I am about an hour in and this feels very much like all the sorts of things we enjoy in something featuring Wadjeteye.

Antiquarian Thomasina Bateman has arrived in the remote town of Bewlay, intrigued by an invitation and the possibility of investigating a local barrow. But the person she is to meet never shows up, her assistant doesn't arrive, and many locals are standoffish and wary. Not to mention her equipment is locked in the postmaster's shed.

While it's early days, something is clearly not quite right. The barrow seems like an out-of-bounds topic, and there is more than just a natural reticence towards strangers. The game itself promises a folk horror tone, with a "dark, complex and evolving storyline" interwoven with elements from English folklore. I look forward to it unfolding.

It's point and click all the way, with pixel-art graphics, an original soundtrack and plenty of places to explore and people to speak to. There is lots to talk about too, even more at times if you right-click to look at objects, and the characters to date are well voiced. A to-do list keeps track of objectives (I have three outstanding at present), and a fast-travel map becomes available early on which makes getting around more efficient. Puzzling so far has revolved around inventory items and asking enough questions to propel things forward. Save at will, highlight hotspots if you wish, have subtitles or not. You can also turn on a developer commentary, although the game warns you about spoilers and suggests you wait until you have played once. I took it at its word so can't tell you about it, but I do tend to like this feature and look forward to investigating it at some point.

I look forward to what is to come.

Just in time for the release of The Excavation of Hob's Barrow today!

This sounds great, flotsam! Thank you so much for the first look.

And thank you too, Drac!

Thank you flotsam and Draclvr!

Thanks so much flotsam, look forward to your final review!

Thanks, Drac!

It took me a couple of hours to fully immerse into the game, but I'm now finding it an investigative, mysterious delight.

I bought the game this morning, KatieB, so that is very good to hear.

Thanks KatieB!

KatieB, that sounds... well, delightful!

Thank you very much for the "look and info" flotsam (and Draclvr) and also thanks to you, KatieB, for your reassuring post !!

Thanks flotsam and Drac.

I started this game last night, played for about 45 minutes, and am absolutely loving it so far. It is right up my alley: Victorian England, a spooky mystery, the moors, one character even quoted some lines from Shakespeare! I can't wait to get back to it today.

Sounds good Marian. Glad you're enjoying it!

Another reassuring comment

Thank you Marian !!

Feeling extra glad I bought the game now

I feel quite sure that you will enjoy the game very much, Mad.

Thanks, Marian 👍

I finished the game and had a great time with it. It is also the first game in years that I managed to get all the way through without looking at a walkthrough or getting a hint (much to my surprise!).

Glad you enjoyed it Marian, and that you posted about it!

You're welcome, ob!

GOG is telling me that I spent 9 hours 13 minutes on it and got 75% of the achievements. I will play it again at some point.