It's interesting to think that the MC's buddy is actually his own voice being projected into a quirky persona that is supposedly guiding him. That's why his attitude changes as the game goes on. It's all in his own head with his personal demons coming to haunt him and eventually he turns on himself. Makes a lot of sense from a gameplay perspective too considering how the main character is just blindly following "Frankie's" orders. Watching the sequence of demons and relating it back to the ending, it makes sense. First, it's the father in the slaughter house trapping him in the factory. Then, it's Nadine constantly pestering him about their finances like a phantom that never goes away. Then it's their child, the "monster" to all their problems and his failing organs needing to be replaced. Then it's himself, while constantly talking down on himself and saying how he can't accept his own fate. Sure his own monster didn't physically play a huge part, but it makes it really unnerving when it's the monster that's been talking to him all that time. That's how "Frankie" knew his way around the mansion. He's lived there before.
that was a nice feature. wish it actually was deeper. like take one pic , pic changes, that's it. Would be cooler if the pics and the mannequin had a bigger role in the story. the story got muddled and lost in the weeds. hire me as storywriter.
So he never tried to steal anything. It was all about his failed creations for a new book. I guess he should have made it into a game instead since the actual game is a great game (mind-blowing, right? lol) I think this is the first psychological horror that I find good in a very long time. I mean, there's In Sound Mind too, but that was a (promising) demo.
There's so much twists in this game. For those that don't understand what's happening, you play as a thief in his newest heist with a partner directing him over the phone. As the thief progresses through the house, he and his partner witness 3 separate hauntings involving the father, mother and son of the house they are robbing. SPOILERS: after every resolution regarding one of the 3 scenarios, the game rewinds back before the thief enters the house and starts up the next scenario. The first twist shows that all 3 scenarios are related but mixed together does not make sense. The 4th scenario the thief discovers that he is in a sort of purgatory committing his heist over and over again due to causing an electrical fire in the house while trying to disarm the alarm system, indirectly causing the deaths of the whole family when the fire consumed the whole house. The final twist reveals that the entire game is a fantasy and the thief is actually a down-and-out author experiencing writer's block while trying to collect funds for his son's heart surgery with his latest book, and reluctant to approach his rich and controlling father, who he emancipated from. The book he is writing, called "The Maniac", contains all 4 scenarios that he keeps scrapping and is one long story of a delusional author believing he is a thief and seeking redemption from ghosts and then finally telling a story about himself. The 1st ending has the author continue to work on his book while breaking up with his wife while the 2nd ending implies the author will leave his writing and face his difficulties together with his wife.
I really appreciate the kinda deep dive you did into the story as I was honestly having a little but if trouble understanding the story! Much love and stay safe with everything that's going on in the world!
Thank you for that. I was wondering how it went backwards from the house fire like it never happened. They could have easily left it at that if they wanted to.
Man, you're really spoiling us even during your vacation. I can't speak for everyone, but I appreciate the content! But be sure to relax and recharge your batteries, Cju.
I felt they did the fear element extremely well. I was nervous the moment you entered the house the first time, but after that first lightbulb broke in the bathroom, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. The second time around, I only felt more scared that I could hardly look at my screen, since we got to see how scary things can be after the first. I almost bit my tongue a few times. Having Frankie with you as a guide really helped tamper down the fear, with his humorous attitude in most cases, but I was also worried he'd be cut off at some point. This was really good, and I'll definitely watch it again......in the day time, with all the lights on, and maybe not on a giant TV screen from Chromecast in the complete dark. Cellphone size should be plenty scary enough.
@@mettamodel true. As I mentioned, Frankie really did tamper down the fear aspect; but I think it was out of consideration for the people who like horror but don't want to be overloaded with it. Because there's so many people like that in the general public, I find that it's more rare to find a horror novel/videogame/movie where you *don't* have a character that provides comic relief. That being said, I felt this game did a good job of balancing it
This is really neat! So if I understand, the true story here is about aiden aka "frankie" and his books versus his sick child. I find it kind of sad that the good ending is that he has to return to his abuser and expose his child to it. This also does leave it kind of unclear as to if like, the burglar and the fire really happened. I think at the crystral door scene it implied it was just his book? Though, the fake stories are really neat too. Its each kind of its own story, but also could be intertwined. Like, just taking the story of the 3 family members. I wondered at the part where we met the "monster kid" if the story went like: Child dies, Mother is mourning and tries to ressurect him, monster is made, they have to keep feeding him humans (thus the hunter dad having bodies), dad cant take it anymore and kills the wife who keeps enabling the murders (thus the hatchet scene in the attic cage room and the childs note about his mother being gone too long and him being hungry), creature does die?? with sedatives I suppose?, mother is a ghost and keeps haunting the father (thus the camera) and also keeps trying to keep people out of the house so they dont learn the truth? But its also neat how it was played that all those tales seperate and together, were just fabrications in the mind of a guilty burglar. We know nothing about the player character other than he has a family, so we can't deny the claims that he was just doing it for kicks. It's also interesting that "frankie" noted during the mom's story that artists only create about what they know, and their issues. Which could imply that the single family stories were also about that by himself. Like the dad being a murderer to go with his past abuse by him. though we didn't hear about his mom, I think? it's not impossible that she could have been an accomplice in it, thus the notes of abuse in her story. And lastly the monster child could be about his own kid and his fear of endless costly operations to keep him alive, thus the deformed, chopped up look of the creature, and why it kept needing higher and higher costs than animals, to human body parts- perhaps ala "costs an arm and a leg"? Idk, all and all I thought this was really neat. The scares were also diverse and fresh. From basic jumpscares to camera work to the mannequin moving about to a simple chase through a basement, and a sort of boss-battle with the mom ghost. The walls shifting an doors opening and self locking, lights busting. It just really hit a lot of notes really well!
And why isn't the guy doing the talking the one who's in the house looking for this trinket!? He knows the way and where said trinket is. This game is excellent at portraying an eerie, creepy house!
Spoilers (don't read if you haven't watched the whole video) I don't think the first 4 stories really happened. I think all 4 were the stories in Frankie's novel. It's the only way that the 5th story makes any sense.
Yes you are right. Only the 5th and final story is real and the first 4 are scenarios Frankie the author is writing. There is no deaths and hauntings, only the mind of a delusional author who is struggling to make ends meet.
"Frankie, who the f*ck are you?" That was the biggest mystery of the 21st century for me right there! Stumbled on your channel and have been binging much of your content. Keep up the great work!
I really like that each scenario is just a failed manuscript of the MC. This is actually my second time watching a playthrough of this, and you can get little hints of the overall story in each story. I really hope that the endings are expanded when the game is fully released.
Frankie: "I feel like we need to go to the basement. Because...reasons...and stuff. All answers are waiting for you in the basement. We need to go down." Me: "I do believe that man is trying to kill you. Again."
Thank you for uploading...This cured my depression and sadness...I really appreciate and love your gameplays😘🥺🤧🙌🏾🤗...It always helps me to start off or end my day.
_When the painting changed after you take a photo of it, yeah i know this would be more scary_ *_I love it !!_* *There's so much twists in this game, i enjoyed this game, thank you for playing*
I like how cju takes all these jumpscares in stride. Id be like FUUUUUHHHK. Seriously though great game. I will be paying to get this one. Hopefully there will be some additions made to make it a little longer
I loved this, though I will say the ending kind of fell flat for me. It was akin to "it was all a dream", and I hate those kind of endings. Also, the choice between the two endings felt arbitrary, since nothing more happens after that.
Now THIS is how you do a looping game. Omg can’t believe I haven’t seen this before…. I mean it’s the same premise and same house… all part of one story… but opening up different parts of the house in the loop and adding new gameplay like stuff with the camera… I mean this felt fresh and new…. I’m so sick of the same old loops with little changes to the same hallways. They really did this SO well… and it’s an indie game.. of course the assets we could have seen somewhere else.. but it takes nothing away from the game and the scares. Honestly this game was such a blessing… and Frankie added so much humor and even more creepy moments and scares with his talking… I adored this game. I’m so sad they don’t make games for switch.
generally, i don't watch these. I put them on to sleep to. I am so glad I decided to watch this one, this was one of the best games I've seen in a long time.
Honestly this feels so complete. I adore this story so much. The commentary on creativity, following dreams, and choosing what's more important to you is wonderful. It hit hard because I did leave a career to pursue a dream, and things have been very rough these past years. As a non professional writer I also feel very identified with the protagonist! I also talk to my characters, and the process of scrapping entire sections and changing everything... It's such a fantastic game, really. I think it needs nothing else.
Oh my gosh, this is such a nice surprise! I'm posting a comment before watching the entire video because, tbh, I'm going to save 1/2 for tomorrow. Gotta have my #ChrisFix whenever possible. 🤣 Thanks so much for the upload! Hope you've begun enjoying some R&R.
Hi again! I wanted to post a separate, additional commnent to say how much I appreciate you and your channel, CJU. I just watched a playthrough of this same game on another channel (which I shall not name, but you can figure it out if you want, I'm sure). I am quite positive that I could not have appreciated this game so well had I watched that other playthrough first. I am inspired to take note all of the things you do right/well: 1. You don't rush through the game, and you look at stuff and notice details. 2. You explore off the beaten path and push the envelope, but not so far that you mess up the intended main flow of the game if it's clear that you're heading into a cul-de-sac, doing something out of order, or engaging in a "fruitless endeavour". 3. You give both the developers and the viewers a "fair shake" at the game, so that the devs get an honest view of their efforts' good and bad points, and the potential players get an honest view of their probable play experience (or a good chance at help if they're using it as a walkthrough). 4. You care about your viewers (we happy few ;-) ) and make a concerted effort to give us what we ask (like going back to get that grenade in SoH in an extra, for example, or showing us the post credit cutscene with the dog in Maid of Sker.) 5. You enjoy yourself (or seem to). Even in the bad games, you seem to have fun, and that makes 6. you very pleasant to virtually hang out with. Yes, the voice helps, and that you're clever at puzzles, and really good at running away in the right direction--- but honestly, you are simply the most enjoyable person to experience horror games with. I guess it's because you've found your niche. I also appreciate 7. the absence of aggressive monetization on the channel. And it's funny, because we are all so enthusiastic over the channel, that it's not that we _wouldn't_ shower you with cash and buy tons of merch, I suppose, but it is so heartwarming in some way that you don't even ask us to. Or stream. Or do most of those things to foster "growth" (which means ultimately more money). It''s just a lovely, friendly, Mom-and-Pop channel where we hang and play horror games over your virtual shoulder. Just wanted to say thanks, Chris. Your content sincerely brightens my days.
This game surprised me. every rewind is something new and special and oh my GOD it's amazing and I loved every part of it especially the fourth one with the demon ( just realized that they broke the fourth wall in the fourth try...huh interesting ) and your commentary on it is great, it feels like I'm with my friends or something
Sarcastic Voice: "You can follow simple instructions." When at house on hill CJU consistently keeps doing things except follow the voice's instructions. lol That's the CJU we've come to love watching.
I usually prefer cutscene movies of horror game without commentary, but after seeing your videos about Maid of Sker, I learned to appreciate the audio company. :)
Wow, this game is very impressive! I really loved this one. I'm having a hard time deciding which part I liked best. I think I liked the section with the camera best.
my daughter watched this (we are both subscribed) and told me i had to make time for it as well (finally got to do so today...this was good!) Thanks CJU
Thanks to you I have watched something cool in a rather gloomy morning! Very nice story, comrades done their best again ;) I liked that in this case the hero not only commited the crime but at least he got some good reasons...
This game looks really good actually! I am 5 minutes in and I can already feel I am here for the long haul! "Just incase his information is wrong and there is somebody here, I will stay hidden in the darkness, if possible." *proceeds to walk through every available light*
This was such a pleasant surprise of an experience. The game was such a fun rollercoaster. My favorite part has to be the second run through with the ghost of the mother. It was so adrenaline-inducing, with such a neat mechanic with the camera.
It's always so comforting to see a new CJUGames video uploaded. It lends the feeling of normalcy in the midst of all that's going on right now. Thank you for always being there for us in these trying times.
Finished watching. Honestly, I’ve watched enough horror game play through a from you alone that I’ve already seen this kind of scenario more than once. I can still appreciate that twist at the end, but it’s become a common enough twist that it feels like the twist the writers throw in to try and wow the audience on how much of a mind twister the story is. Feels cheap. On the upside, my appreciation for straight-up actual horror stories with actual ghosts and monsters has gone up and over these psychological psyche-outs.
This was SO GOOD!!!! That was one of the best games you've played this year! So well do. Completely filled with horror clichés yet unique in the storytelling. I absolutely loved it!
The way time would rewind was such an interesting part. I liked the camera section the best. Having things change after taking a picture was cool. Enjoy your vacation!
1:26:32 I’m pretty sure he’s not actually a thief… and the entire game is us playing what he’s writing. It’s pretty subtle how they introduce that imo like one of the last rewinding…he said something “the demon thing… is that a good ending?” However, he isn’t fully sure about the story and how it’s shaping up … so he’s still writing… and towards the end they start showing more and more about the “writer” and his story… why he’s doing what he’s doing… so the whole “house on the hill” and what’s happening inside of it never really happened… it’s all his book he is writing!!! Really incredible… I loved this…. Best psychological horror I’ve seen in forever
Allright, this game was pretty damn good! Actually scary and the atmosphere at times was pretty creepy too. Good use of sound effects, and honestly at first I thought the radio guy was a detriment since it was like having a companion and thus not so scary... Oh boy was I wrong, him freaking out over what was happening made me jump more than the visual jump scares :D
@CJUgames - My Guy, your Fitness journey is tearing you up, Great work! You're looking svelte AF. Always so nice to see people being their best self. B)
Well that was surprisingly good. Especially how it connects the rewinds although it is a bit of a cliche "the accident is not my fault" reasoning. However each section is long enough and different to draw attention away from that to give it more impact when the reveal comes.
That was amazing! Very, very well done! I was already enjoying the horror variant of "The Stanley Parables" vibe, and then they took it to a whole new level with the double fake-out. So is the final twist that not only is Frankie _literally_ your (not necessaarily always) friendly inner voice, but that you yourself are Frankie? Or are you the main character in the fabled book and this is all his very vivid writer's imagination? Which I suppose is the same thing, really, when you think about it. I love a story that hangs together (as you guys probably know), and this one did-- so well in fact that the minor subtitle errors didn't even bother me, and I actually hope that they don't "fix" 58:00 ; it was a cute horror game trope in-joke :-) . Even the re-use of the monster from Paranormal HK made sense if we're inside the mind of a writer who reads/watches competing media and is inspired by their ideas. Which you could kinda figure he did, from the whole "Fatal Frame" homage section. Frankie may be kind of a hack writer, but he hacks from the best ;-) . It was really refreshing for a change to have a game that seemed simple and clear-cut turn out to be twisty and tricksy, with red herrings a-poppin', while remaining 1) exciting, 2) creepy and alarming, with effective (but not cheap) jumpscares sprinkled in; 3) simple to follow yet interesting and engaging; 4) a bit funny (OK, that was mostly you, CJU, but there had to be room for it for you to exploit it), and most of all 5) surprising in the best way (instead of the nonsensical way that we so often see). I hope that the final final has some more satisfying payoff for the ending(s), and maybe more of them, but otherwise, they can stick a fork in it, cause it looks about done (and done well-- it looked great, the sound work was incredible, and the voice acting was just fabulous) to me! Thanks so much for playing and sharing, CJU!
Wow,I had blast watching this walkthrough.The tension and pacing are great and it managed to jumpscare me (which isn't hard to do,but combo of tension and scare in this game is simply awesome).Not to mention ideas And execution itself.Enjoyed it :)