Help
- October 13, 2016
- Volens Nolens Games
Get on Steam"Help" is a horror-themed puzzle game where you search for your missing daughter in an abandoned bunker. Armed only with a flashlight and radio, you'll navigate labyrinthine corridors, avoid monstrous creatures, and uncover the dark secrets of the bunker's past. The game features a charging flashlight system and radio used for solving puzzles and detecting enemies, along with environmental storytelling through notes scattered throughout the facility.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game provides a unique atmosphere that some players find engaging and immersive.
- It has moments that can evoke a sense of nostalgia for players familiar with similar indie horror games.
- Some players appreciate the emotional impact and narrative themes, finding it a reflective experience.
- The graphics are poor, often resembling an asset flip, and the overall presentation is lacking.
- Gameplay is frustrating due to unclear objectives, poorly translated notes, and a lack of guidance on puzzles.
- Technical issues such as crashes, bad controls, and a lack of settings options significantly detract from the experience.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "help" is a mixed bag, featuring exploration of corridors and rooms while searching for clues, but is marred by a frustrating flashlight mechanic that drains batteries quickly and a lack of clear direction. However, the inclusion of a radio that alerts players to threats and objectives adds a layer of immersion, and the overall mechanics are praised for being fluid and engaging, appealing to players of various skill levels. Despite some criticisms, the game offers a rich narrative experience that many players find worthwhile.
“One excellent mechanic in the game is the radio you carry, which can alert you of threats and also indicate when you're near an objective, giving a unique type of immersion.”
“Gameplay: 'help' gameplay is fluid and intuitive, allowing players of different skill levels to have fun.”
“The interaction mechanics are well thought out, providing an immersion that keeps players engaged.”
“The gameplay has you walking around corridors and rooms searching for clues in broken English, and a flashlight that sucks up the power of batteries like a vampire drinks blood.”
“Horrible game with 0 gameplay or direction on what to do, and with random cheap jump scares.”
“And yes, there is the tedious torch mechanic and the game of hunt the battery.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are highly polarized among users; while some praise the stunning visuals and unique artistic style of "help," others criticize the overall quality, suggesting that many assets appear to be from an asset pack and are subpar, particularly when compared to standards from 2016. This disparity highlights a significant divide in player experience regarding the game's visual presentation.
“Graphics and artistic style: the graphics in 'help' are visually stunning, combining a unique artistic style with a vibrant color palette.”
“The game’s aesthetics contribute to the immersion, making players feel part of the world.”
“With its accessible gameplay, stunning graphics, and powerful social message, 'help' stands out in today's gaming landscape.”
“The graphics are probably from an asset pack.”
“The game's graphics are so bad that I didn't even want to take screenshots.”
“You could still argue about the surrounding graphics of the bunker and say that it's totally okay for 2016, but everything else is a total catastrophe and just horrible, and I don't really want to go into it in more detail.”
- music9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find the soundtrack engaging and atmospheric, enhancing the overall experience, others criticize the absence of a cohesive soundtrack, noting that it detracts from the intended horror ambiance. The contrasting opinions highlight the importance of music in shaping the game's emotional impact.
“Music and sound effects: the soundtrack in 'help' is engaging and perfectly complements the atmosphere of the game.”
“The combination of music and sound creates an auditory experience that elevates the game to a new level.”
“The lack of a soundtrack doesn't really create a horror atmosphere.”
“There's no soundtrack, and the only ambiance are some random whooshing noises and the occasional water drip.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is described as gritty, dirty, and uncomfortable, aligning well with traditional horror elements, though some players feel the lack of a soundtrack detracts from the overall experience. While many consider it a must-play for horror enthusiasts, opinions vary on its effectiveness in creating a truly immersive horror atmosphere. Overall, the game is noted for its eerie and atmospheric qualities, despite some technical challenges.
“Bought the game yesterday; it seemed very eerie and atmospheric. I got stuck on the radio but eventually managed to get it working.”
“Music and sound effects: the soundtrack in 'Help' is engaging and perfectly complements the atmosphere of the game.”
“The lack of a soundtrack doesn't really create a horror atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is gritty, dirty, uncomfortable, and that is, in my opinion, what should be found in a horror game.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around a gripping narrative where players search for a missing daughter in an eerie, abandoned research bunker, emphasizing themes of perseverance and the unpredictability of life. The engaging plot and character journeys captivate players, making them invested in the outcome. Overall, the diverse mission design encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving within this compelling storyline.
“Narrative: the story of 'help' is one of its greatest attractions.”
“The plot is engaging, making players care about the fate of the characters and their journeys.”
“The story for the horror game without horror is about you searching for your missing daughter in an abandoned research bunker.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its solid narrative and an emotionally impactful ending that effectively resolves the story's central questions. Additionally, it is recognized for its thoughtful approach to social and emotional issues, enhancing its overall emotional resonance.
“The story is very solid, and the ending wraps up the questions created by the game's concept in an incredibly emotional and touching way.”
“One of the most admired aspects of 'help' is its approach to social and emotional issues.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly due to the repetitive torch mechanic and the frustrating search for batteries.
“The grinding in this game feels endless and tedious, especially with the frustrating torch mechanic and the constant hunt for batteries.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes the gameplay feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.”
“I found the grinding to be excessively tedious, with little reward for the time invested.”
