One of my first gaming experiences on PC was Solitaire on a Windows XP. I was never good at it, but there was something calming about the rhythmic pattern of its rules. The rules were clear yet a combination of luck and your skills was necessary for success.
Let me tell you about a game called Forbidden Solitaire.
Forbidden Solitaire || 30/04/26
When I downloaded the demo I wasn’t sure if I’d like it. In an ocean of indies, how would a simple card game steal my time? I hear the Balatro fans laughing.
Boy was I happy to be wrong. One look is enough to sell you on the vibe of Forbidden Solitaire. Like the name suggests, it feels like an illegal game that found its way to many people, yet nobody knows where it came from.
The uncanny CG Cutscenes, the shaggy textures, big text boxes with that tasty font, creatures that resemble abominations. There is a grittiness, a specific crunch that makes this game as appealing as it is repulsive.
Forbidden Solitaire is about a „cryptic 1995 CD-ROM that shouldn’t exist“. It almost sounds like a digital horror story someone came up with. Story… oh yeah, this game has one! It’s not „just“ Solitaire. You find this game and immediately enter a forbidden realm that shows you right away how unwelcoming it is. You shouldn’t be here. Yet you continue. Whether it’s because you have no other choice or because it draws you in, is unknown and irrelevant.
Now that you’ve entered this hellhole, there is a meaning to your existence within this.
In a sort of meta-narrative you explore the place and learn more about the background of its development. Your sister feeds you with hidden articles about something that resembles a cult and people dying. None of that matters. You’ve just beaten a horrifying creature, only to nearly run into the arms of another one. You’ve got to hide. You’ve got to analyse every nook and cranny.
That’s what keeps the solitaire matches exciting. Sometimes you have to remove all cards on the field without having to shuffle your deck. Sometimes you have to sneak past an enemy and thus have to avoid using too many cards in a specific area.
The fights are especially interesting. With every move of your cards, you string up a combo. This transfers into damage and you need to surpass the shied value in order to actually hit the fiend. The enemies obviously won’t just stand there. They will attack, use special moves and manipulate your cards. One turn they will affect some cards with thorns. These will hurt you, when you choose the card. What’s more important: not getting hit or stringing up a strong attack?
The next turn your enemy will blow away one of your jokers. Jokers need to be in every good card game, right? There are various jokers that get added as a reward at specific events. One joker lets you erase a line of cards, another one doubles your damage. These alone add another strategic layer to the game. Alongside this are upgrades you can buy in a shop. The shop clerk is an ominous eyeball. It’s simply that kind of game.
What started as me being enchanted by the look and atmosphere, ended up with me being glued to my Steam Deck as the addictive gameplay wouldn’t let me stop. Forbidden Solitaire is much more than meets the eye (you meet a literal eyeball after all). Make your first steps into the forbidden realm and test if you are qualified to escape its grip.
Quick Shoutout (not played yet)
Bobo Bay || 29/04/26
Pretty much everyone describes it as the Chao Garden from Sonic Adventure 2, albeit with a slower flow. It’s a pet simulator where you raise cute bobos, farm resources and let your bobos participate in races. Additionally you can explore islands and influence the town.
Monster Crown: Sin Eater || 30/04/26
An immersive creature collector that provides over 1000 unique monsters through an extensive breeding mechanic. Join an aspiring monster tamer on his journey to save his family. His adventure might change the nation forever, but everything is possible with his powerful companions.
