House, the indie horror game that captured the hearts of gamers a few years ago, is making a chilling return with its much-anticipated sequel, House 2, announced by Bark Bark Games. While the release date is still under wraps, fans can catch a glimpse of the eerie atmosphere through its trailer and even add it to their wishlist on Steam.
For those unacquainted with the original House, it’s a gem that diverges from the typical mascot horror games flooding the market today. These games are a hit among streamers and younger audiences, but House offers a deeper, more lore-intensive experience that might have slipped under your radar. To avoid any spoilers, let’s delve into what kind of fears and themes the game explores.
Imagine someone told you there was a high chance you’d face death within the next year. What would come to mind as the likely cause? A car accident? That’s a reasonable guess, given the global fatalities from road mishaps. What about cancer, specifically lung cancer caused by smoking? Annually, over eight million people succumb to this, including more than a million who are non-smokers but exposed to secondhand smoke.
When comparing these staggering numbers to fatalities from diseases like COVID-19, smoking emerges as a significantly deadly factor. But if you think you’re safe by avoiding driving and smoking, think again. Even your home, if it’s older, could harbor deadly asbestos. In the United States alone, asbestos exposure claims 1,290 lives each year. Although the EPA plans to phase out asbestos by 2037, that’s still ample time for exposure risks to linger unless strict measures are enforced.
Diet also plays a crucial role in health risks. The global obesity epidemic leads to millions of deaths annually due to associated illnesses. If your diet consists mainly of sugary treats, sodas, and processed meats, you’re treading a dangerous path towards obesity and related health issues. On the other hand, a balanced diet with organic foods enhances your chances of staying healthy.
There are countless ways one’s life can be cut short—ranging from natural causes to violent crimes. Take, for instance, the 48,000 gun-related deaths in America each year. The horrors within House echo these real-world fears, presenting players with various lethal scenarios.
In House, players navigate the perilous existence of the innocent heroine, Tabby, and her little sister. The game intertwines themes of domestic violence, sinister secrets within the walls, and deadly hazards lurking in every corner, from falling chandeliers to sinister plumbing accidents. Will Tabby and her sister manage to survive the malevolent forces in House 2 as they did in the original? Only time—and your gameplay—will tell.
The original House has been available for Windows PC since 2020 and will make its console debut in March 2024. Dive back into the spine-tingling world of House and prepare for the nightmares awaiting in House 2.
