Scarlet Hollow: A Masterwork of Narrative Horror
Few indie games have managed to capture the creepy appeal and narrative depth of *Scarlet Hollow*, an episodic visual novel created by Black Tabby Games. This horror-mystery adventure, released in early access on June 11, 2021, has slowly acquired a loyal fanbase because to its smart narrative, significant player decisions, and breathtaking hand-drawn imagery by award-winning graphic novelist Abby Howard. As of March 17, 2025, four of the intended seven episodes are online, with the other chapters set to be completed by late 2026. For fans of supernatural tales, choice-driven storylines, and atmospheric horror, Scarlet Hollow is a must-play experience that lasts long after the screen goes black.
Scarlet Hollow transports players to the crumbling Appalachian mining hamlet of Scarlet Hollow, North Carolina, a place shrouded in mystery and haunted by a turbulent history. You play a customisable protagonist who returns to attend the funeral of his estranged aunt, Pearlanne Scarlet. What starts as a sombre family gathering gradually turns into a week-long nightmare as the town unveils its nasty underbelly—abandoned coal mines shut after a fatal collapse, bizarre animals prowling in the woods, and haunted buildings haunted by vengeful ghosts. Your cousin Tabitha, now the leader of the once-prominent Scarlet family, greets you with chilly disdain, setting the tone for a novel in which relationships are as dangerous as supernatural perils.
The game’s idea is simple yet compelling: survive a week in Scarlet Hollow while solving the secrets that threaten your life and the fate of the community. But underlying this simple framework lies a wonderfully nuanced story in which every action influences your path. Whether you’re making relationships, discovering the town’s dark past, or confronting otherworldly creatures, Scarlet Hollow guarantees that no two playthroughs are the same.
At its heart, Scarlet Hollow is a masterclass in choice-driven narrative. Black Tabby Games, a tiny indie business led by Abby Howard and Tony Howard-Arias, has created a branching story as intricate as famous titles like *Life Is Strange* or *The Walking Dead*. From the start, players choose two qualities from a list of seven, including “Book Smart,” “Street Smart,” “Talks to Animals,” “Hot,” “Keen Eye,” “Powerful,” and “Mystical.” These attributes do more than merely flavour conversation; they also enable new plot lines and exchanges, drastically affecting how you play the game. A “Book Smart” character may dazzle Tabitha with architectural expertise, whilst a “Powerful” protagonist may bully their way through stressful confrontations.
The intricacy of the option system goes beyond attributes. Relationships with characters, ranging from cryptozoology YouTuber Stella to the reclusive, chronically sick Reese, develop depending on their actions and words. A concealed 10-variable relationship system monitors how each character views you, impacting their actions in subtle but significant ways. Do you console Stella after a harrowing encounter in the woods, or do you force Tabitha to confess family secrets? These decisions have far-reaching consequences, influencing who survives and who dies, as well as the fate of the community. The game even includes a “Hardcore Mode” (unlocked after one playing), which grants three qualities at the cost of restricted plot lines, increasing replayability for those looking for a challenge.
Abby Howard’s carefully hand-drawn art is one of the main qualities of Scarlet Hollow. Every background is created on large 19×24-inch paper, inked in a dramatic black-and-white manner with subdued colours that generate a sense of discomfort. Major characters have dozens—sometimes hundreds—of sprites that capture a wide range of moods, lighting circumstances, and interactions with their surroundings. This attention to detail transports players to the decaying grandeur of Scarlet Manor, the murky forests teaming with “Ditchlings” (fleshy, egg-laying animals), and the cramped depths of the coal mines.
The game’s horror avoids superficial jump scares, instead evoking fear through suspense and frightening images. Original monster designs inspired by Appalachian stories, such as the Ditchlings or the enigmatic, veiled Sam Wayne, give the genre a new twist while avoiding overdone cliches like vampires and zombies. When combined with Brandon Boone’s sombre music, the atmosphere is both oppressive and alluring, dragging players further into the Holler’s mysteries.
Despite its horror beginnings, Scarlet Hollow incorporates dark humour and authentic emotional beats. The conversation is sharp and character-driven, shifting fluidly from light-hearted banter to heart-pounding fear. Characters like Stella, with her quirky charm, and Oscar, the soft-spoken librarian, feel alive and sympathetic, making their probable endings all the more poignant. The game also includes five romance options—ranging from goths to parents, paranormal investigators, and even a skeleton figure—to accommodate to a wide range of interests while remaining optional for those who prioritise survival above feeling.
Black Tabby Games’ adventure with *Scarlet Hollow* began with a successful Kickstarter in 2020, which raised more than $81,000 AUD from 2,726 supporters. The studio’s modest size—just Abby and Tony—belies the game’s ambition, which is inspired by *Twin Peaks*, *Gravity Falls*, and Howard’s own comics. After publishing Episode 3, the pair took a break to produce *Slay the Princess* (2023), a solo hit that helped fund the rest of *Scarlet Hollow*’s production. Episode 4 was released in late 2022, and a big upgrade in March 2025, “The Roads Untraveled,” adding over 70,000 words to Episodes 1 and 2, enhancing player agency and improving the experience.
The game’s early access concept has created a close-knit community, with players contributing feedback that influences its development. Steam reviews are largely good (98% out of 2,452), with praise for the game’s storyline, art, and replayability. Critics such as Kotaku’s John Walker have lauded it as one of the finest narrative games of 2021, and fans on platforms like as X agree that it is a hidden treasure.
Scarlet Hollow continues to build anticipation as Episode 5—the greatest yet—is set to air in late 2025. The promise of Episodes 6 and 7 in 2026 indicates a climactic conclusion to the town’s spooky storyline. For newbies, the free Episode 1 demo (available on Steam and itch.io) is an excellent starting point, with saves automatically transferring to the full game.
Scarlet Hollow is more than just a game; it’s an immersive journey through a world where every decision counts, every shadow conceals a mystery, and every character makes an impression. Its unique combination of horror, humour, and emotion, wrapped in magnificent visuals, distinguishes it from other visual novels. Scarlet Hollow appeals to horror fans and story enthusiasts alike. Just be warned: once you enter the Holler, there is no coming back.
