Hotel Sowls

Beneath the veneer, there isn't much that makes Hotel Sowls shine. The plot, the characters, and the gameplay are all wax-paper thin. The game ticks away mechanically under its inspired art style.

Does this grainy, abstract adventure title offer something different from its point-and-click brethren, or does it embrace dusty old traditions?

Two college students whom mashed in their creativities brought us a cool new indie title, Hotel Sowls. It’s an RPG styled game where your objective is to solve the mysteries going around the ghostly hotel. All while reaching towards the ending, many elements of the game are going to keep you questioning as you delve into the endless chain of stories to unfold. In the end, you will most likely appreciate the effort and details the developers have put together and the best feeling is when you know the time spent playing this game was well worth it.

As one of the most visually unique indies out there, I recommend playing Hotel Sowls although its campaign isn't all that challenging.

Building an evident framework for a "good ending" without detailing a clear path to find the requirements, Hotel Sowls struggles between being a true mystery, and holding the player's hand with clues.

Studio Sott has managed to create a short game filled with wonderful characters and atmosphere. This brilliantly realised story reminds me of The Shining but filled with Mr Men. While Hotel Sowls doesn't innovate the basic point and click formula, it fills it with quality content and a surrealist vibe that really elevates itself. It's just a bit short.

I had a lot of enjoyment with Hotel Sowls, which lasted for its entire run time and never overstayed its welcome. Its one of those games which cares about quality over quantity, and the control over tone and mood which Studio Sott exhibits is genuinely admirable. This game goes highly recommended to the inquisitive, the curious, and those for whom your standard video game characters and settings are proving just a tad predictable. You won’t have any idea what’s up ahead in this hotel.