HELLO NEIGHBOR 2 BETA Review

Info

Developed By: Dynamic Pixels and Eerie Quest Studios.

Published By: tinyBuild.

Platforms Available On: Xbox Series X/S and One, PS5/4 and PC.

Reviewed on Xbox Series X, a code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

---

Overview

Hello Neighbor 2 is a stealth horror game about uncovering your creepy neighbor’s secrets. Taking place directly after events of the original, you are a journalist looking to solve the Neighbor’s case because no one else dares to. Play against a complex opponent controlled by an advanced AI that learns from you and all the other players! As time progresses and the Neighbor adapts to the players’ patterns, his own behavior will change and surprise you.

---

Gameplay

If you were a fan of the original Hello Neighbor title then rejoice as later this year tinyBuild will be releasing the sequel with a whole host of gameplay enhancements. Recently I had the opportunity to take a look at the beta build to get an understanding of what is to come.

The Hello Neighbor world has been somewhat expanded as the focus isn’t just on the Neighbor’s creepy home, now you are tasked to explore the neighborhood of Ravenbrooks to gather intel on the mysterious missing children and the reason for their disappearance.

As an investigative reporter it’s your job to sneak about the neighbourhood monitoring the strange goings on behind the closed doors. Peer through windows, spy from afar use your wits to gather the intel you need, just don’t get caught otherwise it’s game over and you need to start over again.

The different style of gameay works really well, opening up the world to beyond the house gives you so much more scope and really adds that intense feel to the game.

The new addition to the game “The Guest” a crazy bird looking man thing was crazy annoying just popping up out of nowhere to send me back, seemed to be darkness triggered so maybe keep close to the light, alongside that there were other bugs I came across but this is beta not the finished game so you have to expect some flaws.

Overall liked what I saw and looking forward to the finished product.

---

Graphics and Sound

For the graphics the devs have kept with the original cartoon look of the game and it looks really good.

The soundtrack of the game is creepy and makes you feel more on edge, in game the creepy sound effects really work we to create the atmosphere.

---

Summary

If I was to put my thoughts together in summary, I felt the game works well as a more open world it felt more immersiv and being a fan of the previous games I’m looking forward to the full release.

---

Verdict-Out of 5🌟

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Good

I give Hello Neighbor 2 Beta a good score of 4🌟 a good insight of what is to come and definitely looking forward to see the full release.

Pre order the full game on Xbox now click here

HAPPY’S HUMBLE BURGER FARM Review

Info

Developed By: Scythe Dev Team.

Published By: tinyBuild.

Platforms Available On: PS5/4, Xbox Series X/S and One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Reviewed on Xbox Series X – a code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Overview

Congratulations, you’ve just been hired to work the night shift! You’ll be all by yourself, but we trust you can handle it… You’ll be grilling patties, operating deep fryers, and pouring drinks at our quiet restaurant on the edge of town. The customers sure do love the menu; they can’t get enough of the Happy’s Deluxe, Fantastic Fowl, and Poppin’ Pork sandwiches.

The fries and salmon nugs are also a big hit. I hear rumors of Happy-Dogs and desserts in the near future, too! When each customer makes an order, it’s up to you to make a plan and execute it well. If you give customers the wrong order, or take too long, it’ll count as an infraction. If you get three of those infractions, well… let’s just say Happy the Humble Heifer isn’t as joyful when the customers are upset. DO NOT UPSET HAPPY. TRUST US. But hey, you’ll do fine! Just as long as you don’t upset Happy, you’ll do great! We believe in you!

Gameplay

Now I really enjoyed playing Overcooked (see review here) loved the whole crazy nature of the culinary caper, I also love a good horror game but never did I think that the two would collide but we jabe have just that in the latest title out of tinyBuild.

Happy’s Humble Burger Farm is a unique take on the horror genre blending a fun cooking simulator in with the gameplay giving the player a truly unique experience and to be fair probably one that you’d never thought you would play, but it works and works well giving a good all round experience.

Giving great customer service has never been so important, make the customers unhappy and you will basically be in big trouble and feel the wrath of the humble heifer himself and then things turn all kind of nasty.

The cooking side of the game mechanics are pretty simple but effective you’ll find yourself flipping burgers or filling drinks, if you’ve played any type of cooking game previously then you’ll probably know what to expect. When not on your shift you are able to explore the area surrounding the burger bar enabling you to uncover the back story of Happy Humble’s burger bar.

For all it’s freaky scarey points Happy Humble’s Burger Farm offers plenty of unique gameplay with that 90s nostalgic feel to it.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics of Happy Humble’s Burger Farm are heavily inspired by the old 90s games with pixels a plenty, this gives the game a nostalgic charm and feeling yes it isn’t next gen but it doesn’t need to the emphasis is on the gameplay which is evident. The devs have done well bringing a dark and atmospheric game world that will have you either on the edge of your seat or behind it.

The soundtrack is equally as scary as the game and works well to build a good atmosphere. The in game sound effects work well and as a whole they work well with the soundtrack and graphics.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts on Happy Humble’s Burger Farm, it’s something unique and brings a different take to both genres that the game mixes together. Unfortunately at the time of doing the review there are no multiplayer or co-op options this would have been a great addition to the game, but it doesn’t take much off the game itself and it’s still a decent game. Also I really want to try the Happy’s Deluxe it looks pretty awesome.

Verdict-Out of 5🌟

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Good

I give Happy Humble’s Burger Farm a good score of 4🌟 an enjoyable game with a different take on the genre. Would recommend taking a look if horror games are your thing.

Grab your copy of Happy Humble’s Burger Farm on Xbox now click here

Do You Trust Your Neighbors? Check Out The New HELLO NEIGHBOR 2 Trailer And More Beta Details

Hello Neighbor 2 is a sequel to a smash hit Hello Neighbor, where you sneak into your neighbor’s house
and figure out what he’s hiding in the basement. In part 2 we have gone even further, and as a
journalist, you investigate murders and mysterious disappearances in a seemingly quiet town of Raven
Brooks.

Hello Neighbor 2 is a stealth horror game about digging up your creepy neighbor’s secrets. Imagine that
the entire town with all the houses and AI-driven inhabitants is your playground. Oh and there’s
something off about inhabitants in Raven Brooks, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. So you think
smart, plan your ingress, and look for clues behind the shut curtains of a suburban dystopia.

To start playing Hello Neighbor 2 you need to walk down the streets of Raven Brooks sandbox world and
watch the AI characters’ life, look through the windows to find clues. It feels like an investigative
journalist simulator, huh? What’s in the attic of a local taxidermist? Why does this gentleman with a
moustache go down to the amusement park every night? Which secrets does the mayor’s study hold?

These are just a small part of the questions you might ask yourself.
The best tactical move, however, is to sneak around, discover the ways to outsmart NPCs to learn their
secrets and get a real scoop that will uncover the big mystery hidden in Raven Brooks. The twist is that
every character in Hello Neighbor 2 is powered by a neural network AI, learning from the players, doing
everything in their power to protect their gated community and its secrets.

Will you pull down the veil?

tinyBuild are excited to announce that the Hello Neighbor 2 beta is coming April 7th, 2022, and you can get exclusive access with your pre-order from the tinyBuild site.

tinyBuild Connect Highlights

Tonight saw developer tinyBuild showcase some of their upcoming releases in live stream tinyBuild Connect.

Here are some of the main highlights that were revealed:

Bookwalker

Jump between a first-person real world and isometric book world. You’re a Bookwalker — a thief with an ability to dive into books.

SpiderHeck

Spiders with laser swords. What more could you ask for? Swing, stab and shoot with style. Team up with your friends or challenge them to death! Coming to PC and consoles. 

Hello Neighbor 2 – New Gameplay

Check out this in-depth demo on different playstyles in the highly anticipated stealth horror about breaking into your neighbor’s house. 

TinyKin – New Gameplay

Get a detailed look on how different mechanics work in this adorable puzzle platformer by a French developer SplashTeam. Coming to PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in Summer 2022.

Happy’s Humble Burger

Officially confirmed for PC and consoles later this year.

Trash Sailors

New demo on the way

Despot’s Game

Release date revealed

For further information on any of the featured games keep your eyes here I will update you as soon as I get it.

SECRET NEIGHBOR Switch Review

I have previously reviewed  Secret Neighbor on Xbox, for a more indepth review take a look at that one, here I’ll take a look at the differences the Switch version will bring.

I recently had the opportunity to take a look at the new Nintendo Switch version, take a look at the review below where you’ll see my thoughts.

A code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Gameplay

I loved Secret Neighbor on the Xbox, thought it did the whole horror stealth thing really well and the multiplayer aspect really added more to the game.

The Nintendo Switch version carries on the mantra really well, If anything I felt the game seemed more suited to the Switch, thought it played really well with the social aspect and played to the Switch’s strengths.

To give a quick recap of the game in general you play as one of the adventurous kids of the neighbourhood looking to infiltrate the house, however one of the group is the actual Neighbor you are hiding from disguised as one of the children.

I love the whole betrayal side of the game think it works really well and makes the game alot of fun to play especially with friends.

You can play on your own with the rest of the team filled with randoms and it’s still a fun game to play but bringing friends into it brings a whole different aspect to the game.

Graphics and Sound

To compare graphics to the Xbox version wouldn’t be fair as it is a more powerful system, however to be fair in my opinion the Switch more than holds it own and the game looked really good when running, I personally didn’t see any issues with any frame dropping or anything like that and was quite impressed to be fair how good it actually looked.

The soundtrack was really good with eerily dramatic music to add to the feel, the in game sound effects were also good with everything sounding as it all should making the feel if the game sound good.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts of Secret Neighbor on the Nintendo Switch then, out if the two I would probably go for the xbox version purely because I am more comfortable with that system, but bring able to take the game on the go (as long as there’s internet) really does appeal to me, overall I thought it worked really well on the Switch system.

Verdict – Out of 5🌟

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Good

I give Secret Neighbor on the Nintendo Switch a very solid 4 🌟 a good all round game, great to play with friends.

Grab your copy of Secret Neighbor on Nintendo Switch now click here

GRAVEYARD KEEPER /Game of Crone Review

Info

Developed By: Lazy Bear Games

Published By: tinyBuild

Platforms Available On: Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation and PC.

Reviewed on Xbox, a code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Overview

Graveyard Keeper is the most inaccurate medieval cemetery management sim of the year. Build & manage your own graveyard while finding shortcuts to cut costs, expand into entertainment with witch-burning festivals, and scare nearby villagers into attending church. This is a game of capitalism and doing whatever it takes to build a thriving business. Face ethical dilemmas. Do you really want to spend money on that proper hotdog meat for the festival when you have so many resources lying around? Gather valuable resources & craft new items. Expand your Graveyard into a thriving business, go ahead and gather valuable resources scattered in the surrounding areas, and explore what this land has to offer.

I was lucky enough to receive the complete collection of the game that also came with the latest Game of Crone expansion, take a look below to see what I thought of the game.

Gameplay

I’ll be honest I have seen Graveyard Keeper a few times and kind of swerved it as it didn’t really look my thing, however when the lovely guys at tinyBuild sent over the game for me to look at I was pleasantly surprised, I think the age old saying works well here “never judge a book by it’s cover”.

With it’s retro styling and feel at first glance I started to get the feel of the game and it became enjoyable, its quaint gameplay definitely appeals as you delve deeper into the life of a grave keeper.

Once you get into the game it flows reasonably well as most of the jobs or tasks you are given kind of flow into each other, you have to do a certain task to enable you to do another that type of thing.

Completing all the tasks throughout the village is an immense task but it doesn’t feel like a chore it’s actually quite enjoyable, the game flows really well and there really is lots to do, the game is immense with many hours of gameplay lying within.

Game of Crone is the third DLC installment adding 6-12 hours of all new gameplay to an already massive game, going in a slightly different direction by building a refugee camp and bringing that up to prosperity.

Bringing all new mechanics to the game as well as new in game items such as new dishes, gravestones, fences, and teleportation scrolls.

You can begin the Game of Crone part of the game once you get to the level of making your first prayer, your main role is to keep the refugees happy and safe by bringing them food and water, improving resources over time so they can expand their camp. The game feels a bit of a graft at times but once you start building areas it feels like you’re achieving something. Like the base game there are many different tasks for you to complete such as hunting for a vampire that’s terrorising the village.

Overall I found Game of Crone a great addition to an already great game definitely one I’d recommend checking out if you haven’t already.

Graphics and Sound

I quite like the retro feel to the game, looking retro but with that modern polish,even the weather effects look pretty good.

The sounds are ok, music is great but the voice acting can get a bit annoying

All in all it works well together.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts on Graveyard Keeper/Game of Crone, it’s an in depth game that you literally can get lost in, definitely not a game you can have a quick go on.

The DLC brings more to the table and adds longevity to the game with fun aspects added.

Verdict-Out of 5🌟

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Good

I give Graveyard Keeper/Game of Crone DLC 4🌟 a solid addition to the game, definitely recommend you picking it up.

Grab your copy of Graveyard Keeper on Xbox click here

The Game of Crone DLC is available now click here

The ultimate edition with all released dlc is also available click here

MAYHEM IN SINGLE VALLEY Review

Info

Developed By: Fluxscopic Limited

Published By: tinyBuild

Available On PC – a code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Overview

In this fast-paced, puzzle-loaded action adventure, you’ll juggle housework, zombie hordes, family dinners and radioactive squirrels! Oh, and you have to prevent the end of the world while keeping everyone from finding out it was all your fault.

Gameplay

If you love action adventure games with that retro look and feel to it then look no further than Mayhem in Single Valley, a retro styled puzzler, action adventure zombie game that is literally bursting at the seams with gameplay action.

I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing a few games published by tinyBuild and they don’t seem to publish dead ducks and Mayhem to be fair is definitely another great title to add to their list.

You play as Jack, a young lad who is leaving Single Valley to start a new chapter in his life, that is until a mysterious chemical spillage turns the towns animals crazy and turning the locals into Zombies, don’t you just hate it when that happens?? What ensues is a game full of twists and turns heavily story driven.

Controls are pretty simple to get used to and the overall feel of the game will definitely appeal to those older gamers (yes that would be me). The game is certainly big enough to keep you going and entertained for a good while. The different challenges you cone across aren’t overly difficult and fun to work through.

Graphics and Sound

With Mayhem the devs have gone with a retro pixilated look and it looks fantastic definitely getting me in the nostalgic feels, the game world will definitely appeal to retro gamers and newbies alike with its vibrant colours and styling it really feels like a clean game.

For the soundtrack they have gone with music taken straight from the golden age of gaming right back to the early nineties. The in game sound effects are great, there is no realism here and to be fair it doesn’t need it.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts then of Mayhem In Single Valley, a great nostalgic action adventure game with plenty on offer to keep you going. Definitely worth looking at if you are after a nostalgic fix or looking for something different it’s all here.

Verdict-Out of 5🌟

Good 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I give Mayhem In Single Valley a solid 4🌟 another great game fro. The tinyBuild stable.

Grab your copy of Mayhem

Totally Reliable Delivery Service Review

Info

Published By: TinyBuild Games

Developed By: We’re Five Games

Platforms Available On: PlayStation 4, Android, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, PC.

Reviewed on PC – a code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Overview

Buckle up your back brace and fire up the delivery truck, it’s time to deliver! Join up to three of your friends and haphazardly get the job done in an interactive sandbox world. Delivery attempted, that’s a Totally Reliable Delivery Service guarantee!

FEATURES:

Local and Online Multiplayer:

Go it alone to ensure the safety of your deliveries, or join your friends and put your teamwork to the test.

Controlled Noodly Chaos: Unpredictable ragdoll physics meets snappy platforming. Sprint, leap, dive, and grapple with ease, but collide with something and you’ll be knocked out cold!

A World of Distractions: Take a break from deliveries and play around! The world is chock full of toys, vehicles, and machines that can be used for work or play.

Ragtag Crew: Customize your blue-collar workers and get your rear into gear, it’s time to deliver!

Gameplay

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a delivery man/woman? Well brace yourself as this is delivery at it’s most bonkers. The name of the game is to make deliveries – simple right!!! Well no not quite, think of the insane physics of Human Fall Flat and mix that up with a delivery game and you get the idea.

To set off the game you need to go and speak with the Wizard and after a brief conver you then unlock Booster City, a town desperate for their deliveries, you need to make your way around making deliveries earning in game credits which enables you to buy vehicles and cosmetics for your player. Unlocking vehicles gives you a tactical boost as you get a truck and a bi-plane amongst others. Using the helicopter is hard but literally had me crying with laughter, the game is truly bonkers.

The game does take a bit of getting used to with the controls and movement a bit difficult but that is the attraction of the game if you persevere with the controls the enjoyment is there waiting for you in abundance.

Multiplayer can be a bit full on and hectic but still good fun, the best way of doing multiplayer is find a decent player or friend to team up with and work together to complete the deliveries.

Setting up your own game is a great way for you to learn the ropes and get to practice the deliveries, it’s a very well thought out game and really works well with different aspects of gameplay working together, for me another great title from tinyBuild one I will definitely play more with.

Graphics and Sound

For Totally Reliable Delivery Service they’ve gone with a fun cartoon style, with the latest update the graphics look fresh and detailed. The graphics kind of work well with the fun style of game and just adds to the overall feel of the game.

The soundtrack is fun and upbeat and the sound effects just add to that fun theme.

Overall the look and sound adds to a very fun action packed game.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts of Totally Reliable Delivery Service, it’s an overall fun filled game which will get you laughing out loud constantly, I throughly enjoyed the overall experience and will quite happily recommend.

Verdict – Out of 5🌟

I give Totally Reliable Delivery Service a full 5🌟 – great overall fun game for all the family to enjoy.

Grab your copy of the game on Steam Click Here – also is 10% off for a limited time.

Cartel Tycoon Review

Info

Published By: tinyBuild Games

Developed By: Moon Moose

Platforms Available On: PC

Available in early access now.

A code was very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Overview

Now when it comes to anything Mafia or Cartel related them I’m normally all over it so when the chance came up to take a look at Cartel Tycoon I jumped at the chance. Cartel Tycoon is a story driven business simulator taking inspiration from the 80s narco trade. Fight off rival cartels and local authority to rise up through the ranks to power hungry drug lord. The game is still in early access so I will take that into account when scoring.

Gameplay

If you’ve ever played any strategy type game or business simulator on pc before then you will find the overall look and feel of Cartel Tycoon very similar with its point and click build and point and click movement seems in a similar sort of way and that is by no means a bad thing as if you know what you’re doing it makes getting into the game a whole lot quicker.

The big plus point for me is the story, I’ve always taken a keen interest in cartels and enjoyed most films and games around that theme and Cartel Tycoon is no different offering cutscenes with stills of shady cartoon style Cartel members with the speech in text across the screen is a good way to immerse yourself into the story.

Once you start the game and start building your empire one really cool aspect is the choice do you use clean money to build your businesses with or dirty money and hide it in real estate, essentially the game is all about resources and getting the right balance making sure you have all the correct structure in place to enable you to keep the money pouring in.

Hire lieutenants and goons to carry out the “day to day” tasks of robberies and assassinations therefore keeping your hands sparkling clean, for me I would’ve liked there to have been a bit of combat mixed in with the business side of things in a more strategy type way maybe that will be included as the game development progresses, you are able to order hits and stuff like that but I would’ve liked to actually done it.

The story itself flows really well throughout the game giving you an insight into the logistics of the drug world moving from opium farming to distribution to other types of criminal activities then building legit businesses to front your dirty money – remember folks crime doesn’t pay but is mega cool to play games with.

All in all I found Cartel Tycoon to be a very detailed fun game to play, I normally get bored quickly of business sims but as I get deeper into the game I get more ingrossed into it and lose hours.

Graphics and Sound

The graphic style of Cartel Tycoon is spot on, love the detail of the game world really giving you the feeling of a true South American drug empire. I like the cartoon stills of the dialogue sections it works pretty well with the game and does enough to get your imagination in gear with the story, with the game being in early access you do get the feel that the game isn’t fully there yet but the foundations are there for it to become a simulation classic.

The soundtrack and sound effects are great and really add to the authentic feel of the game, voice acting may have been a nice touch but it’s not the end of the world it’s not included.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts of Cartel Tycoon, it is a definite slow burner and not the easiest to get into if you’re not familiar with simulation or strategy games but once you do get into it you will be lost in the story and spend hours and hours, for me once again tinyBuild have published another enjoyable title that I will keep going back to.

Verdict – Out of 5🌟

I give Cartel Tycoon a decent 3 1/2 🌟 a decent foundation to a future classic.

Grab your copy of Cartel Tycoon on Steam Early Access Click Here

Kill It With Fire Review

Info

Developed by : Casey Donnellan Games

Published By : tinyBuild

Available on all platforms

Reviewed on Xbox Series X – code very kindly supplied for the purpose of this review.

Overview

If you’re not a big fan of spiders and if you’ve ever trashed your house trying to kill one then Kill it With Fire is probably the game for you.

Kill It With Fire is a first-person action game about hunting spiders and causing collateral damage with a massive arsenal of increasingly excessive weapons. As a licensed Kill It WIth Fire exterminator, it’s your job to fight back against the eight-legged menace — no matter the cost.

Gameplay

Kill it With Fire is a first-person kind of shooter with a difference, you’re killing spiders and lots of them in whichever way you can. Work through the objectives on your clipboard to unlock rooms, or just use your clipboard as a deadly weapon. The world around you is destructible so anything can be used as a weapon and also can be destroyed.

To be honest you do get a kind of buzz by whacking the spiders with the wonderful array of weapons to hand and that’s anything from a clipboard to a gun. Whether you use your clipboard or a shotgun there is so much fun to be had here, there is something fun about splatting spiders all over the place.

The music really adds to the atmosphere and keeps you on your toes with a few jump scares in there (well I jumped a few times)

As you play through the missions you unlock more insane weapons to cause even more carnage with, everything in the game worlds can be smashed up, so you basically have the license to completely trash the place as long as you kill them spiders.

The different layouts of the gameplay worlds are really well done, offering challenging gameplay as you search for the crawling enemies and are very fun to explore from bedrooms to supermarkets just make the most carnage you can.

Although I would most definitely recommend this game it would have been pretty awesome to include multiplayer be it online or couch co-op, apart from that you will have a great time playing this, time to get your revenge on those crawly little buggers.

Graphics and Sounds

For Kill it With Fire the devs have gone with a cartoon style which add to the overall fun gameplay. The glowing toxic splat effects when you kill the spiders is a fun addition and looks really cool. The overall graphics are spot on and I like the fact that most objects can be destroyed.

The soundtrack is spot on and really well thought out, the dramatic violin sounds when a spider appears to the music playing through the level all adds to the dramatic atmosphere.

Summary

To summarise my thoughts of Kill it With Fire it was surprisingly enjoyable more so than I thought I would, a different and intriguing take on the fps survival genre. A most enjoyable experience only to be bettered if it had multiplayer.

Verdict – Out of 5🌟

I give Kill it With Fire a solid 4🌟 a good fun game with a few jump scares in for good measure.

To grab your copy of Kill It With Fire on Xbox Click Here