Ten Bells
Table of Contents
The bartender and the barmaid are what made Ten Bells unique to other anomaly video games. This isn’t the first time that there have been living beings in an anomaly video game but it is the first time that I have felt attachment. There is a story here with the bartender and barmaid at center stage. There is plenty to uncover here at the old English pub in Ten Bells.
TEN BELLS
Ten Bells is an anomaly horror game set in a timeless English pub. This unsettling escape room game draws you into a world of surreal anomalies and a hidden story, where every detail matters and the ghostly past lingers.
GAMEPLAY
If you are familiar with anomaly video games, then you may have a good idea of how gameplay works. You are stuck in an old English pub that is haunted by ghosts and dread. Something is amiss and you want out.
If you find an anomaly, turn around and run back through the door you came from. You’ll want to run fast because you are eager to start a new loop or something is chasing you. If you do not find an anomaly, proceed forward and enter the next loop. Report enough anomalies and you reach the end of the game. Depending on your choices, you’ll get one of a few endings.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The old English pub in Ten Bells is beautifully designed. It’s a rainy day and the pub is decked out in dark decor so light is limited but not enough to need a flashlight, lantern, or lighter. However, the dark environment will require you to pay close attention to detail.
The bar is located at the center of the pub which is shaped like a gigantic horseshoe. There is plenty of room to walk around, places to sit, and drinks on tap. The bartender works on one side while the barmaid works on the other side. You cannot see the other side of the bar from one side or the other. The bar separates the bartender from the barmaid.
THE ATMOSPHERE
You can’t help but feel the dread as you explore the bar. There is a weight that you feel pulling you down to the floor. You don’t know what it is at first but as you explore, you uncover the reasons behind the dread. The atmosphere is heavy and the mood is dank.
THE BARTENDER
There are no customers that you are aware of but there are signs that the pub bustles with business from time to time. The bartender tends to the bar, keeping it clean and ready for customers. He doesn’t seem to pay you much mind as you explore the bar. He never speaks or looks at you.
There is a look of disgust on his face. I’m not sure if this is because you are exploring his pub instead of buying drinks or if there is something more sinister going on. You can’t quite figure it out but you feel it every time you walk past him.
THE BARMAID
The barmaid appears to be sad and anxious from the start. She walks back and forth in a nervous fashion. You’ll catch her crying every so often. Something is going on to make the barmaid seem terrified. She looks like she wants to leave but is afraid to do so.
All of this takes place on the opposite side of the bar. The bartender may think that she is busy because she continuously walks back and forth. The barmaid is careful never to reveal herself by staying behind the bar. It seems that she is either embarrassed or the bartender is the reason for her terror.
THE HORROR
Ten Bells is a frightening game. The environment, atmosphere, bartender, barmaid, and sound design all work well together and create a tension that you feel the entire time. You’re never sure what the culprit is but you are apprehensive because something is bound to happen at any moment.
The anomalies in Ten Bells can be terrifying. I won’t spoil any of them but will say that I sat there a few times and studied a few anomalies. They are horrifying in the best possible way. There are some anomalies I couldn’t study because I was running for my life which was also a lot of fun.
MEDIA
SCREENSHOTS
AS I SEE IT
Ten Bells may be the hardest anomaly video game I have played. Either Ten Bells is hard or I had trouble with the environment because of my color blindness. I’m not exactly sure but I didn’t mind the challenge. It took me longer than most and I enjoyed every moment.
I love the bartender and barmaid. They brought a new level of storytelling in anomaly horror games that I am familiar with. The subtle hints are amazing once you pick them up and understand what is happening at the pub. It’s like I can feel the tension from the bartender and the horror from the barmaid. It is a wonderful dynamic that leads to quite a tale.
Ten Bells was suggested to me by an anonymous message through my website. It was sent through a form like the one you see below in this article. Thank you to whoever suggested Ten Bells to me. I enjoyed the game immensely. I hope to get more suggestions like yours.
SUGGEST A GAME
Please send suggestions for any anomaly horror games or analog horror games you think I should check out. If I like the suggested video game, I may write an article or add it to one of my featured lists. Suggestions are greatly appreciated.