Hello Neighbor

Release Date: December 8, 2017

Arcade, FPP, free-to-play, stealth, humorous, indie games, PS Plus Premium, PS Plus Extra, singleplayer

86%

Steam

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An unusual first-person stealth game by Dynamix Pixels. In Hello Neighbor, we assume the role of an owner of a suburban house who suspects that his neighbor hides a terrible secret. To confirm his suspicions, he decides to sneak into his home, which won’t be easy since the man is incredibly alert and will stop at nothing to protect his privacy. The goal is to infiltrate the neighbor’s house undetected.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

Hello Neighbor is an unusual first-person stealth game for PC, XONE and SWITCH. It was developed by Dynamix Pixels.

Plot

In Hello Neighbor, we assume the role of an ordinary inhabitant of a suburban house, who probably hasn’t read Moby Dick, and starts to suspect that his neighbor holds some terrible secret. To confirm his suspicions, he decides to sneak into his neighbor’s cellar. It won’t be an easy task since the man is very alert and, if provoked, will stop at nothing to neutralize any threat to his privacy.

Mechanics

Hello Neighbor for PC, XONE and SWITCH is a stealth action game. Its primary mechanic is the advanced artificial intelligence that lets the neighbor remember the players actions to foresee his future moves. Avoiding detection — essential to complete the game — thus becomes more complicated the more the player takes a similar path while trying to sneak past the neighbor. Frequently taken routs are quickly armed with traps (that prevent escape), obstacles (such as boards in windows), and alarms (like cameras placed here and there).

The player can use decoys to distract the neighbor and manipulate the environment in a way that makes detection harder for the antagonist. We can use many physical objects that can be interacted with, (for example, we can take the lightbulb from a lamp to prevent the neighbor from switching the light on), a loud TV or a radio, or even lure the neighbor into the traps that he set himself.

Hello Neighbor gives us access to modest inventory space where player can temporarily store important plot items such as keys. If detected, in order not to lose the valuable items, we have to run with these tools back to the protagonist’s house. Otherwise, apart from restarting a level, we lose all items we’ve collected.

Technical aspects

Hello Neighbor for PC, XONE and SWITCH is powered by Unreal Engine 4. The developers created colorful cartoonish graphics which gives an interesting contrast with the gameplay’s disturbing atmosphere.

Last updated on October 28, 2016

guide

Last Update: December 18, 2017

Hello Neighbor Game Guide

Hello Neighbor guide contains walkthrough and helpful tips. This game guide can help you deal with the mysterious neighbor and reach his deepest secret hidden in the basement. You will find here also information about keys (red, green and silver key).

Hello Neighbor Game Guide

Originals

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Videos and Screens

[1:25] Hello Neighbor mobile gameplay

[0:50] Hello Neighbor launch trailer (PL)

86%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (14,234)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Puzzles and Gameplay: Many users appreciate the puzzle-solving aspects of the game, finding it entertaining and engaging. The game is often described as fun and challenging, especially when considering the advanced AI of the neighbor.
Graphics and Art Style: Several reviews highlight the graphics and unique art style as appealing, with some users praising the game's visuals and overall aesthetic.
Modding Community: The availability of mods is frequently mentioned as a positive feature, with users enjoying the creativity and additional content provided by the modding community. Mods are often seen as enhancing the gameplay experience.
Nostalgia: For some players, the game evokes nostalgia, reminding them of earlier versions or similar experiences from their childhood.

The main cons of the game

Bugs and Technical Issues: A significant number of reviews mention bugs, crashes, and performance issues that hinder the gameplay experience. Users express frustration over the game's instability and glitches.
Diminished Horror Elements: Many players feel that the game has lost its original horror atmosphere, becoming more cartoonish and less frightening compared to earlier alpha versions. This shift has disappointed fans who preferred the initial tone of the game.
Difficulty and Lack of Guidance: Several users note that the game can be overly challenging, with convoluted puzzles and a lack of hints or guidance, leading to frustration and reliance on external walkthroughs.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Original Gameplay Experience: Many players express a desire for the game to return to its roots, particularly the earlier alpha versions that were more horror-focused and had a different gameplay style.
Improved AI and Mechanics: Users mention that the neighbor's AI feels less threatening and more like an inconvenience rather than a real challenge, indicating a need for better mechanics and more engaging gameplay dynamics.
Clearer Objectives: Some reviews highlight the need for clearer objectives or hints to guide players through the game, as many feel lost and unsure of what to do next without external help.

Summary

Overall, while "Hello Neighbor" has its share of fans who enjoy the gameplay and modding aspects, significant criticism revolves around technical issues, a perceived decline in horror elements, and gameplay mechanics that frustrate rather than engage players.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024