Good puzzle solving is all about observing subtle hints and exploiting learned patterns. You'll spend much of your puzzle-solving time running and hiding from the neighbor. The worst case (and altogether more likely) scenario is that the solution to the puzzle defies all logic and simply wants to stall for your time and patience in order to put the survival horror back in the focus.

The best case scenario is a heart-pounding brainstorm that rewards resourcefulness and clever thinking. Some are clever, while others simply feel like unnecessary padding. There are high ledges, wire mesh screens, boarded up doors, and even boss fights you'll need to contend with in order to continue. Later levels especially will begin to demand more cleverness and patience. If you want to get to the bottom of the neighbor's dark mysteries, the game's going to make you work for it. For example, one early-game puzzle is solved by throwing a small object at a button to raise a wall. Solving puzzles through the gameplay relies on a simple, intuitive interface to pick up items, peer through keyholes, or throw objects. This adds subtly adds to the immersion and resulting fear factor.

Hello Neighbor takes place entirely from a first-person perspective. Get caught and the result, however, is anticlimactic: The neighbor simply deposits you back on your end of the street. He knows the shortcuts and (hilariously) will not hesitate to smash through his own window to catch up and grab you. If the neighbor suspects you're trespassing, the hunt is on and there's little chance you'll be able to evade him, especially early on in the game. Lurk in the ground floor hall too frequently and he'll begin to place hidden cameras. Make a habit out of entering through the backyard window and he'll begin to set traps there. As you make your way further through the deceptively complex home, the neighbor learns from your mistakes. While the neighbor may not evoke terror in appearance, the AI is not to be underestimated.

Free play hello neighbor online