There Are No Ghosts at the Grand is a captivating indie game that combines hotel renovation, ghost-busting, and heartfelt storytelling in a uniquely British setting. You play as a young American who inherits a dilapidated seaside hotel and must restore it while uncovering its ghostly secrets.
Gameplay Overview: Renovation Meets the Supernatural
At its core, the game lets you use power tools to strip wallpaper, paint, and clean rooms. At night, you fight ghosts. The talking paintbrush, Robert C McBrushy, offers guidance and reprimands – a clever nod to both Microsoft’s Clippy and complex father figures. The game’s dialogue and musical numbers bring the hotel’s history to life.
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Key Features of There Are No Ghosts at the Grand
- Interactive renovation using realistic power tools
- Turn-based ghost battles each night
- Full voice acting with Scottish-accented tools
- Musical sequences that advance the plot
- Rich backstory tied to real British stately homes
How It Compares to Other Indie Horror Games
| Feature | There Are No Ghosts at the Grand | Typical Indie Horror |
|---|---|---|
| Primary mechanic | Renovation + combat | Stealth or puzzle solving |
| Tone | Whimsical, heartwarming | Dark, tense |
| Music | Original songs | Ambient soundscapes |
| Setting | British seaside hotel | Abandoned asylums, haunted houses |
This blend of genres makes the game accessible to players who might avoid pure horror. The renovation loop provides a calming rhythm between scares.
The Creative Vision Behind the Game
Developer Friday Sundae drew inspiration from wandering National Trust properties. Co-founder Anil Glendinning notes that many rooms were half-restored, half-decayed – a perfect metaphor for the game’s layering of physical and metaphorical ghosts. The characters, including the talking paintbrush, are based on real people from the team’s lives.
Why You Should Play It
If you enjoy narrative-driven games with unique mechanics and a touch of humor, There Are No Ghosts at the Grand offers an experience unlike any other. It’s short enough to finish in a weekend but leaves a lasting impression.
FAQ
Can you fight ghosts during the day?
No, ghost battles only occur at night. During the day you focus on renovation and talking with hotel guests.
How long does it take to complete the game?
The main story takes about 5–7 hours, but exploring all dialogue and side rooms adds replay value.
Is there a musical number for every room?
No, songs are reserved for key story moments, but each one reveals more about the hotel’s past.
There Are No Ghosts at the Grand is available now on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Experience a ghost story that will make you laugh, cry, and reach for a paintbrush.