Welcome to the Game II

These hide-and-seek games have gained some traction over the last years. It would be arguable that developers love them because of their minimalist mechanics - where you can gauge a lot of gameplay potential out of them. That whole notion usually would be a deterrence, but there have actually been some good games over the years. Welcome to the Game II follows the same style - but is it a similar substance?

One thing is always for sure in this industry. If someone made a popular indie game, you bet on other developers copying it. There's definitely an aura of similarity of Welcome to the Game II - that doesn't necessarily dictate that the game is not going to be fun, though. Let's welcome ourselves to this game.

Jump Scare or Die Trying

With every game of this newly-founded hide-and-seek genre, you can be sure of two things. It will scare the life out of you, and you won't be able to fight back against your enemies. That's probably the concept that got players interested, and it's how well delivered the mechanics are on Welcome to the Game II that made them stay.

The narrative of Welcome to the Game II follows an investigative reporter trying to save a woman from murder by hitmen. Your objectives are to enter the dark web and decrypt the woman's location solving intricate puzzles while avoiding the scouring enemies in your apartment complex. The idea is elementary - but the liberal approach to the game allows the developers to pump the gameplay with all sorts of things to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Players will spend most of their time on the 'dark web' attempting to solve reflex and cognitive puzzles. It's well-advised to be careful in what you're doing, however. If there are any mistakes, they can give away your location - where the hitmen will come and bash your brains in. Should you come across any hitmen, you'll have to use the resources around you to find a hiding place - getting a few jumps scares in the process.

The whole experience is remarkably exhilarating, really showcasing what games can do with so little. The visuals are amped up to create a terrifying environment - and the sounds work on every level to keep your heart beating. The sense of fear and urgency conveyed in Welcome to the Game II is fantastic. It's a simple concept brought to life by intense gameplay.

Light in the Darkness of the Web

Welcome to the Game II, as much of a nail-biter, is excellent. There will be plenty too afraid or nervous to play it - a notion that ultimately serves as its only flaw. Many players will be too terrified to progress - any mistakes and those horrifying hitmen will come after one. The whole experience of hiding is very anxiety-ridden - it becomes too much of an emotional rollercoaster to continue.

Pros:

• Very well designed hide-and-seek mechanics using relatable assets
• Basic narrative and visuals contribute to the horror aura
• Never a dull moment throughout the game

Cons:

• The levels of anxiety caused by this game may deter players