Intruders: Hide and Seek
A Disappointing Attempt at Stealth Horror
Developed by Tessera Studios, Intruders: Hide and Seek is a first-person stealth thriller that attempts to blend psychological horror with a family rescue narrative. Unfortunately, the execution leaves much to be desired.
Premise and Storyline
You play as Ben, the eldest child, who witnesses intruders break into his family's vacation home and take his parents hostage. The story has its moments, with some twists that keep it moving, but ultimately it feels predictable and leads to an ending you can see coming from a mile away. With a playtime of about 1.5 to 2 hours, it’s a short experience, and for completionists, it may extend slightly as you hunt for collectibles.
Gameplay Mechanics
Initially designed as a VR game, Intruders now lacks the immersive experience that VR could have provided. The controls generally translate well, with a tutorial to guide you through the basics. However, some essential mechanics are poorly explained, leading to confusion—like the quick turn feature and how to close doors properly.
Stealth is the main mechanic, yet I often found myself sprinting through the house rather than engaging with the intended stealth gameplay. The AI of the intruders is disappointingly lackluster; they often lose track of you with minimal effort, reducing the tension that should be inherent in a game of hide and seek.
Atmosphere and Design
The country house is visually appealing, but the character models are unsettling, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the lack of a body for the player character breaks immersion when you realize you’re just a floating head during a car ride at the beginning.
The sound design has its strengths—like the rain and the footsteps of the intruders—but the voice acting is mediocre, often punctuated by awkward pauses that disrupt the flow of the narrative.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Intruders: Hide and Seek presents an intriguing premise but falters in execution, offering a mundane gameplay experience lacking in challenge and suspense.
Check out more of my game reviews on my curator page: 7Blood Curator Page