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Tales of the Black Forest

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2019

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Quick resume

In a world filled with yōkai, a surging dark power has overshadowed a Japanese town. A group of 2 developers have produced a Japanese pixel adventure game to tell a tale that dates back to the Heisei era...In the name of dreams and passion.

Global score

98/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Engaging and emotional story
  • Beautiful pixel art and music
  • Blend of japanese folklore and real events
  • Accessible gameplay with mild puzzles
  • Excellent value for price

Cons

  • Linear and guided gameplay
  • Some awkward translations
  • Limited gameplay depth
  • Short game length
  • Lack of fullscreen option in menu

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom to explore, interact with objects, and choose endings, though gameplay is mostly linear and guided."

  • Competence
    2

    "Gameplay involves simple puzzles and some chase sequences that require basic skill, but mostly focuses on story and exploration."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; experience is single-player and narrative-driven without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report wanting to return to the game and characters; story and atmosphere encourage extended engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can explore and uncover hidden story elements and secrets, but limited creative modification or building."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; cooperative and equal narrative experience."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong immersion in a fictional world blending Japanese folklore and real events provides escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story, folklore, and atmosphere rather than obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration and puzzle solving encourages trying new things, but overall gameplay is guided and linear."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore different environments and uncover hidden story elements and lore throughout the game."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited customization; players experience preset characters and environments without personal modification."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Strong fantasy elements with yokai, supernatural events, and time travel blended with real historical events."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Solo experience focused on individual narrative engagement with minimal social interaction."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of story, characters, and cultural context; some puzzle solving and learning."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of visual novel and RPG Maker style games; no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention on story and puzzles; not designed for background or casual intermittent play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Emotional connection to characters and story creates some sense of closeness despite lack of social features."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; purely single-player narrative experience."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story chapters and unlocking endings; minimal item or upgrade accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmospheric music and art create a soothing experience balanced with some suspenseful moments."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable pixel art visuals and evocative soundtrack provide sensory and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; gameplay is private and individual."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with rich characters, emotional depth, and integration of folklore and history."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Simple puzzles and some problem solving present mild mental challenge but no complex strategy."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspenseful chase sequences and eerie moments provide mild thrills within a mostly calm experience."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for delivering excellent story and atmosphere at a low price; considered a great value."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Minimal violence; game focuses on story and exploration rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some chase and escape sequences introduce mild survival elements, but mostly stable and safe gameplay."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026