Scratches (2006)

One particular trope that horror authors like to visit in particular is secluding a writer in a cabin or otherwise spooky house and causing those who would write fiction to go through such a thing in reality. The 2006 point-and-click horror game Scratches is no stranger to this idea, but it plays along like it's never heard of it before - not that this is necessarily bad. As I've stated before, sometimes things that stick to a particular style, even if it's been beaten relentlessly, work out simply because they know what is required to execute that idea successfully.

Over the course of three days, you play as Michael Athrate, a successful suspense/thriller author who has recently acquired the Blackwood estate. This particular piece of real estate was the fruit of a long search by Atherate's agent, due to his client demanding a space that would make his imagination run wild in order to write a sequel to his best selling novel. Since Athrate writes in the horror genre, the game follows such a path; obstacles begin to appear in the form of no power, and then scratching noises making themselves present in the middle of the night. Athrate slowly begins to uncover the true story behind the Blackwood estate as he explores the grounds and rooms of the house. Everything is detailed elaborately, bringing the half-built Victorian mansion to life. From wallpaper to various baubles on table tops, the house looks like a lush haven for a wealthy family: but of course, these sorts of houses have their secrets, and the Blackwood estate's are a little darker than most.

James T. Blackwood, the original owner, was an extensive collector of African tribal art - it's influence can be seen throughout the house as well in a second-floor museum focused entirely on the subject. In a journal in Blackwood's study, the player can discover that on a particular trip, Blackwood stumbled upon a rare and believed to be mythical cannibalistic tribe. They were apparently being led by a mask (no, no Jim Carrey jokes here please); Blackwood became so enamored of the object that he made plans to steal it, and eventually import it back to America. The events that transpired afterward is where you, the player, come in. The puzzles of the game are fairly straight forward and bring everything together in a slow fashion that will leave you wanting more. The scares are few and far between, but the scenes that do their best to make you jump in your seat will definitely do just that the first time you see them; repeat plays will probably not have the same effect. The first person point of view certainly lends the idea that you're right there in the action, which coupled with a dark room and headphones can certainly make for a horror-inspiring atmosphere.

The game altogether is a fairly quick playthrough, not really taking more than 8 hours (if that); but it's a great interactive novel. I didn't know this until recently, but the Director's Cut edition has an extra side quest to give you more information after the ending of the game. Titled "The Last Visit", you play as the reporter who returns to the Blackwood estate 10 years after the events of the original game in order to do one last piece on the events before the house is torn down for good. Overall, this game is great for people who like a good, slow horror story - Scratches: Director's Cut is available throught Steam for just $9.99.