2.5/5

A relatively good game, but definitely missing some elements that could take it from just good to really great. For one, it lacks a cohesive narrative beyond just symbolism. I'm aware that this is a part of the folk horror genre, but Tales from Candleforth echoes a less successful Rusty Lake or Fran Bow but is lacking a clear cut narrative. It stands purely on the suspension of disbelief that the player comes in with. The story is fine enough, but it could have been developed a little bit more.

If nothing else though, most of the puzzles are fun, but the game would highly benefit from some kind of hint system. If I have to depend on a video walk through to get through certain parts because it's otherwise impossible, you NEED a hint system for the idiots (me) among us! I also do wish the game were a bit longer, but considering some of the puzzles were frustrating enough as is, maybe it being on the shorter side was for the best).

That being said, I do really love the uniqueness of the art style and the spooky aesthetic of the game, and some of the puzzles were highly rewarding to solve. If the studio plans to put out any more Candleforth games, I'd be interested to see if any player feedback is incorporated. In particular the game could do with another round of text revisions, and that highly needed hint system.

This is such a fun and creative game. If you like weird and puzzles and mind bending reality stuff this is your game!