The game takes place in a grim, industrial city-state that’s somehow equal parts Dickens and dystopia. You play as Hannah, a recovering survivor of a plague called the Heart Pox, trying to figure out what happened to her missing brother. As it turns out, she’s got a past - she used to run with a gang of child thieves, and that background gives her the stealth skills she needs to navigate this bleak and beautiful world. She’s soon joined by Alva and Sebastian, each with their own strengths: Alva has a slingshot and acrobatic skills, while Sebastian can swim and knock out guards. Together, they let you approach missions with a bit more flexibility - even if most puzzles still only have one right answer.
What surprised me most was how much I actually cared. The cutscenes are gorgeous, the voice acting is top notch, and the art direction is chef’s kiss. The game is only about 8 to 10 hours long, but it doesn’t waste a second. It’s rare to find a game this short that manages to tell a story this emotionally resonant, while also giving you enough variety in environments, characters, and mechanics to feel like a full experience.
There’s also something refreshingly grounded about Eriksholm. It’s not flashy or explosive. There are no epic boss fights or massive open-world maps. It’s quiet. Focused. Confident in its simplicity. Even the stealth mechanics, while not revolutionary, feel satisfying. You fail, you try again, you experiment. And while the game can be a little unforgiving - if a guard so much as glances at you, it’s game over - it never feels punishing. Just... precise.
Now, let’s address the price. Yes, it’s launching at $40, and yes, that’s a bit steep for a 10-hour indie title with fairly linear gameplay. But I also get it. The production value is legit. This world was clearly built with love and attention to detail. And while I’ll admit that $30 would have felt a little more reasonable, I also believe it’s worth paying for quality, and Eriksholm delivers that in spades.
So no, it won’t revolutionize the stealth genre. But it doesn’t need to. This is a heartfelt, handcrafted experience that punches well above its weight thanks to its art, story, and atmosphere. If you’re the kind of player who loves games like Inside, Aragami, or even the quieter moments in Dishonored, this might be your next favorite hidden gem.
Final score? 8.5 out of 10.
It's short, sweet, and just a little bit special.
