Goetia (2016)

In the desolate silence of Oakmarsh, where dust whispers tales of a forgotten village and the Blackwood family's tragic descent, players embody Abigail Blackwood, a spirit returned to uncover the dark secrets of her lineage. This 2016 title plunges you into a meticulously crafted 2D Victorian world, offering over 90 rooms across five distinct environments—from the sprawling ruins of Blackwood Manor to shadowed woods and eerie caves. As Abigail, you possess unique spectral abilities, including phasing through walls and manipulating objects as a poltergeist, essential tools for solving intricate puzzles that often yield multiple solutions and unlock new ghostly powers, all set to an evocative progressive-rock and ambient soundtrack. Goetia is a standout entry from Forever Entertainment S.A., showcasing their knack for atmospheric storytelling and inventive gameplay mechanics within a compelling narrative. The game’s emphasis on non-linear exploration allows players to delve into the mysteries of Oakmarsh at their own pace, encouraging backtracking and re-exploration as new abilities are discovered. The freedom to navigate the world and unravel the 40-year mystery of Abigail's family and their fanatical experiments makes Goetia a testament to Forever Entertainment's ability to craft engaging, puzzle-driven adventures that linger long after the credits roll.