Black Book
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Black Book Media
Black Book - Gameplay Trailer
Black Book – Kickstarter Trailer
Black Book - Announcement Trailer
Critic Reviews for Black Book
Black Book feels in some ways like a D&D campaign through rural Russia that inadvertently teaches you history and folklore along the way, which I absolutely love, that comes down to card-game battles rather than dice rolling which, again, I love. The pacing is off, the addition of Durak is a bit pointless and there are quality-of-life issues that could do with a bit of polish, but I'd still strongly recommend this game to anyone who thinks they might be interested.
Black Book is a great mix of Slavic folklore, engaging card game, and an interesting story.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Every society creates stories, and there are some that are even broadcast in various countries. The question of how they arise, how they are perpetuated and transformed over several generations is something that has caused many headaches, but that does not mean that they do their bit. Although its mechanics are somewhat repetitive, Black Book bets against banking by hoarding a great value, in this case, the introduction of a mythology not so widespread by these boundaries. It may be a gigantic lie, but that does not invalidate its message, since it brings a lot of values that go beyond the personification of darkness and shadow that fills every corner and hole in the world.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
There is plenty to do and see in this game that justifies the price of entry. However, Black Book's most valuable asset is the rich setting and lore that it showcases with pride.
Morteshka’s deal with the devil has paid off, as Black Book delivers a captivating story and engaging gameplay full of strategy and variety that should keep you busy for over 40 hours. Being in league with Satan usually comes with a great price, but players should be able to overcome any curses handed down to them. With strong character development and narrative, this wicked book is a page-turner that’s worth a read.
Black Book has surprised me with how charming, self confident and thoughtful its systems are, even if its pacing is a little inconsistent and some acts are better than others.
I have nothing against those games, but it is wonderful to see something play with their vocabulary to make something fresh. While many games of its ilk rely on the broad strokes of fantasy, Black Book dares to be particular. It is all the richer for it.
Black Book is a bewitching combo of deck-building RPG and D&D-esque storytelling, with a bucket load of ideas where some work better than others. With some refinement and editing, Black Book could have been a must-play release. Without it, it’s still an intriguing mix of gameplay systems that is bolstered by its striking visual style and incredible attention to detail with its Northern Slavic mythology and well-thought-out story-telling. It’s definitely like nothing else I’ve played this year, which is worth celebrating. Despite its shortcomings, I couldn’t help but be under Black Book’s unique spell.
