# **Scarlet Deer Inn: A Medieval Dream with a Sinister Edge**
Scarlet Deer Inn, a title that initially captivated me with its charming medieval backdrop, soon veered into a realm of darkness I hadn’t anticipated. What began as a tranquil, almost idyllic journey transformed into a tense and unsettling escapade that kept me on my toes. I first discovered this game during Steam Next Fest, where its free demo piqued my interest. The screenshots depicted a meticulously crafted world filled with delightful characters and a heartfelt storyline. However, I was unprepared for how swiftly the narrative would pivot from cozy to haunting.
## **An Illusory Medieval Haven**
On first observation, Scarlet Deer Inn appears as a serene medieval life simulator. You assume the role of Elise, a mother and tavern keeper, navigating her daily routines in a charming village. The setting is artistically designed, featuring half-timbered homes and cobblestone pathways that evoke a longing for simpler times. The characters, such as Elise’s daughter and the village priest, are uniquely crafted, providing the game with a distinctive and endearing visual appeal.
In the early moments, I relished the uncomplicated pleasures of village life. I delivered pastries, engaged in conversations with locals, and even managed the whims of a stubborn donkey. The most troublesome figure was an elderly woman who seemed to have everyone running errands for her. It was all very picturesque, and I was lulled into a false sense of comfort by the idyllic ambiance.
Yet, as I roamed through the village, subtle hints began to emerge that all was not as it appeared. The villagers exhibited their quirks, and certain interactions suggested underlying tensions. Still, I dismissed it as part of the game’s charm. After all, life in a medieval settlement was never entirely perfect, right?
## **A Gruesome Revelation**
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when I was assigned to take a cake to the local beekeeper. After overcoming the earlier obstinate donkey, I arrived at the beekeeper’s homestead, only to find it unnaturally silent. Hearing peculiar sounds emanating from the cellar, I opted to explore further. What I discovered was far from my expectations.
The cellar was far more expansive than I anticipated, and as I ventured deeper inside, an oppressive sensation began to envelop me. In one of the chambers, I stumbled upon a chilling sight: the room was filled with blocks of ice, and at the far end, on what resembled an altar, lay an unmoving child. Before I could fully grasp the gravity of what I was witnessing, I heard the unmistakable sound of a sword being drawn behind me. The serene village life I had been savoring was abruptly shattered.
## **A Witcher-Like Journey Through a Tavern Keeper’s Eyes**
From that point onward, Scarlet Deer Inn adopted a significantly darker ambiance, reminiscent of *The Witcher* series. The game’s Eastern European medieval milieu, coupled with its somber and enigmatic storyline, conjured the same sense of dread I experienced while immersed in *The Witcher*. The score, featuring traditional instruments played by the two developers, only intensified the eerie atmosphere.
Following my encounter with the lethal beekeeper, the game transitioned from a quaint village simulator to a harrowing survival ordeal. I navigated the shadowy pathways of an ancient mine, striving to remain close to fire bowls to evade the deadly creatures lurking in the darkness. My only source of illumination was a torch that dimmed rapidly, lasting barely half a minute before it needed to be rekindled. It represented a stark contrast to the cake deliveries and donkey wrangling I had been engaged in moments before.
## **Riddles and Discovery in the Gloom**
As I traversed the mine, I faced an array of puzzles that required interaction with my surroundings. While these puzzles weren’t particularly challenging, they infused an additional layer of tension into the already stifling atmosphere. I had to seek out hidden passages and levers to progress, all while keeping a watchful eye on my dwindling torchlight.
One aspect that stood out was the absence of inventory-based puzzles. Unlike many adventure titles, Scarlet Deer Inn doesn’t appear to rely on utilizing items from your inventory in particular spots. Instead, the emphasis is on exploration and engaging with the environment around you. While this approach simplifies gameplay, it remains uncertain whether it will supply enough variety to maintain player interest throughout the entire journey.
## **A Promising yet Uncertain Horizon**
Despite its simplistic mechanics, Scarlet Deer Inn has already ensnared me with its captivating narrative and atmospheric scenery. The game leaves numerous questions unanswered, and I am keen to uncover the dark mysteries concealed within the mountains encircling the village. The fusion of a medieval setting with eerie Slavic folklore is undoubtedly intriguing, and I am eager to see where the tale unfolds.
However, there are some apprehensions regarding the game’s scope. Scarlet Deer Inn is being created by a two-person team, and while the demo