FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S: HELP WANTED
- May 28, 2019
- Steel Wool Studios
- 13h median play time
A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.
Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted is a single-player horror action game with an intriguing story, awesome game mechanics, and splendid graphics. It offers a collection of new and classic FNAF experiences, including encounters with beloved killer animatronics and the chance to earn super fun prizes. Despite some bugs and grinding, its atmospheric and highly emotional moments make it very replayable. A VR headset is not required to play.
Reviews
- gameplay220 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received largely positive feedback, with many players praising its immersive mechanics and the effective adaptation of classic Five Nights at Freddy's elements into a VR format. While some found the gameplay to be repetitive or frustratingly difficult at times, the variety of minigames and the engaging atmosphere kept players on edge and entertained. Overall, the game is considered a strong entry in the franchise, successfully blending nostalgia with new experiences.
“Arguably the best way to play the first three original games with the mechanics being more finely tuned than the originals.”
“The gameplay is quite great.”
“The updated graphics and gameplay are amazing, especially when you're playing this in VR.”
“The gameplay itself is rubbish.”
“This game is too expensive for what you get, the jumpscares are predictable after 5 minutes, and the gameplay is repetitive. I loved the original FNAF games, but this is just a scam. I understand the appeal of VR, but the VR is annoying to play.”
“The graphics are poor, and the gameplay made me want to turn it off after 20 minutes of boredom.”
- story210 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The story in "Five Nights at Freddy's: Help Wanted" is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its engaging narrative and the way it expands on the franchise's lore. While some find the story complex and requiring prior knowledge of the series, others enjoy the hidden elements and collectibles that enhance the experience. Overall, the game successfully combines familiar gameplay with new storylines, making it appealing to both newcomers and long-time fans.
“Possibly one of the most intense VR games you can play, Help Wanted is a thrilling experience that transitions FNAF into a new era of storytelling with the introduction of the anomaly.”
“The hidden story within the game adds an intriguing element for those who enjoy uncovering lore.”
“The story is engaging (per usual) and the humor is really charming.”
“The only real complaint I have is that they tried to put a story into this, and it never should have had one like this.”
“I was hoping the game had a story and you'd have to explore, find items, complete tasks, etc. Instead, it's simple and repetitive with no clear strategy and a bunch of jump scares.”
“There isn't even much story and doesn't add much to the main canon.”
- graphics168 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their high quality and immersive detail, particularly in VR mode, where they enhance the horror experience significantly. Many users noted the stunning visuals and animations, although some mentioned occasional glitches and a lack of graphical options that could detract from the experience. Overall, the game's graphics are considered a standout feature, contributing to its appeal among both fans of the franchise and newcomers.
“Wonderful game with great graphics, fun story and detailed scenes.”
“The graphics, animations, mini games, interaction, and so on are the best I've ever seen from multiple FNAF games I've played.”
“The graphics and sound design are exceptional, effectively creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere that heightens the suspense.”
“There is also a lack of graphics options in the VR version, which makes things even worse.”
“The menu barely works, you need to sit through the intro every time you revert to the title screen, the texture quality looks horrid even on the max settings, and the graphics quality always reverts to 'ultra' for no reason.”
“The graphics are poor, and the gameplay made me want to turn it off after 20 minutes of boredom.”
- atmosphere71 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and terrifying qualities, particularly in VR mode, which enhances the player's sense of dread and engagement. Reviewers highlight the exceptional sound design and graphics that contribute to a consistently unnerving environment, making it a standout experience for horror fans. While some players note that the jumpscares may lose their impact over time, the overall ambiance effectively maintains tension and fear throughout the gameplay.
“The graphics and sound design are exceptional, effectively creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere that heightens the suspense.”
“The atmosphere is very immersive, everything is very convincing and very scary.”
“If you don't own any type of headset, I think it's better to stick with the original games that Scott made, as they do atmosphere and challenge significantly better.”
“The atmosphere is just a generic dark office room or generic dark bedroom, with little background noise other than a fan or wind to add to the atmosphere.”
“The game play is not fun; you just need to keep enough electricity alive by saving energy, there is no atmosphere or build up.”
- humor67 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- -3 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with many players finding it to be a delightful blend of comedy and horror. Users frequently mention the amusing jump scares and funny character interactions, making it a fun experience, especially in VR. Overall, the game is recommended for its ability to evoke laughter amidst the scares, creating a unique and entertaining atmosphere.
“This game is so fun, so intense, somewhat hilarious, and it is like a whole different genre of terror; it is so scary and amazing for the spooky holiday!”
“I couldn't recommend this game enough for its horror, humor, and all of the above.”
“Even if the product as a whole feels like a loosely joined together collection of smaller games, the humor, gameplay, and overall presentation are spot on.”
“I was expecting some clever jokes, but the humor fell flat and felt forced.”
“The attempts at humor were cringeworthy and made me uncomfortable rather than amused.”
“I found the jokes to be outdated and lacking any real wit or creativity.”
- stability48 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- -4 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant bugs and glitches, particularly in non-VR modes. While some users found the experience enjoyable despite these issues, others described it as a "buggy mess" that can detract from gameplay. Overall, the game appears to have a range of stability problems that may affect enjoyment, especially for those playing on PC or in flat mode.
“Thanks to Steel Wool Studio, Scott, and the team, they managed to create a VR game that is 99% bug-free, providing an exceptional experience in VR.”
“The game's stability is impressive, allowing for seamless gameplay without any noticeable glitches.”
“I appreciate how polished the game feels; it runs smoothly and consistently, enhancing the overall experience.”
“This is a very bad game for VR; it's so buggy and doesn't track my movement.”
“The game is just buggy and the developers won't fix it.”
“Absolutely awful and a buggy mess.”
- music44 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game series is widely praised for its haunting and atmospheric qualities, effectively enhancing the horror experience. Many players highlight the iconic music box from "FNAF 2," noting its integral role in gameplay, despite some frustrations with its mechanics. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a significant and memorable aspect of the series, contributing to both tension and nostalgia.
“The ambient music is great and the sound design is just as good. I love the music so much because it manages to be both haunting and relaxing, which really matches the feeling of the game because you're being hunted down by haunted robots meant to entertain young children.”
“It is so good as a game both in visuals and in music.”
“There are coins and prizes to collect for achievements and plenty of jump scares and spooky music, making this a must-play VR horror game with a lot of replayability.”
“The same songs we've known since that day.”
“If I were forced to sing those same stupid songs for twenty years and I never got a bath?”
“The music box is really hard to wind sometimes.”
- grinding32 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely regarded as excessively tedious, with many players feeling it requires an unrealistic time commitment, often humorously suggesting that one would need "a second life" to manage it. While some find the grinding rewarding and fulfilling, others express frustration with its repetitiveness and the associated glitches, leading to a generally negative perception of this gameplay element.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“I have to admit the actual ending was a little tedious.”
“Flat more feels more tedious and tons of glitches as well.”
“To some, this may be an exciting and fun concept, but I just find it tedious.”
- replayability27 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
Overall, the reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability across the FNAF games. While some titles, particularly the second game, are praised for their extensive replay value due to additional modes, collectibles, and mini-games, others are criticized for lacking excitement and diminishing fun after initial playthroughs. The inclusion of hidden items and varied gameplay elements generally enhances replayability, making some games feel infinitely replayable, while others fall short in this aspect.
“It has 5 nights for most of the FNAF games in the series and some extra levels as well as a nightmare mode that gives a little spin to the levels that you've already completed, which increases the game's replayability, with a little story to connect everything together into a somewhat believable premise.”
“Fun gameplay, extensive replay value with all of its secrets and games.”
“Having the coins and tapes was a really good idea as well; they both give the games replay value if you missed them, and the tapes are a great way to add lore.”
“The single only gripe there is from me is: it holds stature through name, not replayability.”
“I was so excited for this game only to be extremely let down by the lack of excitement and replayability.”
“Replayability is a little on the weak side, once you know how to beat 'em they don't bring much fun, but it is a good party game (which is what I use it for) for your friends to do rapid jumpscares while the others laugh.”
- emotional19 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a profound emotional response to the game, often feeling overwhelmed by fear and anxiety, leading to tears and intense immersion. The combination of jump scares and the haunting presence of animatronics creates a heart-wrenching experience that resonates deeply, with many noting a mix of dread and enjoyment that lingers long after playing. Despite the fear, some players appreciate the emotional depth and nostalgic elements, highlighting a unique blend of terror and attachment.
“Elevator repair made me want to cry.”
“This game is both heart-wrenching and incredible at the same time.”
“This game makes me want to cry inside but I can't stop playing it.”
- optimization16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 44 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players praise its smooth performance and high-quality visuals, others report significant stuttering and performance issues, particularly when using certain features like cameras. Some users experience problems even on high-spec PCs, indicating that optimization may not be consistent across all setups. Overall, while there are moments of excellent performance, the game suffers from notable optimization flaws that can detract from the experience.
“Splendid game, very well made and optimized!”
“The animations, the performance quality, it's all really good, maybe even perfect.”
“High quality modeling, texturing is high quality and an overall high quality game that runs smoothly.”
“But right after starting the first night of the first game and turning on one of the cameras, the game starts stuttering at <1 fps.”
“Poorly optimized gameplay isn't how anyone wants to play.”
“I have all the specs needed for this to be a full scary experience, but for some reason the cameras are very poorly optimized or are bugged.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy for Fredbear's Family Diner appears to rely heavily on advertising and leveraging the popularity of the original games, but it has been criticized as a cash grab. While the VR remake offers some engaging elements, several mini-games are simply mobile ports that lack depth, suggesting a focus on profit over innovation.
“There isn't much to it other than being a somewhat cash grab at playing a popular cult mini-series in VR with VR mechanics and animated characters that show life unlike flash-looking versions.”
“It's a bit of a cash grab too, as 3 or 4 of the 8 mini-games were released for mobile and are terribly basic with VR added as an afterthought.”
“The monetization feels excessive, as it seems more focused on profit than delivering a quality gaming experience.”
- character development3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted by impressive and immersive character designs that enhance the player's experience. The unsettling design of Glitchtrap stands out, while the clarity and depth of the story and lore are noted as significant improvements over previous titles in the franchise.
“The character designs are very impressive, and you feel like you're experiencing the game through your own eyes with unique bonuses!”
“Glitchtrap is the most unsettling character design I've ever seen, and the story and lore in this game are much clearer and more interesting than in other FNAF games.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
“I found the character arcs to be predictable and uninspired, leaving me disappointed by their growth.”
“The characters seem one-dimensional, and their motivations are poorly explained, which detracts from the overall experience.”