Crafting horror games often leans on the classic themes of eerie abandoned stations or towns shrouded in mystery. Yet, what if a game could deliver that same shiver down your spine, but starting from an unexpected angle? That’s exactly the intrigue behind Forbidden Solitaire, a new title coming soon from Night Signal Entertainment. Imagine this: you pick up a humble game of Solitaire, only to discover it’s actually haunted. Quite the twist, right?
When you visit the game’s page on Steam, you’re greeted with a tantalizingly brief description: “Picture this—it’s 2019, and you’ve just brought home a peculiar yet nostalgic 1995 CD-ROM from a thrift shop. There’s a flicker of memory about this game, something about a controversy too, but you’ve never had the chance to play it. Until now.” This setup cleverly weaves together a sense of nostalgia and curiosity, hooking you in with its mysterious allure.
Now, turning a simple card game like Solitaire into a creepy affair might sound far-fetched at first. But then again, who would’ve thought that basic poker mechanics could make such an exciting roguelike experience in Balatro? The developer behind this concept has previously impressed with Home Safety Hotline, a simulator that combined wickedly sharp writing with chilling moments, so expectations are certainly high. In Forbidden Solitaire, players will navigate through what’s termed as “bloodletting solitaire gameplay,” purchasing enhancements between rounds from a “friendly eye that watches you from the walls,” and encountering a variety of Jokers—some to help, and others with more sinister intentions.
According to details on Steam, a typical session of Forbidden Solitaire should last between two and three hours. Although Night Signal Entertainment hasn’t yet revealed the official release date, there’s certainly a buzz of excitement. What makes this game particularly intriguing is its dual-period narrative, taking us to a 2019 setting where players dive into a ’90s gaming experience. This blend of eras is sure to offer a unique perspective.
