New Steam Game Looks Like Pentiment Meets Gothic Horror

Indie developer Hilltop Studios has just announced Curse of Resthaven, a brand-new narrative roguelite adventure coming to Steam that should appeal to fans of games like Pentiment and Disco Elysium. The new title is the latest in the resurgence of narrative-focused adventure games releasing primarily on Steam, albeit with its own unique twist on the genre’s gameplay style.

Narrative adventure titles have seen a rise in popularity among gamers, allowing for new adaptations of the style of game that eschew players’ expectations. Unique titles like Disco Elysium successfully making the jump to consoles after flourishing on Steam are an indicator of a shift in the gaming landscape, with more audiences opening up to the style of storytelling and gameplay than ever before. Other games, like the critically acclaimed Citizen Sleeper, have garnered near-universal praise, prompting sequels and growing fan bases that were once deemed rare for the relatively niche genre.

Curse of Resthaven is a Gothic Horror Game That Looks Like a Graphic Novel

Hilltop Studios, developers of the well-received comedic indie title Lil Guardsman, have announced their follow-up game, and it’s a major shift in tone. Curse of Resthaven is a Gothic horror title with narrative-based gameplay and a roguelite twist. Players will play as the newly appointed governor of a mysterious colony, arriving seven days before a catastrophic event threatens to destroy the entire island on which they reside. Along with managing their newfound responsibilities, the game also centers around the disappearance of the governor’s niece, a mystery that somehow ties into the events taking place in the strange and unsettling colony.

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)
Medium (7)
Hard (10)

Start

Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.

Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)Start

Players will need to manage resources, engage in trades, and investigate the townspeople that surround them within the allotted seven days, attempting to discover more about what’s taking place and where their missing niece is. They’ll also embark on dangerous card-based expeditions, venturing deeper into the island’s terrifying environment as they uncover its secrets. Each expedition is randomized, and with three separate paths to choose from, no two playthroughs will be quite the same. Some of the items and companions players encounter will become usable cards that they can bring with them on these expeditions, adding to the pool of resources that will help them to discover more. The time-based gameplay mechanic allows players to manipulate the time loop that they’re stuck in, improving their next run and progressing the story forward.

The attention to Resthaven’s graphic novel-inspired aesthetic is evident from its reveal trailer, with a haunting look that’s reminiscent of a storybook. The hand-crafted environments and characters immediately pop off the screen, and players will spend plenty of time familiarizing themselves with the people of their new colony while interacting with over 25 fully voiced characters in the game. Expeditions come to life through unique and unsettling art that draws the viewer into each scene.

Titles like Curse of Resthaven are bold swings that gamers of all kinds should be enthusiastic about, with a truly unique combination of genres that could lead to a one-of-a-kind experience. The infusion of roguelite elements, card-based gameplay, and resource management into a narrative-focused mystery should keep players on the edge of their seats throughout each run. Curse of Resthaven doesn’t have a set release window yet, but those interested in the game can wishlist it on Steam for future updates.