The Count Lucanor is like those old German folk tales about kids encountering mythical beasts and magical people after leaving home; facing the consequences of their childish actions and desires in often grim ways. Much like those old tales as well, The Count Lucanor takes an ordinarily tame and whimsical story and injects it with a lot of mature violence and unsettling imagery. If you think of Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood, you'll know that these stories meant for children can actually be quite dark despite their innocent profiles. Taking this concept of juxtaposing lightheartedness and ghoulish tragedy is what those tales were all about, and The Count Lucanor succeeds in crafting a short tale around these themes that is often as frightening as it is playful.
The story revolves around Hans, a poor boy living in the countryside alone with his mom, as his dad left to fight in the war. On the day of his 10th birthday, he becomes fed up with being poor when his mom can't afford presents or a cake for him, so he decides to leave home for good and enters the forest behind their home to look for adventure and riches. Night soon falls however, and Hans finds that the forest has become a sort of nightmare as the streams run with blood and once-ordinary goats now stand on their hind legs with murder in their eyes. He eventually makes his way through the horrors and comes upon a quaint blue kobold (Spirit) who leads him to an old castle. The kobold then tells him that if he can guess his name then he will become the successor to Count Lucanor and inherit the Count's castle and vast fortune.
From there, the game settles into its adventure with light puzzles and mysteries to piece together. Your goal is to gather envelopes scattered around the castle which each contain a letter of the kobold's name. Along the way you uncover secrets, gather helpful items, and avoid the numerous and dangerous traps and denizens of the castle. You can't attack, and instead must rely on candles which you can hold and set down to light the way and give you some early warning before bumping into a horror in the dark. The game world opens up in the castle, but much of the side quests and discoveries come naturally in your pursuit of the envelopes, and it all feels very focused and purposeful. You meet people along the way who have their own place in your quest and who give insights into your journey, and uncover revelations that the castle holds without feeling like your playtime is being artificially lengthened with trivial chores.
Overall, The Count Lucanor is tried and true Brothers Grimm folklore, and nails the tone and atmosphere one would expect from such works. From the expressive pixel art to the soundtrack which evokes a gothic fairytale, the game feels faithful to its inspirations. Along with its brisk pacing and satisfying, though easy, puzzles, there's rarely a dull moment in this charming and macabre adventure. It all can be experienced in an evening, though despite its brief length, leaves a lasting impression with its earnest efforts and carefully crafted storybook tale.