Curse of the Juniper Tree

About

Tanaw’s Curse of the Juniper Tree is a brief but atmospheric indie visual novel set in a snowbound village haunted by a malevolent tree and the dark choices of its inhabitants. As two siblings navigate a web of regret and revenge, you explore a frozen world through simple 2D movement, uncovering fragmented dialogue and cryptic lore by wandering brittle streets and peering into shadowy homes. The story unfolds in short bursts of text and stills, with environmental details hinting at deeper sorrow. Loosely inspired by the Brothers Grimm tale of the same name, the game was built in one month for the 2023 Spooktober Game Jam. Available on PC, Mac, and browsers since September 30, it leans into its minimalist design to deliver a chilling, if short, experience. Players note the haunting soundtrack and the way dialogue loops back on itself, echoing the fable’s themes of wishes and their unintended costs.

Storyline

Curse of the Juniper tree is a tale of two siblings, a cursed tree and an isolated village. It is a short kinetic visual novel featuring 2d exploration. Walk around the snowy village and talk to its inhabitants! Story is loosely based off the fairytale called The Juniper Tree by the Brothers Grimm in Grimm's Fairy Tales in 1812. Made in one month for 2023 Spooktober Game Jam.