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Halloween Day by Day: "The Panic Room: House of Secrets" (2016/Steam)

 


Horror is usually most satisfying when it's intense and pulse poundingly fast.  Sometimes, though- taking your time can be just as fun...

A mysterious person calling himself, "The Puppeteer" has kidnapped you, and imprisoned you in an old mansion.  The only way you and his other 'puppets' can escape is to play his game, win access to more of the house until you're finally free.

"The Panic Room: House of Secrets" is a hidden object game, where you look for objects hidden in each room of the house.  Completing each list earns you rewards- and 'Freedom Points", which level you up so you can gain access to other rooms.

While the mechanics are pretty simple, there are some nice variations that bring a nice amount of replayability to each room.  There are different modes that pose different challenges- such as "night mode" where your view is limited by the light of your flashlight, and "silhouette mode", where the list is in the form of the object's shape.  These modes are randomized- which make the quest element interesting, because you can only complete them when a room is in a certain "mode".

There are also jigsaw puzzles to complete of each room- with pieces found by doing the necessary room.  You can also complete collections- usually done as a quest line.  On top of all this- there are special events throughout the year.

This game is NOT a short term gaming experience.  It's going to take a fair bit of time to uncover all of the story and level up.  It's a very casual game where you can play for a bit, take a break for a few days, and come back to it if in the mood.  Very relaxed for a horror/mystery game.

I like the story concept, and how the character backstories- often told via the quest lines, are weaved together as part of the larger framing device of trying to escape the house.  The characters are interesting, and engaging in a  nice, casual sort of way.

The art direction is really nice as well.  The rooms look great, with a nice moody tone and feel to them.

If you're into casual suspenseful horror games- and enjoy hidden object games, then "The Panic Room: House of Secrets" is one you will probably consider "Good".  I do.

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