With the amount of home invasion films that there is, I would expect there to be a lot of games as well, but there’s a surprising lack of them. When it comes to Intruders: Hide and Seek though, not only is it a home invasion game, but it’s also a home invasion game that supports VR, which makes it even more of a chilling experience.
When 13-year-old Ben and his family head off to their holiday retreat, little do they know that they are heading for the scariest night of their lives. Beginning with a storm, things take a turn for the worse when Ben and his sister Irene witness their parents being approached by three intruders and then tied up in the cellar of the retreat. Leaving his chronically ill sister safe in the panic room, it’s then up to you as Ben to try and get him and his family out of this predicament, with only a torch, a radio to keep in contact with Irene, and his wits to help him.
While such a terrifying scenario of ordinary domestic life being turned on its head could have done with voice work that is a lot more convincing, Intruder’s story is still one of its strongest points, with some outstanding final moments making for a memorable and shocking wrap up.
There’s a more than decent game here as well though. Intruders is described as a psychological horror game, and I have no issues with this description, although it is chiefly a stealth game, which has you steering clear and hiding from the trio of invaders. To do so you must avoid their line of sight, and also hide away in cupboards and whatnot when the situation calls for it. Even though it’s rather silly and contrived that the intruders are always patrolling around places that you need to be, it’s certainly a chilling game when you see the distinct invaders skulking around in the dark with torches in hand, as you try your best to avoid them.
The luxury holiday retreat that the game takes place in is also very well designed and, thanks to the brevity of the game, makes for a decent sized playing area. As you often find yourself having to explore certain parts of the house in order to find objects to advance the story, the game also makes good use of the space, and there’s also multiple routes to get to certain places.
It’s such an atmospheric and memorable experience while it lasts, that it’s just a shame that it has to end so soon. I completed the game in one sitting and it took me three or four hours to do so, although more positively the game doesn’t outstay its welcome, particularly as its mechanics and playing area are pretty limited if it had been expanded further.
Intruders: Hide and Seek may be too short for its own good and has voice acting that leaves a lot to be desired, but it’s still a treat while it lasts. The playing environment is well crafted and all the stealthy and panicky gameplay is also nicely done, particularly in VR, and there’s even a nicely put together story. It’s just a shame that there isn’t more of everything, as this is one intrusion that is over all too soon.
