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Scarlet Hollow — Episode 1

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2020

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Quick resume

The free-to-play first episode of a horror-mystery game with dark humor and hand-drawn art by Black Tabby Games. Note — we are retiring this store page. While the build here is still up-to-date, please download the DEMO from the main Scarlet Hollow store page. Thank you and have fun!

Global score

97/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Visual Novel

Pros

  • Beautiful hand-drawn art and atmospheric music
  • Engaging and branching narrative with meaningful choices
  • Character customization with traits and pronouns
  • Free first episode with high replayability
  • Strong horror and suspense elements balanced with humor

Cons

  • Short length of first episode
  • Some minor dialogue or text glitches reported
  • Limited interactivity typical of visual novels
  • No multiplayer or cooperative features
  • Some players found the horror elements intense or unsettling

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can choose character traits and make meaningful dialogue and story decisions that affect outcomes."

  • Competence
    2

    "Engages players in narrative choices and roleplaying, with some skill in selecting traits and dialogue options."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focuses on personal story progression and individual choices without competitive elements."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report multiple playthroughs and strong desire to continue exploring story branches."

  • Cooperation
    -5

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

  • Creativity
    3

    "Allows customization of player character traits and roleplaying styles affecting story and dialogue."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are narrative-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to immerse in a spooky fictional world, escaping real life through story and atmosphere."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encourages trying different traits and dialogue options to explore multiple story paths."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover new story branches, secrets, and character interactions through choices."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization of player character traits and pronouns enables personal expression."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Engages players in a fictional horror narrative with supernatural and cryptid elements."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with limited social interaction beyond narrative character relationships."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players learn about story, characters, and consequences of choices, developing understanding over multiple playthroughs."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of visual novels with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused reading and decision-making; not a background or idle experience."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Players form emotional connections with characters through story and dialogue, though interactions are scripted."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management mechanics present."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through story chapters and unlocking new dialogue and story branches based on choices."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Atmospheric and immersive with moments of humor and tension release, but also sustained suspense."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable art, music, and sound design provide sensory stimulation enhancing mood and atmosphere."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal narrative experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with branching plots, character development, and mystery."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Some planning in choosing traits and dialogue options, but mostly straightforward narrative choices."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Creates suspense and tension through horror elements and story developments."

  • Value
    5

    "Free first episode with high replay value and positive player reception; good return on time invested."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Focuses on narrative and character interaction rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some elements of avoiding negative outcomes through choices, but no active survival mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026