There Are No Ghosts at the Grand is a unique and eccentric-looking game that promises to be one of the most intriguing releases of 2026. It's the brainchild of independent UK developer Friday Sundae, and it's their very first game. I had the opportunity to play through a portion of the game and speak with Anil Glendinning, the game's writer and creative director, to get a deeper understanding of its quirky premise and innovative gameplay.
The game begins with a renovation task at the Grand Hotel, where players must renovate a room using various tools, guided by a talking paintbrush mascot named McBrushy. However, the story quickly takes precedence, with players being pulled away from their tasks to interact with the town's locals, like Maddie, who invites you to join her on a journey to the docks. This narrative-driven approach is a key feature of the game, allowing players to explore the town's secrets and characters while also engaging in renovation activities.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the game is its musical elements. Maddie, a local, breaks into song during the journey, and players are given the option to sing back to her, creating a beautiful and tense duet. This musical interaction is a significant part of the game's identity, with characters expressing their fears, ambitions, and emotions through song. The game's music draws inspiration from UK bands of the 80s and 90s, featuring genres like ska, punk, and jazz, with a strong emphasis on angry and rebellious themes.
The renovation mechanics in the game are also quite unique. Players can decorate rooms with a wide range of furnishings and even create their own designs, allowing for a high level of creativity. Glendinning emphasizes that the game caters to different player styles, whether it's spending time on renovations or focusing on the story. This flexibility is a refreshing approach to game design, allowing players to explore their own preferences.
What sets 'There Are No Ghosts at the Grand' apart is its ability to blend various elements seamlessly. From a weird talking cat to a funny paintbrush mascot, the game offers a mix of humor, mystery, and supernatural elements. The renovation tasks, musical interactions, and the overall surreal atmosphere create an overwhelming and captivating experience. Glendinning's goal is to recreate the feeling of playing games from the PlayStation 2 and Xbox eras, where the genre was less defined, and players were left guessing what would happen next.
In conclusion, 'There Are No Ghosts at the Grand' is a game that defies easy categorization. It offers a unique blend of renovation, storytelling, and musical elements, all wrapped in a surreal and eccentric package. With its innovative approach to gameplay and narrative, it's a game that promises to be a standout release in 2026, leaving players eager to uncover its many secrets and immerse themselves in its captivating world.
