Tales from Candleforth is a folk horror 2D point and click game with puzzles and escape room mechanics, that narrates the fairy tales from the village. The text contained in this ancient and evil book is now bleeding out, mixing the world of nightmares with the real one through handmade 2D graphics.
Players consistently praise the well-designed puzzles in the game, which strike a delicate balance between difficulty and reward. Reviewers highlight how the puzzles seamlessly integrate with the game's creepy atmosphere, often describing them as "cleverly crafted" and satisfying to solve. The exploration aspect also garners praise, as players enjoy thoroughly investigating the environments to uncover the game's many secrets.
A key strength of the experience is its ability to create a deeply immersive atmosphere. The hand-drawn 2D art style, which reviewers describe as "beautiful" and "unique," works in tandem with the haunting musical score to establish a pervasive sense of folk horror and unease. Many players comment on how the game's attention to detail and cohesive aesthetic truly draw them into the unsettling world, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
While primarily a puzzle-focused experience, the game also features a compelling narrative that keeps players engaged. The story follows the journey of Sarah, a young woman uncovering the dark secrets of her family and the cursed town. Reviewers praise the narrative as "captivating" and "intriguing," with the game's lore-rich world and well-written dialogue drawing players deeper into the experience.
One of the standout features of the gameplay is its accessibility. Many reviewers note that the game strikes an excellent balance between challenge and approachability, with puzzles that are "difficult, but not frustratingly so." This allows players of various skill levels to enjoy the experience without becoming overly frustrated or resorting to outside help. At the same time, more experienced players still find the puzzles engaging and rewarding to solve.