With the anticipation of a shopkeeper ready to unveil his wares, the gaming community awaits the arrival of Strange Antiquities, the highly anticipated sequel to 2022’s Strange Horticulture. This new title invites players to immerse themselves in the peculiar world of selling eldritch antiques to an eclectic mix of townsfolk, all set against the backdrop of the Lake District’s most notorious curiosity shop. The launch is set for next month, specifically on September 17.
Expanding the Narrative
For those unfamiliar with its predecessor, Strange Horticulture offered players a unique blend of horticulture and dark storytelling, where choices could lead to dire consequences, including murder or even cosmic calamity. Chris Livingston praised it as “the best detective game I’ve played in years,” highlighting its engaging narrative and puzzle elements.
Bad Viking, the developer behind both titles, aims to elevate the experience with Strange Antiquities. In a recent Steam post, they expressed their desire to create a game that allows players to feel like true investigators of the occult. “We wanted to make a game in which players feel like real investigators of the occult, poring over manuscripts and reference materials by candlelight while the rain beats down outside,” they stated. The emphasis is on exploration and deduction, encouraging players to piece together clues and follow the narrative threads at their own pace.
Recommendations for the Eager
As the countdown to the release begins, those eager to dive back into the role of a shop-based sleuth need not wait. The success of Strange Horticulture has inspired a wave of similar games in recent years. One notable recommendation is Do No Harm, where players assume the role of a doctor treating a town beset by unusual ailments. This title leans more heavily into Lovecraftian themes while maintaining a focus on observation and dark narrative choices, echoing the essence of its predecessor.
