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 direction are unique and visually appealing, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere.
- The music complements the environment well, enhancing the overall experience.
- The puzzles are creative and engaging, providing a satisfying challenge without feeling unfair.
- The gameplay can feel standard for an RPG horror game, lacking some innovation aside from the knife mechanic.
- Some puzzles may not be intuitive, leading to frustration and accidental solutions.
- The game currently only has one chapter, which may leave players wanting more content.
- music9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its seamless integration with the environment and overall aesthetic, enhancing the experience significantly. Reviewers express a strong appreciation for the soundtrack, noting that it feels well-curated and fitting, even if some sounds are sourced from external websites. Overall, the music, alongside the art style, stands out as a major highlight of the game.
“The music works well with the environment.”
“Music and the art style are certainly the strongest things going for the 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.”
“Absolutely in love with the art and music in this game!”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique and cool art style, which is considered its biggest strength. The combination of distinctive character designs, creative backgrounds, and the incorporation of real images enhances the overall aesthetic and contributes to an engaging atmosphere.
“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
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its immersive quality, enhancing the overall experience, though some players noted inconsistencies in object and scenery styles. The unique sound design, such as the absence of noise when using the knife, initially feels disorienting but ultimately contributes positively to the game's ambiance. Additionally, the presence of intriguing mysteries and charming characters further enriches the atmospheric experience.
“You can find a mysterious atmosphere and lovely characters here.”
“Games like this work well because of the atmosphere, and you don’t want to be taken out of the experience.”
“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’ve done well with the atmosphere, but I feel like not all the objects and scenery are following the common style.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as a standard RPG horror experience, distinguished by a unique 'knife' button mechanic. Players appreciate the surprising depth, including numerous secrets and diverse enemy mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
“When it comes to gameplay, it's a relatively standard RPG horror game.”
“The 'knife' button sets it apart gameplay-wise from others.”
“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 praised for its engaging plot and unique characters, which keep players invested and eager to see the unfolding events. Overall, the narrative is considered well-crafted and a highlight of the game.
“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.”
“The narrative was confusing and left too many unanswered questions.”
- 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. The enemies are noted for their horrifying and unsettling designs, adding depth to the overall experience.
“The enemies are horrifying and off-putting, while the characters have very distinct designs and personalities that I enjoy.”
“The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character's unique story.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
