Home Safety Hotline

About

Home Safety Hotline is a single player casual simulation game with horror and mystery themes. It was developed by Night Signal Entertainment and was released on January 16, 2024. It received very positive reviews from players.

In "Home Safety Hotline," players take on the role of a telephone operator, answering calls about mysterious happenings in callers' homes. They must use a catalog of safety information to identify pests and hazards, with the understanding that they will be held responsible for their responses. The game features a soothing lo-fi soundtrack and immerses players in the atmosphere of the 90s.

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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92%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,252 reviews

gameplay71 positive mentions

replayability25 negative mentions

Stunning world-building and creative lore that keeps players engaged.
Unique blend of whimsical and creepy tones, effectively capturing the essence of analog horror.
Great voice acting and immersive atmosphere, making the experience enjoyable and memorable.

Short gameplay length (around 2-4 hours) may not justify the price for some players.
Repetitive gameplay loop with limited interaction, leading to a lack of replayability.
Some calls can be vague or misleading, making it frustrating to determine the correct answers.

gameplay
255 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
63%
9%
The gameplay of "Home Safety Hotline" is characterized by a simple loop of answering calls, matching descriptions to entries in a bestiary, and solving puzzles based on the information provided. While many players appreciate the unique analog horror aesthetic and engaging lore, the repetitive mechanics and lack of depth lead to mixed feelings about its overall enjoyment and replayability. Overall, the game offers a charming experience but may feel tedious and underwhelming for those seeking more complex gameplay.
- “The gameplay is simple yet honestly quite fun, essentially a puzzle game though there are a few issues with it.”
- “It's such an incredible and unique combination of myths and lore, analog horror, and an interesting and engaging gameplay loop.”
- “Home Safety Hotline deserves more recognition for its creativity and engaging gameplay.”
- “I found the mechanics slow and repetitive.”
- “The gameplay loop is repetitive and drags a little in my opinion but the world building and story makes it worth playing through.”
- “The gameplay is monotonous and the story is unengaging.”
story
215 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
68%
5%
The game's story is a mix of intriguing and bizarre elements, with many players appreciating its unique analog horror vibe and the gradual unfolding of narrative details through calls and entries. However, some reviewers found the plot to be thin and unsatisfying, expressing a desire for deeper character development and more substantial story arcs. Overall, while the storytelling is engaging and creative, it often leaves players wanting more in terms of depth and resolution.
- “Between the voice acting, the art, and the story, it is one of the best analog horror games I've ever played.”
- “The story, the lore, and the entries are fun enough to carry it all for me.”
- “The story itself is super intriguing, the bits of world building that are sprinkled throughout the whole experience paint a twisted and surreal world that I really hope we can see more of in future projects by this developer.”
- “The 'story' is zzz, and the ending... Jesus, it's whatever.”
- “It sets up a story that never goes anywhere.”
- “The gameplay is monotonous and the story is unengaging.”
graphics
158 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
49%
2%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their effective use of a nostalgic 90s aesthetic, combining analog horror elements with a retro Windows interface that immerses players in a unique and eerie atmosphere. While some reviews note that the technical quality may not stand out, the artistic design, creature illustrations, and overall visual coherence contribute significantly to the game's charm and thematic depth. Overall, the graphics are seen as a strong point, enhancing the storytelling and player experience despite some gameplay criticisms.
- “Makes some of the best use I've ever seen of in-game browser and analog horror aesthetics, and really makes the most of its intersection of suburban nostalgia, corporate mundanity, and cosmic horror.”
- “The aesthetic is thematically perfect and still spooky enough to create that uncanny uneasiness/tension, and the added little story whilst you make your way through the shifts was engaging enough to keep me on edge and motivated to make it through.”
- “The graphics are different from what's currently on the market.”
- “The graphics are nothing really worth mentioning, since the vast majority of the game is either UI or doctored photos/videos with a spooky flair.”
- “The game, whilst retaining the graphical interface of a 90s computer, has a lot of interface-inaccurate bugs like pages 'preloading' and audio files being accessible offline, that reduce the immersion of it altogether.”
- “Don't be fooled by its aesthetics, the game is an absolute chore and dare I say it...”
humor
151 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, blending dark comedy with unsettling scenarios, making it both funny and creepy. Players appreciate the clever writing, quirky voice acting, and the absurdity of mundane problems faced by callers, which adds a unique charm to the horror experience. Overall, the game successfully balances humor and horror, creating memorable moments that resonate with fans of both genres.
- “Another great example of the kind of game you love to see--equal parts hilarious and horrifying, you can finish it in a few hours, and almost every part of it is memorable.”
- “It’s funny, unsettling, and dangerously immersive—a game that makes you laugh, panic, and question whether workplace training should include an exorcism module.”
- “The game manages to capture some of the unsettling aspects of its inspirations in Gemini Home Entertainment and Local 58 while still maintaining a good sense of humor throughout.”
replayability
100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
60%
25%
Overall, the game suffers from low replayability, with many reviewers noting that it can be completed in just 2-3 hours and lacks significant variation in gameplay. While some players mention minor replay value through achievements or different endings, the scripted nature of the calls and linear progression limit the incentive to replay. Many recommend waiting for a sale due to the short length and minimal replay options.
- “Really well made while still feeling indie, I watched Gab Smolders play it and then went to get a copy and it was still new and challenging, so definitely has replay value.”
- “Endless mode adds so much replayability!”
- “Absolutely worth the play and honestly has more replay value than it might initially seem to have on paper.”
- “I probably don't have to mention that the replay value of this non-game is zero because the first-play value is zero to begin with.”
- “The game is not just linear, but ultra-linear with no wiggle room for replayability.”
- “Unfortunately the main game is very linear with no replayability and is therefore over quickly.”
atmosphere
85 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
66%
30%
4%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and unique qualities, combining a nostalgic 90s aesthetic with elements of analog horror that create a captivating experience. Many players appreciate the eerie and unsettling vibe, though some express a desire for more depth and replayability in gameplay. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered its strongest aspect, effectively enhancing the storytelling and world-building.
- “The atmosphere was perfectly done; my only complaint is that I wish there was more!”
- “Combined with the old 90s PC aesthetic and creepy atmosphere, this game offers a really unique experience.”
- “The atmosphere and presentation are amazing.”
- “For the price, it's not too rough and on sale, it's not a bad grab, but the levels don't offer much variety and the atmosphere is not quite spooky enough.”
- “There's a little creepy atmosphere here and there but if you're in the realm for real spooks (and I don't just mean jumpscares, I mean an actual horror atmosphere), you won't find it here.”
- “A few of the mentioned concepts in the game are gruesome, but the atmosphere is not really scary at all.”
music
51 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
59%
6%
The music in the game has received high praise for its calming, jazzy lo-fi soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere, particularly during hold sequences. While some players noted a lack of variety in tracks and moments of silence between calls, the sound design and voice acting were highlighted as exceptional, contributing significantly to the game's immersive experience. The ending music, in particular, stood out as a memorable highlight, though some felt it diverged from the game's established tone.
- “The voice acting is amazing, the visuals are unnerving, and the sound effects and music really fit the vibes perfectly.”
- “The soundtrack sets the perfect mood, and I appreciate how they've added options for players with different phobias - it's thoughtful and makes sure more people can enjoy the game.”
- “The sound design to the game is also immaculate as hell, between the voice acting and the lo-fi music by David Johnson that just gives me this image of old 90s cyberspace.”
- “The audio really only consists of hold music and sound bites from various afflictions.”
- “Most of the time there is no music.”
- “Time between calls can be unbearably boring and void of any music, especially if you have already familiarized yourself with the bestiary entries.”
emotional
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its immersive storytelling, exceptional voice acting, and a blend of cozy and unsettling moments that evoke a range of feelings, from joy to guilt. Players appreciate the heartfelt performances and the emotional weight of their choices, which enhance the overall experience, making it feel both personal and impactful. The game's analogue horror elements and nostalgic design contribute to a unique emotional journey that resonates with many players.
- “Overall, the game comes together very well, with the story being more analogue horror and not specifically pointed out to you. The creatures, with their amazing designs and detailed descriptions, along with the brilliant voice acting, brought me to many emotions and made me feel guilty when I accidentally picked a wrong entry.”
- “Some of the phone calls you have to answer were emotional and sometimes quite unsettling, really immersing me in the world and the general feel this game tries to cultivate.”
- “Hearing the consequences of my inaccurate answers really made me feel like my choice mattered, and I found myself feeling guilty for a few of them.”
grinding
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
15%
80%
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often feeling that the gameplay lacks depth and becomes frustrating over time. While some appreciate the charm and thematic elements, many agree that the experience can feel drawn out, especially during repeated playthroughs. The game's design intentionally incorporates elements of tedium, but this often detracts from the overall enjoyment.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The runtime is short but somehow it still feels tedious, with the stakes and gameplay not really changing except for getting progressively slower in pace as you're saddled with more information and more calls per day.”
- “Having beaten both the base game and the seasonal worker DLC, I can say that while I found the concept, artwork, and worldbuilding of this game to be extremely charming, the gameplay itself became tedious after an hour or two.”
- “Wasn't expecting something like Uplink, but there's zero depth to the gameplay and after the initial charm of the vibe wore off (in about 10 minutes), this thing just seemed tedious and corny.”
optimization
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
24%
13%
The game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with some players experiencing crashes on less powerful systems, raising concerns about stability. While the voice performances and unique worldbuilding are praised, the occasional technical issues can disrupt immersion and gameplay enjoyment. Overall, the developers are commended for their efforts, but optimization remains an area needing improvement.
- “I played on my laptop, which isn’t crazy powerful but still pretty solid, and I crashed twice; this didn’t ruin the game for me, but it does make me wonder about its optimization.”
- “Some nice, offbeat writing, full voice performances, clever use of visual overlays, and easter-egg lore-drips elevated what might otherwise have been a lightweight simplistic game experience.”
- “Great work devs - we will observe thy performance with great interest, hardworking callers!”
- “I played on my laptop which isn’t crazy powerful but still pretty solid, and I crashed twice; this didn’t ruin the game for me, but it does make me wonder about its optimization.”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game is criticized as feeling like a cash grab, with poor implementation and an overreliance on ads for rewards. Players express disappointment in the game's short completion time, which contrasts with the advertised duration, suggesting a lack of value for the investment.
- “I like the idea of the game, but it just feels like a cash grab with very poor implementation.”
- “The game can be completed much quicker than advertised, with the store page claiming 120-180 minutes.”
- “I wish there was something more rewarding than just ads for doing a good job.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, players report a mixed experience regarding stability, with some encountering bugs and glitches, particularly with character visuals during calls, while others experienced a mostly smooth playthrough. The presence of these issues contributes to a perception of the game as lacking polish and excitement.
- “The game is boring, expensive, lackluster, buggy, and overall disappointing.”
- “I encountered bugs and glitches, even though my playthrough was mostly fine.”
- “Receiving calls sometimes shows a digital picture of the character's face, but it often comes with distortions or glitches.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers praise the character development for its rich lore, appealing character designs, and strong art direction, highlighting how these elements enhance the overall experience.
- “I love the lore, the character designs, the art direction, all of it.”

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3h Median play time

4h Average play time

3-5h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 20 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Home Safety Hotline is a casual simulation game with horror and mystery themes.

Home Safety Hotline is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 4 hours playing Home Safety Hotline.

Home Safety Hotline was released on January 16, 2024.

Home Safety Hotline was developed by Night Signal Entertainment.

Home Safety Hotline has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its replayability.

Home Safety Hotline is a single player game.

Similar games include Last Report, The Operator, Amanda the Adventurer, Killer Frequency, Smile For Me and others.

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