My Friendly Neighborhood takes a familiar childhood concept—puppets teaching wholesome lessons—and flips it on its head. Developed by DreadXP and John & Evan Szymanski, this indie survival-horror title blends nostalgic charm with tense, unpredictable encounters in a way that’s both hilarious and unsettling.
A Neighborhood Full of Creepy Charm
The game places you in the shoes of Gordon, a maintenance worker sent to a defunct children’s TV studio. The once-beloved puppet cast has come back to life, roaming the halls of the abandoned set. Instead of teaching ABCs, they’re aggressively “educating” you about friendship and morality—whether you want the lesson or not.
The setting is brilliantly designed. Brightly colored sets and friendly backdrops contrast sharply with the creepy puppet behavior, making every encounter feel absurd and tense at the same time. It’s this strange mix of cozy and creepy that sets the tone for the entire experience.
Gameplay: Sesame Street Meets Survival Horror
My Friendly Neighborhood is less about traditional combat and more about resourceful problem-solving. Instead of guns, you wield unusual, puppet-appropriate weapons—like letter-firing typewriters and duct tape to immobilize your foes. The design cleverly avoids gore while maintaining high-stakes tension.
The puppet enemies are memorable for their personality as much as their looks. Each has distinct voices, catchphrases, and comedic quirks, but make no mistake—they’re relentless. You’ll have to carefully manage your supplies and think creatively to navigate the studio’s maze-like sets.
Puzzles play a big role, and they’re a highlight of the game. Finding keys, solving quirky riddles, and managing limited resources make exploration rewarding and tense. Fans of Resident Evil will appreciate the old-school survival-horror mechanics, but the humor and puppet-themed antics give the game its unique identity.
Audio and Atmosphere
A huge part of the game’s unsettling tone comes from its sound design. The puppets never shut up, delivering a constant stream of cheerful yet slightly deranged commentary. Their sing-song voices echo down the hallways, making you question whether you should laugh or run. The music leans into retro children’s TV jingles, which become eerier the longer you play.
What Makes It Stand Out?
Unlike many horror games that rely on cheap jump scares or grim realism, My Friendly Neighborhood thrives on its clever mix of humor and tension. The puppets are absurdly charming, yet unpredictable. It’s scary without being gory, making it a great pick for players who want a horror experience without excessive blood or brutality.
The writing also deserves praise. The puppets have surprisingly deep and funny dialogue, and the satire of old-school kids’ programming lands perfectly. It’s a game that’s aware of its weirdness and fully embraces it.
Verdict: Should You Visit the Neighborhood?
My Friendly Neighborhood is an inventive indie horror experience that’s as fun to watch as it is to play. Whether you’re a horror fan looking for something fresh or just someone who loves oddball humor with a spooky twist, this game delivers. It’s quirky, charming, and deeply unsettling—all at once.
Final Score: 8.5/10 — A hilarious and creepy trip down memory lane that proves puppets are way scarier than zombies.