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A Place, Forbidden

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2020

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Quick resume

A Place, Forbidden is a first-person, lo-fi horror-puzzle game set in the Library of Ouroboros, a seemingly innocuous library that, rumor has it, contains knowledge not meant for the eyes of mortal man. We hope you enjoy your visit.

Global score

85/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Free To Play, Indie, Puzzle

Pros

  • Immersive lovecraftian atmosphere
  • Challenging and logical puzzles
  • Well-written narrative and lore
  • Free to play with substantial content
  • Unique retro low-poly visual style

Cons

  • Lack of save slots frustrates replay
  • Some puzzles can be obtuse or vague
  • Slow movement and controls
  • Minor technical issues and optimization
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players explore and solve puzzles at their own pace with freedom to investigate the environment and read lore, indicating high autonomy."

  • Competence
    3

    "Puzzles require critical thinking and note-taking, providing a moderate challenge and sense of skill mastery."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and puzzle solving."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Some players replay to discover alternate endings and collectables, but overall short playtime and limited replay value."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players engage in puzzle solving and interpretation of lore, but no creation or modification of game elements."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social or power dynamics; experience is solitary and non-competitive."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong atmospheric horror and immersive storytelling provide an escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and intrinsic motivation; no obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Exploration of changing environments and puzzle experimentation encourages trying new approaches."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Game emphasizes discovering new rooms, secrets, and lore in a shifting library environment."

  • Expression
    -5

    "No character customization or player expression features."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong Lovecraftian and cosmic horror themes create an imaginative, surreal experience."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; solitary gameplay."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and uncover story elements through reading and puzzle solving."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires sustained attention to puzzles and exploration; not a casual or background game."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional connections formed within gameplay."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements present."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through unlocking new areas, solving puzzles, and collecting lore items."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Atmosphere is tense and eerie but lacks jump scares; some players find it immersive and calming."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visual and audio design create a distinctive, unsettling sensory experience."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative is delivered through environmental storytelling, books, and notes, engaging players in lore."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Puzzles require logical thinking and planning to solve."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Atmospheric tension builds unease and dread without jump scares or high risk."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for being a free, well-crafted game with substantial content and replayability."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on exploration and puzzle solving."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival mechanics or threats to avoid; stable environment despite eerie atmosphere."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026