Restore a crumbling occult library by a winter sea. Build the world’s foremost collection of grimoires and arcana. Master the invisible arts. BOOK OF HOURS is a narrative crafting RPG set in a 1930s world of hidden gods and secret histories. What sort of Librarian will you choose to be?
Players praise the game's relaxing and atmospheric loop of restoring and managing an occult library. Rather than a high-pressure experience, the gameplay centers on leisurely exploring the Hush House, cataloging its collection of esoteric books, and crafting various mystical tools and memories at one's own pace. This focus on organization, discovery, and experimentation resonates with players seeking a calming, immersive experience.
The core gameplay revolves around a puzzle-like system of unlocking new content. Players must experiment by combining different books, memories, and crafted items to unveil new skills, rooms, and story elements. Mastering the game's complex "Wisdoms" and "Elements of the Soul" systems provides a sense of accomplishment as players gradually decipher the interconnected mechanics.
A major draw is the game's rich narrative and worldbuilding. The lore, filled with occult references and hidden histories, is woven throughout the experience. By reading the library's collection and interacting with visitors, players can uncover the deep, multilayered story of the Hush House and the pantheon of "Hours" that govern its secret histories. The lack of hand-holding encourages active engagement with the narrative.
The game offers high replayability, with multiple "Legacies" that allow players to assume different roles and pursue varied storylines and endings. This, combined with the open-ended progression system, incentivizes multiple playthroughs as players explore alternative paths and uncover new narrative threads. The flexibility in developing one's Librarian's skills and influencing the world contributes to a sense of player agency.
While praised for its relaxing atmosphere, the game's opaque mechanics and lack of traditional tutorials can prove daunting. However, many players find this level of complexity and self-directed exploration to be part of the game's appeal. Overcoming these challenges and making progress through trial-and-error leads to a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.