Arcane: Online Mystery Serial - The Stone Circle Episode 1

The Stone Circle Episode 1 is the first game of Season 2 of the Arcane: Online Mystery Serial series. Its plot is a direct continuation of the previous game. Several months after the Miller Estate incident, Ophelia receives a letter from Baroness Vonarburg inviting her to London Philharmonic Society's international violin contest. With the suggestion of Dr.MacDermoth and Prescott (who all want to use this opportunity to find out more about the Elder Star), Ophelia accepts the invitation, though she has some strange feeling about the letter, as somehow it reminds her of the incident. On the ship to London, a mysterious woman suddenly hands Prescott a message asking him to go to the docks as quickly as she disappears. Prescott and his friends realize in horror that the letter was signed by Alica Blackwood, the woman who had been corresponding with Alvin Carter, the last tenant of Miller Estate. The next morning, that messenger is reported to have been found dead in the Thames. Sensing something worrying, while Ophelia attends the concert, Prescott goes to the place indicated in the message...

The basic gameplay still remains the same as its predecessor, though some changes have been made: omitting the puzzle sealing Ophelia's diary; more detailed intro and story in Ophelia's diary; addition of music; lengthening of the game's duration and time limit. In this episode, players take control of Prescott. Players have to interact with objects in order to proceed. Sometimes, collecting items and using them are necessary. Prescott is equipped with ultra glasses which help him see in the dark. There is a time limit depending on how many times players click. If players make too many mistakes, the time limit will run out, and Prescott will die.

The graphics are in 2D. Players have a choice to play in either "Regular game" (with save function, play like a normal point-and-click game) or "Timed game" (without save function, players try to finish the game within the shortest time). The game offers players with an instruction and a save function.