My Father's Work

My Father's Work

FantasyHorror
Players
2-4
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
3 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
180 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
14+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
3.1 / 5
Year
2022

About the game

My Father's Work casts players as mad scientists inheriting a page from their father's journal and a crumbling estate to continue his forbidden experiments. Across three generations, players complete experiments, help the town, and upgrade their estate, but each generation resets most progress, forcing players to pass down only limited knowledge to their successor. With its horror atmosphere and worker-placement core, it blends narrative storytelling with generational strategic planning.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's team finds the generational reset mechanic in My Father's Work fascinating; watching your carefully built experiments wash away while passing down only fragments of knowledge creates a poignant, tense arc across the whole game. The horror theming feels richly written and atmospheric rather than just decorative. A strong pick for groups who want a worker placement game with real narrative weight.

What we like

  • Unique generational reset mechanic creates a compelling long-term arc.
  • Rich horror narrative woven directly into gameplay choices.
  • Worker placement core rewards careful long-term planning.
  • Strong thematic art and writing throughout.

Keep in mind

  • Long three-hour playtime is a big commitment.
  • Losing progress each generation may frustrate players who dislike resets.

Who it's for

Best for mature gamers aged 14+ who enjoy narrative-driven worker placement games with horror themes; plays well with 2-4 players over a longer three-hour session.

Mechanics

EventsHand ManagementNarrative Choice / ParagraphStorytellingWorker Placement

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