Have you ever wanted to renovate a home by just pulling the trigger of a gun? How about a gun with a Scottish accent as you renovate a hotel? Hear me out, what if a game such as this came with a fantastic soundtrack? Did I also mention the talking cat and ghosts? If you’re still reading, then we have just the game for you. There are No Ghosts at the Grand is a 2026 release announced earlier this year and now we’ve taken some time with it. Check out the trailer for the official demo below.
Yes, the demo is actually pretty self aware thanks to Robert C. Macbrushy injecting himself into your play time. Robert is an AI who will walk you through the demo guiding you with everything you need to know. Of course, if you’re like me, or the games main character Mr. Chris David, you’re thinking, “I don’t need a fake AI to tell me what to do.” Robert is aware of this too and he’ll even call you out on it. I do appreciate his sass. Mr. David also comes with his own level of wit early on as well. He talks back to the AI all the while going about his renovation duties. At least that’s how it begins. You’ll quickly learn that this game isn’t all about renovating to your hearts content.
The Grand
As our main character Chris, you’ve inherited a hotel, The Grand from a father you haven’t met. The demo plops you right into renovating having you further break apart broken items, vacuum up everything that needs to get tossed, tidying up the furniture, and even paint the walls. Decorate the Grand in a way that works for you. Or at least, start decorating in the way you want to until you get a call from Maddie who needs to speak with you outside of the building. It’s a bit rude when she knows your on a schedule, but it doesn’t seem like this can wait. You even told her this is a demo, doesn’t she know these are limited and special?
Of course, you don’t have to rush at her behest. I finished up in the lounge before actually stepping outside to see her. I wanted to feel satisfied with the set up before deciding it was time to go. It wasn’t a perfect set up just yet, but it was a good start. When it comes time for the real game, I will make sure the globe is in the right spot and our artwork is more eye level. Perhaps also well spread out to avoid clutter. Nothing worse than a hotel that looks cluttered.
The mechanics of renovations are quite simple, choose the correct “gun”, aim, and shoot. If you are not sure what gun you need to use, you’ll want to look in the upper left corner to see what tasks need to be complete. When you open up the tools menu you’ll see the colors and icons correspond to the icons in the upper left. Once you’ve chosen a matching one, scan to see where to aim and go nuts working on your renovations! This is definitely a relaxing part of the game and those who enjoy games such as the House Flipper series or the Power Washing series will feel right at home with these mechanics.
There is Life Outside The Grand
So the title is right so far, there are no ghosts at the Grand. However, the demo is quick to show you that there is more than just the Grand. Step outside to meet Miss Green who is holding the sweetest seeming cat. You can hear the cat purring in her arms ready to go on a trip. Miss Maddie Green is ready to investigate the black ooze on a nearby island and apparently she cannot do this without you. Not only does she need you to accompany her, you’ll also be driving the vespa. Careful, you’ll have precious cargo in the front of the vespa.
For those who might be a bit more prone to motion sickness, this is an area you may want to be mindful of. The head bob effects can already be a bit for some people, but thankfully you can turn these off. I’d recommend turning off the head bob during the driving scene. During this scene you’ll hear Maddie tell you, “there are no ghosts at the Grand.” Keep this in mind as it does almost come back to haunt us. You won’t only be driving a vespa, you’ll also need to drive a boat. Have your boating license?
Before you get on the boat, you’ll have to work to do some repairs. Thankfully, you’re not alone in doing this. Did you think Robert was only good for renovations at the Grand? This time, he doesn’t just give you the information right away. He’s polite and asks you if you want the help. While you renovate, you hear some of the tension between you and Maddie. Apparently the hotel isn’t just your inheritance as she is quick to say it is “ours”. What’s the relationship with her anyway?
With the boat repaired you are once again driving this time to an island based on the coordinates you were given and entered on the boat. You do have to navigate to the points that appear in the water so be sure to look carefully. Take in the sights and sounds, especially the music. Personally, the music feels like one of the largest selling points with There’s Are No Ghosts at the Grand. Ska fans have been telling us ska isn’t dead for years, this game will prove them right.
You Aren’t At the Grand Mr. David
No matter how good your driving is, the engine cuts out and fog takes over. It gives you a moment to speak to Miss Green who accuses you of lying to her. You’ll seemingly break into song trying to convince her that you’re the good guy here but once you crash into the island the song is over. You’ll get to use the power turbo vac in a different mode for the first time. Robert has got your back on telling you how to do this so you aren’t alone. Maddie is no help anyway.
No seriously, she’s truly no help as once you fix the boat, she is carried away on the boat leaving you stranded to fend for yourself. Well, for yourself, a cat, and an AI. Seek some shelter and avoid the midges. They even seem to scare the AI! Of course finding shelter on this island won’t be easy, so do your best. Explore the island a bit if you dare before you get to shelter for the day. You will hear from Miss Green at night who shares that you can make your way back during low tide, in the early morning that is. It almost feels like her leaving you here is a test of sorts, especially when she tells you beware the ghost. Is that a joke lady?
You’ll get to renovate another area on this island and Mr. David proves he understands how the tools work. Robert C. Macbrushy is very proud of you as you renovate a space for the evening. The demo doesn’t stop here though. Remember this isn’t just a renovation game and there are mysteries to be solved and memories to unveil. Investigate the noises to begin to unravel your first memory.
Can I be your memory?
Robert C. Macbrushy tells you that in order to see the full memory play you’ll have to restore missing objects. In the demo, you’ll see the objects may exist around you outside of the memory and require moving to have you fully step into them. Once you move them into the correct area, the memory continues and you’ll be given clues to your next steps. Not everything is at it seems. These memories are seemingly World War II era, and Mr. David is fascinated, which prompts Macbrushy to call you a nerd. Something strange is happening. What are these sounds being heard on the radio if not the U-boat? What are they listening for? There’s still more to unveil across the island. There are No Ghosts at the Grand, but there are memories on the island.
There are also talking cats on the island. It seems the cat may speak to Mr. David prior to being on the island, but it’s the first time we hear the cat speak to us in a language we understand. This is weird enough, let’s just get out of here and rest for the evening shall we?
Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Are these the midges that Macbrushy warned us about? The random chairs that were out on the island begin to sprout legs and morph into “horrific beasts of unknown origin” and come after you. Macbrushy is here to help and changes modes to ensure you can shoot your way out of this. That is, until there are too many and you must run to save your life. There is seemingly no end to them so don’t try to shoot your way through. They truly are everywhere. Once you get to safety the story demo ends. Don’t worry though, this isn’t the full end of the demo. They wouldn’t dare let you leave without some free decoration time.
If you want to view this story demo playthrough, feel free to check out the video below. If not, continue on reading gamers!
Free Decoration
Once you’ve completed the story demo you’ll get to enjoy some time with just the renovation aspect. Fix up the lounge and the bar to make it look cozy. In the free decoration demo, you won’t get rudely interrupted by Miss Green. In the free decoration demo you are free to head upstairs, clean up the upper lounge, step outside, traverse the area on the vespa, and add more items to the catalogue.
By completing the tasks or solving puzzles (such as putting paintings on the wall where outlines exists) you’ll unlock additional items to decorate the Grand with. Players can easily spend hours here to make the Grand the hotel of your dreams. Or at least mostly. There will still be some rooms that are off limits. You will have to play the full game to get into all of these areas. As you explore will you be able to find all five instruments to put outside? Don’t ask why you need a piano outside, just do it. The piano is one of five instruments you need!
Just some warnings
Now I’ve already mentioned the head bob a bit so be sure to check those settings if you’re more sensitive to this bothering you. Another warning I’d like to give is that those who are not a fan of spiders may want to be careful. While there aren’t necessarily spiders in the demo, towards the end of the story demo you will encounter spider like creatures. While for some these may not be a problem, I do know that there are many who this may bother. Perhaps during the full release there will be a mode to change the way these look but be mindful if you choose to dive in. I’ve purposely chosen not to include photos of the beasts to not scare off any readers, but play at your own peril.
Overall
While the story demo is only about 20 minutes, the free decoration demo is as long as you make of it. The demo is worth picking up for all those who have always wanted a little bit more in their simulation games. Fans of House Flipper will feel right at home and those who want a cozy mystery can curl up with this game. The music choices are quite fun and add to the atmosphere while decorating. Who needs Spotify or Apple Music playing in the background when There Are No Ghosts At The Grand brings such a great soundtrack? It feels as though there is a bit of something for many gamers in this one so be sure to check it out soon.
Convinced enough to play for yourself? You can try the demo out for yourself on Steam. There are No Ghosts At The Grand is due out in 2026 on PC and Xbox. Let us know if you try out the demo and feel free to share pictures of your vision the Grand over at the Gamer Social Club Discord.
