Bahnsen Knights
Bahnsen Knights
Game
Game2023
Varney Lake
Developer LCB Game Studio
Summer, 1954. A perfect vacation awaits three best friends, playing games, making crazy plans, and running from bullies... Until they meet the vampire. What really happened that summer at Varney Lake? From the Steam store page
69 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Oct 29, 2026 · last updated Nov 4, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
95
LovedLoved
55 positive · 3 negative
95% range 86–98%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 55 | 3 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 4 | 0 | 5 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
61 of 64 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
98% recommend · 54 yes, 1 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 55 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (76 of 77 positive).
Players praise the game's retro aesthetic and atmospheric storytelling. [1][2][3] Many note it is a worthy successor to Mothmen 1966. [4][5][6] Some reviewers find the mini-games and ending disappointing. [7][8][9]
Liked
Representative posts
- [1]
Varney Lake is terrific. A sweltering summer horror story that plays with the conventions of the coming-of-age genre. But it's no lighthearted romp, as the seeds of tragedy are planted early on. The visuals and story evoke 1980s pop cinema and literature, all those stories of cruel children and fleeting, shattering violence. It's Mola Ram ripping out a heart in the middle of a family adventure. It's a gremlin in a …
- [5]
Even better than Mothmen 1966 as the story draws you in more and continues the overarching story in a very interesting way. Great style and substance as before, a little more interactivity. MAKE SURE YOU PLAY MOTHMEN 1966 FIRST! Cant wait for the next one!
- [7]
Varney Lake is entertaining enough as a visual novel, but it is sadly the worst of the pixel pulps. There's almost no tension, the characters aren't that interesting, the ending is not really satisfying and the minigames are mostly boring, which is compounded by how janky the controls for some of them are (and you can't skip them if you want to see everything). That said, I still think you should buy it if you …
- [12]
Fantastic atmospheric storytelling, like if Stand By Me had been produced by Hammer Studios. Love the pixel art, a fantastic successor to Mothmen 1966 which I adored, already can't wait to see what's coming next!
- [11]
Fantastic! Gorgeous pixel art that achieves a lot with such a limited palette. Great writing that captures that feeling of an endless summer that seems to pass too quickly, and is generous in its storytelling. A bittersweet story about halcyon childhood days and being long past them. I even enjoyed the music and sfx this time around! Just a really tight little story that I'm eager to replay and explore dialogues …
Summarised from 34 of the 67 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 13, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
98% of the 55 Steam reviewers we collected recommend Varney Lake. The complaint that keeps coming up: some mini-games are boring or janky. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Reactions
60 of 69 · most liked firstVarney Lake is terrific. A sweltering summer horror story that plays with the conventions of the coming-of-age genre. But it's no lighthearted romp, as the seeds of tragedy are planted early on. The visuals and story evoke 1980s pop cinema and literature, all those stories of cruel children and fleeting, shattering violence. It's Mola Ram ripping out a heart in the middle of a family adventure. It's a gremlin in a blender. It's the sorcerer's apprentice climbing bald mountain, Judge Doom…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Being in the same world of Mothmen 1966, this one is more focused on the "vibes", with some really strong contrast on the colors for each situation. An incredible writing for the characters, different minigames and even some secrets here and there. It's a very compelling and compressed experience, totally worth your time. Esp: Estando en el mismo mundo de Mothmen 1966, este se centra más en las atmósfera, con algunos contrastes realmente fuertes en los colores para cada situación. Una…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you want to play a game about being a teenager you should play VARNEY LAKE.
positive · AI labelView post →Another short Pixel Pulp VN with stylish visuals and decent, if a bit rushed, writing. They’re developing a distinct style/gameplay mechanic (their next game – "Bahnsen Knights" – looks very much within that framework), making it easier to say: “If you liked one of their games, you’ll most likely enjoy this one”, with the opposite being equally true. It might be a bit too brief and light of an experience overall, but there’s some grit, some interesting idea at the center that makes you want to…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Pixel pulp games - are just aesthetic orgasm! These wonderful retro sounds, cute graphics with special colours for every game of the series, mini-games and funny achivements...This game is a great example of good maked visual-novel and retro styled game. You can feel all this old-school horrors and slashers vibe, dialogues are really look like a living persons talking, characters are very good wroted and we can meet some of them here who was brought from Mothmen game (1st game of the Pixel pulp…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's from LCB Game Studio, who you might know by their Pixel Pulp titles like Mothmen 1966, Bahnsen Knights, and Varney Lake. They all have distinct art styles and deep, thought-provoking stories.
neutral · AI labelView post →I’ve got time for maybe one more spooky game before school starts again on Monday (and nativity practice begins 😱 lol). How about another short VN style game? Varney Lake, from Argentinian game devs LCB Game Studio. A very hospitable vampire and gorgeous retro art 🧛♂️ #blutoid
positive · AI labelView post →@polykillpodcast.bsky.social #JustBeatIt Varney Lake (PS4) is the direct sequel to Mothmen 1966 which I played before this and adopts the same art style and game structure. It is bogged down by some annoying mini games/puzzles, but the story is interesting and I enjoyed my time with it. Plat#139
neutral · AI labelView post →This short pulp's should be a gender on its own. Short, sweet, well written, with their secrets and connections between the games. Thee fact that you can pretty much skip any mini game if you are not up for it, its a great design choice. And I love how the choices you make are in a way this little puzzle to get to the different secret scenes. Truly makes me happy to see this quality of game from my country!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Full Game Walkthrough - https://youtu.be/EajGoe_S80k Its like watching a horror movie , I have just finished the whole game and boy oh boy it was one hell of a ride . Cant give you any spoilers !! Overall Score - 9/10 ( I felt that the story was a little bit rushed in the end but it was still great
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Enjoyed this one more than Mothmen 1966, fun short game.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Another worthwhile pixel-pulp from LCB Game Studio, with good writing that knows brevity is the soul of wit. I enjoy the connections the story has to Mothmen 1966, if this is how the writers are world-building then I am very much in favor of it. Can't wait for their next one, Bahnsen Knights. Keep it up guys, I'll keep up the day-one purchasing.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Amazing as always, lots of fun!♡ Loved the story and the return of some of the characters from Mothmen 1966! I also loved Doug's bag of games!!♡
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Pretty good, I think I liked it more than Mothmen 1966 (which was decent too!), but that's because I like vampires. It's a short and bittersweet story that takes you back to childhood summers and endless hours of being outside, doing whatever you wanted with no care in the world. There a few mini games too. Good stuff!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Varney Lake is a self titled 'Pixel Pulp' (IF retro comic book) that's set in a shared universe with LCB' last work MothMen. It was a pleasant surprise and I was happy to see the overarching stories intertwine. Same concept as MM, you play three characters who aren't exactly memorable in the first half but reels it in with the later half (hehe). I found myself enjoying the Vampire aspect more than anything else. Listz takes the scenes, his art and sounds are beautiful and hits the mark with…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm so looking forward to more pixel pulps! The writing & visuals are *chef's kiss*. My only complaint is that the ending here felt really abrupt.. Also really enjoyed the included sneak peak to Bahnsen Knights. Though for now, I've still got Mothmen 1966 left to play :)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Even better than Mothmen 1966 as the story draws you in more and continues the overarching story in a very interesting way. Great style and substance as before, a little more interactivity. MAKE SURE YOU PLAY MOTHMEN 1966 FIRST! Cant wait for the next one!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Wonderful story and exceptionally good aesthetic.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good visuals, nice atmosphere, okay-ish story, even worse card game than the one in MOTHMEN 1966. Seriously, please stop it with those card games.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Varney Lake is entertaining enough as a visual novel, but it is sadly the worst of the pixel pulps. There's almost no tension, the characters aren't that interesting, the ending is not really satisfying and the minigames are mostly boring, which is compounded by how janky the controls for some of them are (and you can't skip them if you want to see everything). That said, I still think you should buy it if you enjoyed Mothmen and Bahnsen Knights. Unlike those two, though, I'd say Varney Lake…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →These 'Pixel Pulps' should by no logic, actually work. And yet, in their excellent writing and '88 sensibility, they are absolutely impossible to resist if you are a gamer of a certain vintage.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fantastic follow-up to Mothmen 1966. Strongly recommended to anyone with an interest in striking, smartly written, sincere pulp homage.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Hello again, StreamFam! Tonight at 8pm EST we continue our playthrough of LCB Game Studio's Varney Lake (which I am enjoying a lot!). Come hang out with a gamedev who plays games. 👉 twitch.tv/benjaminriversinc/
positive · AI labelView post →Varney Lake is a perfect bite. With art and audio that would be at home on your childhood console or late 80s PC of choice, and a story that deftly weaves the mundane and supernatural, it's a perfect way to spend an evening. Played on my Steam Deck from a cozy chair
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fantastic atmospheric storytelling, like if Stand By Me had been produced by Hammer Studios. Love the pixel art, a fantastic successor to Mothmen 1966 which I adored, already can't wait to see what's coming next!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is not only an excellent follow up for Mothmen 1966, it also has lots of replayability! Loved it!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →With charming graphics and a well-written narrative, this one stands out as a classy visual novel with a heavy retro vibe. Had a great time with the mini-games, too. Good replayability value with the different secrets and extra content. It shows the devs put a lot of care into every detail and created a very consistent style for their Pixel Pulps.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Varney Lake is a story-driven supernatural mystery that combines interactive fiction, retro horror, and coming-of-age drama within a deliberately compact adventure. Developed by LCB Game Studio and published by Chorus Worldwide Games, it is part of the Pixel Pulps series and carries forward the collection’s fascination with old paperback horror, strange phenomena, and vintage computer-game aesthetics. Rather than relying on complicated mechanics or constant scares, the game concentrates on…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Terrible mini-games and no satisfying ending. Such squandered potential.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Excellent short visual novel that's part coming of age story and part horror. Really love the style this series are going for, in presentation and the writing,
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Just as Mothmen 1966 I liked the sound of it and the art was excatly up my alley. I liked Mothmen 1966 solitaire better than this one's. i was drawn in by what the big reveal is going to be and it was fun trying to get every achievment.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fantastic! Gorgeous pixel art that achieves a lot with such a limited palette. Great writing that captures that feeling of an endless summer that seems to pass too quickly, and is generous in its storytelling. A bittersweet story about halcyon childhood days and being long past them. I even enjoyed the music and sfx this time around! Just a really tight little story that I'm eager to replay and explore dialogues that I missed and see different codas.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →These Pixel Pulp games are pretty cool. They have incredible art and decent writing. This one is nostalgic, bittersweet, and felt heavily inspired by Stephen King. I liked it a lot better than the first game (Mothmen 1966), but Varney Lake has a few references to Mothmen 1966 so you might want to play that one first. (It's good too.)
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →look its cute, but a bit too short. also the gameplay is mostly mini games that are not related to the main plot progression AND its structure. the way the mini games are presented just dont help set them up as meaningful but rather as side attractions.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great successor to Mothmen 1966, enjoyed a lot! Hope to see more of the lore in future games!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Second Installment of Pixel Pulps stories, Varney Lake tolds a story... Well i would rather not giving away any spoilers. I will say his story is pretty well written, giving me the "Dylan Dog" vibes. Game itself is solid, replayable and full of minigames that goes absolutely well with the story itself. I really can't wait for the third game to come out!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do not feed the vampire
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'll update this review when I finish the game but I just wanted to state how much I am enjoying it. The writing, the art, the overall mood of the game, it's an amazing experience that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Absolutely INSANE that they want $10 for this. Starts great, but rushes to a messy ending. I paid $0.50 cents for it in a bundle and at that price it is okay. Really wish the ending was better or did more showing and less telling, definitely feels like they ran out of money much like Backbone / Tails Noir Managed to 100% it in 5 hours and that's only because I sucked at the dice game. With some work you could probably do it in 3, so not quite so short you should play and refund...but you…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Oh I -loved- this. I think this might be my favorite LCB game, but I have to admit a lot of the value of it isn't there without having previously played Mothmen. It's not -really- a sequel but seeing (spoiler characters) again just does so much for both this game and it. Anyways, this is a great vampire story with probably one of the most sympathetic vamps I've read about in a while, and I was basically instantly invested from beginning to end. Madly in love with this, I need more pixel pulp.…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →From the rest of pixel pulps, this is surely the weakest and most boring. It lost me on the second mini-game. After I read online that there are lots of them, I just gave up. Sorry
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →i like the pixel pulps
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's so freaking good, maybe even better than Mothmen 1966. I love this world they've created, the recurring characters, the feeling of warm summer days with friends combined with the bleak horror of getting old and finding out things you're better off not knowing. Unforgettable story and the art is so good too, I took so many screenshots. I don't know whether to read their next story or reread this one... honestly the only thing holding me back from continuing is knowing I'll run out of their…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I really love the style of these games. It all just fits the mood of every scene perfectly!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →LCB continues their story over from Mothmen 1966, and this story is stronger than the first one. You can tell the authors are finding their foothold in story telling. 3 friends meet a vampire in the summer of 1954. it requires a total of 4 playthroughs to get all of the secret endings. The minigames can be trying at times, in particular the matchstick puzzles and dice hopscotch. But I did enjoy the fishing minigame. I am intrigued by the secret ending #4 and hope to get the clarification in…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fun visual novella with great pixel art.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →12. Varney Lake this is kinda just a Stephen King novella as a game, with a little extra nostalgia-skewering tossed in. meditative in its stylistic jank, I feel like it could have an interesting conversation with parts of Stray Children, but it swaps that PSX aesthetic out for even harder retro
neutral · AI labelView post →I’ve only played Mothmen which I quite enjoyed. Can I ask, do you remember how the fishing mini game works in Varney Lake?? It’s the most confusing simply mini game haha
neutral · AI labelView post →Another impressive entry in the Pixel Pulps series of supernatural visual novellas. This one features, in no particular order: teenage angst; guilt and trauma spanning two time-frames (1954 and 1981, respectively); painful secrets and astonishing revelations; and human-vampire cultural misunderstandings. The pixel art, as ever, is top-drawer, and the writing tight and concise. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a different character, a narrative technique brilliantly utilised across…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good purchase for an hr or two if it’s on sale. Endings were not great imo though.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Read the first two “pixel pulp” visual novels by LCB Game Studio, Mothmen 1966 & Varney Lake. They’re excellent little spooky short stories with great prose and a stunning limited palette pixel art. Got the third one lined up and very keen to get to it. Big recommend so far. They’re doing good work
positive · AI labelView post →I loved this coming of age story mixed with a Stand By Me vibe (oh yeah, and vampires!). Beautiful art and choice of colours too. Just wished the soundtrack had been more present.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I wasn't sure the Stand By Me meets vampires thing would work but this was another great tale and tied in nicely with the previous story.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The thrid of the Pixel Pulp serfies of visual novels with gorgeous EGA style graphics. I like this one more than Bahnsen Knights but not as much as Mothmen 1966. As usual, I wish there was more story and less frustrating minigames that feel like they're just there to pad things out. Still a fun time though. I hope we get more.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →a nice summer movie vibe on this pixel pulp a fun story about a summer afternoon with 3 kids meeting a vampire and the story that unfolds there is quite intruiging
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →While this game seems to be the least scary out of all the Pixel Pulp games, I believe that it's also the most underrated. If I were to make a ranking, this would be my 2nd favorite, overshadowed only by Bahnsen Knights. What it lacks in explicit horror elements, it makes up with this overwhelming feeling of childlike wonder and camp. There is a sense of nostalgia, both in the portrayal of summer vacation our characters spent as children, contrasted with grey, mundane world of today, with…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →The artwork in this is absolutely gorgeous. Every pixel just feels wonderful. The story and how it is told keeps you pressing on; jumping between character perspectives both gives you natural breaking points if you need to step away for a bit, but also encircles the main plot in a clever way.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Just finished up *Varney Lake*, the second in the **Pixel Pulps** series from LCB Game Studios. A visual novel game with an incredible art style, and a pulpy, darkly humorous story that reminds me of the old *Tales From the Crypt comics*. -Artwork: 5/5 -Sound/Music: 3/5 -Characters: 3/5 -Story: 3/5 -Gameplay: 2/5 -Overall: 3/5 🎃
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Overall it is an enjoyable, short experience (you can get to the credits in under two hours). I would recommend it, especially when on sale, but there are a couple cons I want to point out: -The controls for the minigames are clunky. Not a huge deal, but there is a rhythm game that's a little annoying because of it. -The writing is overall good with two exceptions. The writer incorporates a lot of tropes seemingly because they think they're "supposed to," and the latter part of the game also…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Morning everygobby! Tonight we are playing Varney Lake! The second game of the Pixel Pulps collection by LCB Game Studio! Story begins at 8pm EST! #VroidVtuber
neutral · AI labelView post →
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