Back in my high school days, I was a massive Nintendo GameCube fan. I delved into the realm of obscure games that utilized features that often went unnoticed. Among the treasures my brother and I cherished were four Gameboy Advance units, four connector cables, and an abundance of Wavebirds controllers. These components weren’t just accessories; they were integral to our gaming adventures, setting the stage for memorable experiences. One such gem was a GameCube title called Pac-Man VS., a four-player Pac-Man extravaganza exclusive to the system. In this unique game, three players controlled ghosts on individual GBA screens while the fourth player assumed the role of Pac-Man on the TV. These nostalgic vibes flooded back to me when I tried out Hyde’s Haunt & Seek at PAX East, a delightful blend of Pac-Man VS. with a hint of Luigi’s Mansion thrown into the mix.
Hyde’s Haunt & Seek is a captivating 3v1 asymmetrical party game. During my time at PAX East, I had the pleasure of chatting with Morgen Stern, the narrative/visual director and marketing lead at Smol Games, the brilliant minds behind this title. As she walked me through the demo, I assumed the role of the Seeker.
Three players take on the roles of ghosts, tasked with hiding keepsakes from the Seeker while haunting their every move. Haunting the Seeker causes them to drop Fear Energy, a crucial resource in the end game. The perspective for the three ghost players utilizes a top-down point of view. The Seeker, on the other hand, navigates the eerie surroundings in first person, armed only with a trusty flashlight. This versatile tool not only illuminates the darkness but also reveals clues, such as arrows and symbols, guiding the Seeker toward ghosts and stolen keepsakes. As I explored, I encountered peculiar occurrences, like furniture shifting mysteriously across the room. Interacting with these objects revealed the ghosts lurking within, allowing me to unleash a burst of light to weaken them. However, timing was key; the window of opportunity to harm the ghosts was fleeting. This all leads to the end game at which point all players are confined to one room. The ghosts are trying to avoid the Seeker while arranging the furniture to perform a ritual. The Seeker’s sole objective is to thwart the ghosts’ paranormal antics with their flashlight, trying their best to be a thorn in the ghosts’ spooky sides.
My experience with Hyde’s Haunt & Seek was nothing short of exhilarating. I had tons of fun with this title. Initially drawn in by its captivating trailer, I was eager to experience it firsthand at PAX East. True to my intuition, the game exceeded my expectations. With its impending release on Early Access on Steam later this year, Hyde’s Haunt & Seek is undoubtedly a title worth keeping an eye on.
