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The Excavation of Hob's Barrow

Nintendo Switch, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2022

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Quick resume

The Excavation of Hob's Barrow is a folk horror narrative-driven adventure. Explore the isolated moors of rural Victorian England as you uncover the mysteries of Hob's Barrow. The answers lie in the soil...

Global score

92/100

Genres

Adventure, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Strong narrative and atmosphere
  • Excellent voice acting
  • Logical and fair puzzles
  • Immersive folk horror setting
  • Quality pixel art and sound design

Cons

  • Linear story with fixed ending
  • Some puzzles are easy or slightly convoluted
  • Limited player agency and customization
  • Short game length
  • Lack of replayability beyond commentary

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players explore a village, choose dialogue options, and solve puzzles with some freedom, though the story is mostly linear and the ending is fixed."

  • Competence
    2

    "Puzzles are logical and fair, providing moderate challenge without frustration, supporting a feeling of effectiveness."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; gameplay focuses on personal exploration and story progression."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report engaging story and atmosphere that encourage long sessions and replay with commentary."

  • Cooperation
    -5

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

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players engage in puzzle solving and narrative choices, but within predefined story and environment."

  • Domination
    -5

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

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong atmospheric horror and immersive storytelling provide escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by interest in story, genre, and atmosphere rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some exploration and puzzle experimentation, but mostly within a structured narrative and environment."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players explore a detailed village and surrounding areas, uncovering secrets and story elements."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Limited customization; players follow a fixed protagonist and preset visual style."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Game features folk horror, supernatural elements, and Lovecraftian themes, providing imaginative fiction."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Single-player game with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and narrative understanding through puzzles and story."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of point-and-click adventures."

  • Idle
    -3

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

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some emotional engagement with characters and story, but limited to narrative context."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or management roles; player follows a fixed story path."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story advancement and puzzle completion, but no item collection or upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmospheric and slow-paced gameplay promotes immersion and flow rather than tension."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable pixel art, sound design, and voice acting provide sensory stimulation without intense excitement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems present."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with immersive storytelling, character development, and atmospheric plot."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Puzzles require some problem solving but are generally straightforward and logical."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Slow-building suspense and dread create mild thrill without jump scares or high tension."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for time and money given story length, quality, and production."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Minimal violence; focus on exploration and puzzle solving rather than combat or destruction."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival mechanics or threat avoidance; stable narrative environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026