Forbidden Solitaire review: Steam’s best solitaire game goes horror
Polygon reviews Forbidden Solitaire, the latest release from indie developer Grey Alien Games. The game is developed by solo programmer Jake Birkett and story writer Helen Carmichael, a creative partnership based in Dorset, England that has built a reputation for high-quality solitaire games on Steam.
Forbidden Solitaire combines the studio’s signature relaxing solitaire gameplay with horror elements, marking a tonal shift from their previous titles. The game features Grey Alien’s characteristic card-clearing mechanics set in decorative, fanned layouts, complemented by arcade-style features including combo counters and power-up cards. The studio has maintained its proven game design formula while introducing the horror theme, suggesting the core solitaire mechanics remain polished and engaging.
The review highlights Grey Alien Games’ refined approach to solitaire game design, where the developer’s understanding of what works in the genre prevents unnecessary over-complication. According to the reviewer, the studio demonstrates restraint in its design philosophy, knowing when to preserve successful mechanics across titles and when to evolve them.
Forbidden Solitaire appears to represent a deliberate creative evolution for Grey Alien Games, building on their established expertise in solitaire game development while exploring genre fusion with horror elements. The game’s presence on Steam and its positioning as a standout entry in the platform’s solitaire library suggests continued success for the independent developer.