Scarlet Hollow: Game Review

OPINION

Review By: Ray Wisda

“Scarlet Hollow”, developed by Black Tabby Games, the same team behind the popular game “Slay the Princess” delivers a grounded, slow-burning horror experience that blends visual-novel storytelling with light role-playing elements. 

It follows an episodic structure in which players navigate a weeklong stay in a small Appalachian town filled with family tension, local folklore, and steadily escalating supernatural threats. The game as of March 2026 has five of its planned seven episodes released.

The story centers a fully customizable protagonist who returns to their family’s hometown for a funeral, only to become entangled in the town’s history and strained relationship with their cousin. Each episode builds on the last, gradually revealing more about the town’s past and the forces shaping its present. 

The branching narrative design means players see only a fraction of possible outcomes in a single run, encouraging multiple playthroughs and experimentation with different dialogue choices and relationships.

“Scarlet Hollow” leans heavily into Southern-Gothic aesthetics with abandoned mines, aging houses, and quiet forests that feel uneasy rather than peaceful. 

The hand-illustrated art style gives the game a distinct visual identity, and the pacing allows tension to accumulate naturally. Sound design and music support the tone, creating a consistent sense of dread that fits the setting.

As a visual novel with RPG elements, most of the gameplay revolves around dialogue choices, exploration, and managing relationships with the cast. These choices influence not only character interactions but also major story branches, determining who survives, what information becomes available, and how the town’s mysteries unfold. 

The structure rewards careful attention and multiple playthroughs, especially for players interested in uncovering alternate routes or hidden scenes.

“Scarlet Hollow” offers a focused, atmospheric horror experience built around strong writing and meaningful player choice. For readers who enjoy narrative-driven games with a dark, character-centered tone, it stands out as a well-crafted entry in the visual-novel genre.