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About The Big Hollow: 1982
The Big Hollow: 1982 is a 2D animated murder mystery set in a decaying 1980s small town. Developed by Krams Design, it dropped on December 31, 2026 for PC. You play an FBI trainee tasked with solving a string of serial killings by piecing together clues from crime scenes, witness interviews, and psychological profiles. The game leans into eerie visuals and methodical detective work. It’s a slow-burn narrative puzzle, best for players who enjoy figuring out twisted stories over 10, 15 hours. Think of it as a moody, dialogue-driven version of a true crime podcast with a focus on behavioral analysis.
Gameplay
You spend most of your time scouring pixel-art crime scenes for hidden evidence, blood spatter angles, cryptic notes, or victim diaries. The interface lets you cross-reference clues to build a suspect profile, which then guides interrogations. Each session feels like a detective’s notebook session, with branching dialogue trees and red herrings. The game’s pacing is deliberate, often forcing you to backtrack once new info surfaces. Controls are mouse-driven, with minimal combat or action. Instead, success hinges on attention to detail and decoding the killer’s warped logic through environmental storytelling.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 8.2/10, with 78% completing the base story. Average playtime is 14.5 hours, though 12% play past 25 hours chasing bonus files. Community moods: 62% “creeped out,” 45% “intrigued,” but 18% “frustrated” by vague clues. Critics praise the “haunting atmosphere” (The Quietus) but note pacing issues in the final act. Achievement completion is 89% for core trophies, though the “Secret File Found” achievement remains elusive for 34% of players.
PlayPile's Take
This is a niche pick for fans of cerebral mysteries and retro aesthetics. The $29.99 price tag matches its mid-length runtime, but 23% of players say it’s “overpriced for what it offers.” If you’re patient and enjoy decoding psychological horror, it’s worth a shot. Skip if you crave action or instant gratification. The achievement list is decently rewarding, but don’t expect a killer endgame.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
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