NeverHome: Hall of Apathy
- May 5, 2023
- Shadow Gengis
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreIn "NeverHome: Hall of Apathy," players control Granger, a young girl who wakes up in a strange and hostile world. They must navigate through a series of liminal and abstract rooms, solving puzzles and uncovering secrets to find a way back to reality. This horror game, inspired by early 2010's RPG Maker games, contains minor amounts of blood and unsettling imagery, and is the first chapter in a larger anthology-style game.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The art style and music are standout features, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere.
- The puzzles are creative and satisfying to solve, providing a good challenge without feeling unfair.
- The characters are well-designed and engaging, contributing to an enjoyable narrative experience.
- The game currently only has one chapter, which may leave players wanting more content.
- Some controls can feel clunky, and there are occasional bugs that can disrupt gameplay.
- Certain visual elements, like jagged sprites and backgrounds, may detract from the overall polish of the game.
- music9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, with many reviewers noting its strong impact and seamless integration with the art style. While some sounds are sourced from external websites, the overall soundtrack is considered well-curated and enhances the gaming experience. Reviewers express a desire for an original soundtrack release, highlighting their appreciation for the music's quality and fit within the game.
“Music and the art style are certainly the strongest things going for the game.”
“Absolutely in love with the art and music in this game!”
“While I didn't see anything regarding the soundtrack itself being borrowed, it does say in the note that 'more' of the sounds used in the game are from other websites (with them linked below)... but if you made the soundtrack to the game yourself and sold it on Steam, I would have 100% bought it.”
“Even if you didn't make it yourself, I'd still have to congratulate your choices regarding the music; nothing felt out of place or forced in the soundtrack.”
“The music works well with the environment.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised for their unique art style, which is considered the strongest aspect by many users. The combination of distinctive character designs, creative backgrounds, and the incorporation of real images contributes to an engaging and off-putting visual experience. Overall, the art direction stands out as a significant highlight of the game.
“The art style and art direction is cool and easily its biggest strength.”
“The art style of the characters and backgrounds is incredibly unique, and the usage of real pictures in certain areas really adds to the off-putting feel.”
“Music and the art style are certainly the strongest things going for the game.”
“Without a doubt, the biggest draw to this game for me is the art style.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a notable strength, blending mystery with charming characters, though some players feel that inconsistencies in object and scenery styles can detract from the overall experience. The unique sound design, particularly the absence of noise when using the knife, initially feels off-putting but ultimately enhances the immersive quality of the game. Overall, the atmosphere is crucial to the game's appeal, as it effectively draws players into its world.
“The lack of noise when using the knife is jarring at first, but I eventually found that it added to the atmosphere of the game; the knife isn't a weapon, it's a tool you use to navigate (though you can attack some enemies).”
“You can find a mysterious atmosphere and lovely characters in here.”
“Games like this work well because of the atmosphere, and you don’t want to be taken out of the experience.”
“You've done well with the atmosphere, but I feel like not all the objects and scenery are following the common style.”
“Games like this work well because of the atmosphere, and you don't want to be taken out of the experience.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as a standard RPG horror experience, but it stands out with a unique 'knife' button mechanic. Players appreciate the surprising depth, including numerous secrets and diverse enemy mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
“The 'knife' button sets it apart gameplay-wise from others.”
“When it comes to gameplay, it's a relatively standard RPG horror game.”
“Some parts really surprised me, like the amount of secrets and mechanics some enemies had.”
- story2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story is well-crafted, featuring an engaging plot and unique characters that keep players invested and eager to see the unfolding events. Overall, the narrative is praised for its quality and execution.
“From the plot line to the unique characters, I was excited to see what happened next.”
“The story is incredibly immersive, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.”
“Each character has a rich backstory that adds depth to the overall narrative.”
“The story felt disjointed and lacked coherence, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found the plot predictable and the character development shallow, which really detracted from the experience.”
“Despite the beautiful art, the narrative was underwhelming and failed to evoke any real emotion.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by entertaining dialogue that strikes a balance between being funny and avoiding cheesiness, enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming the player.
“The characters are pretty entertaining in their dialogue; it's funny without being too cheesy.”
“The humor is clever and keeps you engaged throughout the game.”
“I love how the game balances humor with the storyline, making every moment enjoyable.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is highlighted by distinct and engaging character designs, with personalities that resonate well with players. Additionally, the enemies are described as horrifying and off-putting, adding depth to the overall character dynamics in the game.
“The character design is exceptional, with each character having a distinct personality that makes them memorable.”
“The enemies are horrifying and off-putting, adding depth to the game's atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience.”
“I really enjoy how the characters are developed throughout the game, making them feel real and relatable.”
