Poppy Playtime review

Poppy Playtime is a first-person horror-puzzle adventure game developed by MOB Games Studio. The game has garnered a lot of hype throughout the community and for good reason. It introduces horrifying toys and a detailed hidden backstory surrounding the mystery behind the Playtime Co. factory. It uses the popular mascot horror trend used in many horror games but effectively brings chills to the players. With its approach to the game, this could easily be one of the most popular game series yet.

The first chapter of the game is available for PC on Steam. In the game, you play as a former employee at the factory and investigate the facility when you receive a letter that the missing employees from 10 years ago are still within the factory. The main clue to finding the staff is the search for the “flower.”

Poppy Playtime leaves a feeling of mystery throughout the game. There are no explanations immediately, and if there are, they are usually in VHS tapes. Within the VHS tapes, you collect the story throughout the game. Each VHS tape uncovers the hidden lore of the facility and the dangers presented within. I highly recommend checking out the game yourself, as the tapes are spoiler-heavy.

Within the danger of hiding away from toys is a toy of your own, the Grabpack. The Grabpack is similar to sticky hands and acts as an electrical conductor to power through the puzzles ahead. It can also grab small items and get to places that are far to reach. It is a unique feature and provides a new way for players to interact with the game, other than simply walking through the facility. As you bring power back into the facility, you discover the second hand needed to progress through the rest of the game.

Conclusion

Overall, Poppy Playtime is a great game that effectively uses its strong points to its advantage to bring fear into players. Instead of using jumpscares to create fear, it builds tension to spook the player. It creates an illusion of being safe when in reality, the danger is still lurking within. As this is the first chapter, it is relatively short, only ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the player.

Even with its short time frame, it packs an impressive punch into what's to come into future chapters. Poppy Playtime could easily be one of the best indie games released this year from its production quality and effective use of scares. It would be exciting to see what's in store for the next chapter.