Hello Neighbor's numerous alpha and beta releases over the last year have taken on an almost episodic adventure-like quality, each new build deepening the mystery of the eponymous neighbour and a couple going so far as to completely redesign his abode. More surprisingly, the journey through Early Access and into this final release reflects the same platitude. And, more pragmatically, because navigating a surrealist environment and working your way through its puzzles is more fun than opening a door. The journey into that basement, through secret passageways and over roller coaster tracks in a three act structure, was bound to outshine the destination, because not knowing is more fun than knowing. So it goes with Hello Neighbor, a game about breaking into a stranger's house to find out what they're keeping so well guarded in the basement.
An ambitious and mysterious puzzler that's ultimately as frustrating as it is fascinating.Īs many a parent has wryly told their spouse above the caterwauling of their kid on a long haul flight: getting there is half the fun.
