicates a more guided approach than some other games within the genre, while still fostering a sense of mystery.
## Auditory Elements
The game also excels in its use of sound design, enhancing immersion. For example, one can interact with a radio card that realistically alters audio quality depending on its placement in the action slot. This attention to detail creates a multi-sensory experience that draws the player further into the eerie ambiance of Hillthorn.
## Availability
A demo of Hillthorn is currently available on Steam, allowing players to experience its unique mechanics firsthand. The full game is set to launch in November, promising an engaging journey for those who appreciate folk horror narratives. If you find joy in this genre or long for more thrilling adventures, be sure to check out Hillthorn and its intriguing universe.
For those who enjoy spicy narratives mixed with strategic gameplay, Hillthorn stands out as an excellent addition to the genre of card-based horror games.
