Home Sweet Home (PS4)

Going into this review I was a little on edge, and reluctant to start. Though I'm a horror movie fan from way back, and have seen some of the most horrific movies known to man I always felt like games of this genre were a bit more frightening. They seem to be more immersive, and actually feel like they place you in the shoes of the protagonist who is trying desperately to escape whatever nightmare they might be a part of. I've seen countless live streams of horror games make even the most bold of gamers jump, and scream out loud. I've also noticed developers' ability to make the games more atmospheric, and more seemingly real than ever before. Thus is why I was hesitant.

I know a lot of questions are likely going through your mind reading this review. You are likely wondering how scary is "Home Sweet Home". Does it live up to it's horror theme? Does it do anything different? What you need to know in regards to this is that it is indeed scary. I'm not talking just about jump scares. There are mounting moments of tension, and a haunting atmosphere that only heightens the fear. The fear factor itself is more akin to the Asian horror genre as it deals with pursuing gory apparitions, and other Thai horror myth monstrosities. The added realism of the environments, and the accompanying noises such as heartbeats, and eerie chattering make your stealth trek back home all the more frightening. As far as doing something new the game doesn't really innovate outside of offering gameplay compatibility for the PSVR. It's mostly akin to games like 'Outlast', or 'The Evil Within' where you'll be using stealth elements to hide from the various haunts, and move about as you collect items, and solve puzzles related to said items.

At the heart of "Home Sweet Home" there is a story that unfolds, and draws you in unnervingly as you face the threats, and mysteries at hand. In this particular entry you play as guy named Tim who initially awakes to the voice of his beloved Jane calling out to him. Upon opening his eyes he realizes he's not in Kansas anymore (sorry, couldn't help myself). He literally awakes to a living nightmare where he finds himself alone in some sort of morphing Thai motel that is in utter disarray. He picks up a sort of memo book which tells him his objective is to get home, and thus he begins trying to figure out what the hell is going on. During his exploration of the motel he runs into a weeping, and wailing apparition of a young lady who is carrying a box knife. She gives pursuit, and through hide and seek via available lockers, and other cover options Tim is able to avoid certain death. Along with some item based puzzle solving Tim is able to eventually get the hell out of Dodge as well ... sort of. Upon reaching a certain point he awakes again to the phone message of a concerned colleague at his home. This leads to further searching, and puzzle solving with the realization that Jane has been having visions, and odd things happening to her. Things which she jotted down in journal entries which are strewn about everywhere. Thus is the beginning of a cycle of in and out nightmare states where reality grows ever more questionable.

With your memo book in hand you'll find that your handy dandy notebook not only gives you the current objectives past what I've revealed, but that it also keeps track of found key items, and Jane's diary entries. Your only real tools in the game outside of this handbook for the recently deceased ( sorry ...) come in the form of a flashlight (for all those dark places), and single use items that usually come into play not far from where they are found. That, and the occasional spirit ward that will come in handy if you are caught off guard. Ultimately the more you play the more that will be revealed to you in the way of useful items, and plot points. It is this blend of psychological horror, and actual horror that makes everything in-game so terrifying. You'll find yourself always on edge wondering what is gonna happen next, and what lies just beyond that next door, or corridor. Through exploration, stealth, and puzzle solving you will unravel the mystery of Tim, and Jane's otherworldly predicament, but only if you see it through to the end.

The verdict ...

What's really neat about "Home Sweet Home", and it's Thai horror mythos is that it's going to be a game in a series of games. It's not a one, and done deal. There are more games planned for the future. If you fancy scaring the bejeezus out of yourself, and have a heart strong enough to deal with the frights then you might just enjoy this Asian horror themed game series. Keep in mind though this is truly a scary experience. I'm not kidding. It is a brilliantly scary mixture of psychological horror, and outright horror. It is a blend of jump scares, and in your face fear. The developer did good, not only with the story pacing, and gameplay, but also with the atmospheric experience itself. I can, without a doubt, recommend this game as a worthy buy. Perhaps you could stream it live this Halloween? It would be good for it as it is a very reactionary game. I think it's cool, and creepy in an Asian horror sort of way, and nothing is as scary as Asian horror. Trust me.