Hello Neighbor 2 (Xbox One / Series X|S)

In the first game, you were a child, trying to get into Mr Peterson’s (your eponymous neighbour) house to find out the truth about his long-missing child, the well-guarded house and the definitely creepier than usual basement. That game took the form of several chapter, each of which had to be solved before you could access the next map are and arc of the story.

In this edition, you are intrepid investigative reporter Quentin who wants answers as to exactly why the town of Raven Brooks has fallen prey to a spate of mysterious disappearances. And, once again, the game’s attention focuses on Mr Peterson’s now derelict house – which might not be quite as abandoned as it seems to be…

Unlike the chapter-based first game, the city is open-world and you can explore as you like, taking quests in any order you like once they are unlocked. And Mr Peterson isn’t the only dodgy neighbour this time: several of them have booby-trapped homes that they dare you, double-dare-you to try and sneak into!

However, Quentin’s quest for the truth has only raised more questions: who is the mysterious shadowman seen in Mr Peterson’s house? Is that NCP a friend who will guide you on the right path or a villain who has nefarious intentions? And why do so many people in this town have something to hide?

The Nitty Gritty

There were some glitchy issues with the first game that dampened enthusiasm for the game: the developers have sorted these out, and the game plays well, graphics changing smoothly and movements feeling comfortable and intuitive. The developers have made a strong point of staying on top of any problems as fast as they occur, making for a happy fan base and great game-playing experience.

Other changes from the first game include seemingly small tweaks such as being able to open windows in this game (rather than simply finding them open as in the first game), and you have a range of break-in tools to help you out. Or help you in, rather!

These include grappling hooks, ropes and even fire extinguishers all of which can be used in inventive ways to help you in your task. Non-playing characters (NCPs) benefit from a mix of advanced AI and clever data gathering to use the responses and actions of all players to improve their interactions.

You can slow down ‘enemy’ characters by changing their status – for example if they are wet, cold or muddy, they will endeavour to resolve this before getting back to the chase, so pushing an NCP into a puddle is a useful get-out in tricky situations, or where you need a few minutes to think undisturbed.

Interestingly, the more time the game is played for, the more efficiently the AI will learn from the data and players’ choices.

All the Neighbor Games

The quirky town of Ravens Brook is home to the following games:

Hello Neighbor

Hello Neighbor: Hide and Seek

Secret Neighbour

Hello Engineer

As well as these, this game will be followed up with an animated series, which is currently in work. There are also books, comics and a thriving fan base, in case you are coming late to the Hello Neighbor party.