Haydee 2
- November 23, 2020
- Haydee Interactive
- 28h median play time
Get on Steam"Haydee 2" is a challenging Metroidvania-style platformer with puzzle elements and a dark, atmospheric setting. Players control the titular character, Haydee, as she navigates through a mysterious and labyrinthine facility. The game features precise platforming mechanics and a variety of weapons to defend against hostile enemies. Exploration and solving puzzles are key to progressing and uncovering the mystery behind Haydee's world.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Improved graphics and level design compared to the first game, creating a more immersive environment.
- Challenging gameplay that requires careful resource management and puzzle-solving skills.
- Increased focus on combat and exploration, with new weapons and crafting mechanics.
- Removal of platforming and jumping mechanics, leading to a more linear gameplay experience.
- Limited enemy variety, with only two main enemy types throughout the game.
- Excessive sexual content and nudity that may detract from the overall atmosphere and story.
- gameplay126 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Haydee 2 has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its challenging and addictive mechanics reminiscent of classic survival horror games, while others criticize the removal of key features from its predecessor, such as platforming and climbing. The game introduces new elements like weapon upgrades and ammo crafting, but many feel it lacks significant innovation and depth, leading to a more linear experience. Overall, while some players find the gameplay engaging and rewarding, others believe it falls short of expectations, particularly in comparison to the original Haydee.
“Awesome design, great community of modders, and overall addicting mechanics.”
“The game's precise controls, intricate level design, and the mysterious allure of the Haydee character create an addictive and captivating gameplay loop.”
“It's a great little game and I really like the gameplay, idea, and the lore of the series.”
“The gameplay is sub-par and the NSFW content is meh.”
“The developers added unnecessary additions such as weapon modding and sprinting while aiming that completely destroyed the balance of the reused gameplay formula of Haydee 1.”
“As far as game mechanics go, it is a huge step back from the direction this could have gone from the first game, as the Resident Evil mechanics, other than ammo crafting that was added in this game, were already present.”
- story110 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 80 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story in Haydee 2 is primarily conveyed through environmental storytelling and scattered notes, allowing players to piece together a dark and unsettling narrative about a corporate facility. While some players appreciate the depth and immersion this approach provides, others find the story lacking in clarity and coherence, with criticisms aimed at its execution and the presence of adult content that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game offers a more developed narrative compared to its predecessor, though opinions on its effectiveness vary widely.
“Beneath the bouncing disguise, the story is dark and grim, echoing the depressing music and dimly lit scenes, immersing me in this twisted world.”
“Scenery, enemies, and notes collaborate to tell a story of what went down in Nsola 7 before the game started, and it all stays consistent.”
“More than that, Haydee 2 actually begins to elaborate on some in-game storytelling as well, with dozens of notes, computer terminals, and leftover phone messages hidden within these various spaces, combined with some environmental storytelling in order to weave together a compelling experience.”
“The main story is really boring and repetitive in comparison to the first.”
“There are texts you read, but they're all utterly pointless and obviously written by someone whose first language isn't English, full of grammatical errors, etc., but mainly, none of the text is remotely helpful or moves the story, if there is one, forward.”
“Well, there is a story, kind of about an attack or viral plague or something that has taken over the compound.”
- music47 mentions
- 49 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to enhance the overall experience. Composed by Vlad Plotnikov, the soundtrack is described as melancholic and fitting, although some players noted that it can become repetitive or fail to match the game's darker moments. Overall, the music is considered a significant highlight, contributing positively to the game's ambiance and emotional depth.
“The music is a surprising highlight that combines beautifully with the art, story, and atmosphere, producing a melancholic tone.”
“The soundtrack is top notch, and one of the best parts of the game for me is the sci-fi style; Vlad did a really good job on this one.”
“The music makes up a lot of the atmosphere, enhancing the experience and immersing players in the game world.”
“Yet the non-stop background music undermines it.”
“A good example is that the dark zone is supposed to be scary due to limited view distance and enemies lurking in the darkness, but the soothing and relaxing music just keeps playing in the background, completely destroying the atmosphere.”
“Background music is too repetitive as well.”
- graphics46 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the improved visual fidelity, character modeling, and environmental design compared to its predecessor. While some players appreciate the aesthetic choices and the game's ability to run smoothly, others criticize the juvenile and explicit elements that detract from the overall atmosphere. Overall, the visuals are considered decent for a small development team, with notable advancements in detail and interactivity, though opinions vary on the integration of its sexual themes.
“The graphics and character modeling are great.”
“The environments retain the aesthetics of the original, but now have more clutter and tell more of a story in each individual room, and the new lighting and shaders go a long way to make the game much prettier than the original.”
“One of the best eye-candy/graphics and game mechanics I've seen in a while.”
“It feels rushed and a bit soulless; the overall graphical fidelity is not great and aesthetically it is generic looking.”
“The lack of an iconic character, the layout of the station, plot, visuals, and weapons are all disappointing.”
“This is where the aesthetic flaw comes in: the whole game is plastered in pornographic game posters referencing our world, which hurts the atmosphere and story.”
- atmosphere42 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and engaging qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the effective use of music and visual design to create a sense of tension and dread. While some elements, such as the incorporation of sexualized content and humorous references, are seen as detracting from the overall mood, the game's ability to evoke feelings of isolation and fear is consistently noted as a strong point. Overall, the atmosphere is described as a unique blend of creepy, melancholic, and occasionally unsettling, enhancing the player's experience throughout the game.
“With its intense combat, clever puzzles, and immersive atmosphere, it delivers a truly unique and gripping experience.”
“The music is a surprising highlight that combines beautifully with the art, story, and atmosphere, producing a melancholic tone.”
“The atmosphere is very intriguing and creepy at times as the facility changes with every bit of progress the player makes.”
“A good example is that the dark zone is supposed to be scary due to limited view distance and enemies lurking in the darkness, but the soothing and relaxing music just keeps playing in the background, completely destroying the atmosphere.”
“The whole game is plastered in pornographic game posters referencing our world, and it hurts the atmosphere and story. I've heard them called juvenile, and they are.”
“You can’t build an atmosphere of dread when I’ve got tits in my face 90% of the time.”
- grinding11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- -18 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be overly tedious, primarily due to excessive backtracking and a lack of objective markers, which detracts from the overall experience. The removal of platforming elements has led to a more monotonous gameplay style, where exploration feels like a chore rather than an engaging challenge. While some appreciate the focus on secrets and collectibles, many agree that the process of elimination in navigating the map becomes boring and repetitive.
“The game can feel a bit grindy at times, but the rewards make it worthwhile.”
“Grinding is a necessary part of the experience, adding depth and progression.”
“While it can be grindy, the sense of achievement from leveling up keeps me engaged.”
“Basically, under the guise of being 'challenging', the game is actually just slow, tedious, and covered in claymores.”
“However, the map itself and the fairly tedious and almost outright boring gameplay of Haydee 2 really betrays the benefits it added.”
“While I appreciate that the game doesn't hold your hand, a hint in notes as to where an item is would make the tedious nature a great deal more bearable.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a mix of parody and dark comedy, with players enjoying the clever easter eggs and lewd references scattered throughout the environment. While the initial jokes and playful mechanics elicit laughter, some reviewers note that the humor can become repetitive and tedious as the game progresses, diminishing its impact. Overall, the game's comedic elements are appreciated, but their effectiveness may wane over time.
“I still had a good time running around the place exploring, searching, chuckling at the easter eggs and dropping everything that moves dead.”
“The parody humor as you transfer between the rooms is great.”
“There is absolutely no question at all that the designer is laughing as he places every one of these stupid mines in a segment you are being hurried through.”
- character development8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Character development in Haydee 2 has received mixed reviews, with some players feeling it lacks depth while appreciating the improved character and enemy designs. The game is noted for its exhilarating gameplay and unique character aesthetics, though some fans express a desire for more substantial character growth in future installments. Overall, the character design choices have sparked varied opinions, but many find them intriguing and enjoyable.
“Haydee 2 is an exhilarating and challenging action-adventure game that pushes the boundaries of both gameplay and character design.”
“Level and main character design get on the next quality level in Haydee 2.”
“Fortunately, Haydee 2 proves to be more than just Sir Mix-a-Lot style character development.”
“The character development could be a bit deeper, but we might get that later, or maybe in another game.”
“Fortunately, Haydee II proves to be more than just Sir Mix-a-Lot style character development.”
“Not what I would have hoped for in that way, but the good things are diegetic maps, clearer enemy designs, and smoother handling for the movement and shooting, as well as a better character design (not a faceless robot!).”
- optimization5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised, with smooth performance on low-end PCs and no significant bugs or glitches reported. While the platforming elements could have been better utilized for shortcuts, the gunplay remains consistent with the previous title, enhanced by performance upgrades. However, there are concerns about the first game's optimization for user-generated content.
“By the way, very good optimization was done.”
“There are no bugs, no glitches, gunplay is good and design is awesome; also, the game is well optimized and can run on low-end PCs.”
“The platforming should have been kept solely for the sake of shortcut optimization.”
“The first game allowed mod support, and while people made levels and models, I think the first game wasn't really optimized for that level of content.”
“Firing your gun feels about the same as the last title; however, there are upgrades strewn about to help boost the performance of your favorite weapon.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is criticized for lacking clear instructions and guidance, which detracts from the overall experience. Instead of providing helpful information, the game could have utilized in-game advertisements or posters to enhance immersion and convey its corporate culture.
“The monetization strategy feels exploitative, with constant prompts to spend money on in-game purchases.”
“It's frustrating that essential gameplay features are locked behind paywalls, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra.”
“The game is riddled with ads and microtransactions, which detracts from the overall experience and immersion.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its stability, with users noting the absence of bugs and glitches, as well as good optimization that allows it to run smoothly on low-end PCs. Overall, it stands out as a well-crafted experience amidst a landscape of less stable titles from 2020.
“There are no bugs or glitches; the gunplay is excellent, the design is awesome, and the game is well optimized to run on low-end PCs.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, providing a stable experience throughout.”
“I appreciate how stable the game is; it maintains a consistent frame rate even during intense action sequences.”
“Despite the fan service, it's a really good game. Out of the many disappointing games we've gotten in 2020, this is probably the second-best game I've played that wasn't just a buggy mess (cough CP2077). It takes a bit to get used to, but once you understand what you're doing, it's a really fun game that also challenges you.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it hard to enjoy the experience. Stability is a major issue that needs to be addressed.”
“I encountered numerous bugs that disrupted my gameplay. The lack of stability really detracts from what could be a great game.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Haydee 2 offers limited replayability, as it doesn't introduce significant new gameplay elements compared to its predecessor. While it improves on some mechanics and retains the original's appeal, players may find the experience less varied and more familiar than expected.
“Haydee 2 builds on the foundation of the first game, enhancing the experience while retaining the elements that made it popular, ensuring a fresh yet familiar challenge for players.”
“The game offers a slightly more playable experience, making it less frustrating while still providing the engaging gameplay that fans loved.”
“Expect a mix of new and familiar elements that encourage players to dive back in and explore the mysterious and dangerous facility time and again.”
“Don't go into Haydee 2 expecting much new in terms of gameplay. They've taken some feedback from the first 'Haydee' and made a slightly more playable and less rage-inducing game, but the replayability feels limited.”
“While the game retains the aspects that made Haydee popular, the lack of new content and gameplay mechanics makes it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
“Haydee 2 offers little in terms of replayability, as it feels like a rehash of the first game without significant improvements or new experiences.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a dark twist on expectations, as the protagonist's journey to Dubai takes a sinister turn, leading to a sense of entrapment and horror rather than the anticipated fun and luxury. This contrast evokes feelings of tension and unease, highlighting the unpredictability of the narrative.
