Haunting Ground

1. Xenobeagle

   Jun 6, 2016

   10

   Oh Haunting Ground, what can I say! I went into this game thinking, "Oh reviews say this is a resident evil clone, I'll give it a shot". WhatOh Haunting Ground, what can I say! I went into this game thinking, "Oh reviews say this is a resident evil clone, I'll give it a shot". What I got from Haunting Ground was one of the greatest horror's ever made.
   
   A spiritual successor to the Clock Tower franchise, Haunting Ground features the protagonist Fiona Belli and a killer (actually multiple killers the further you get) constantly running after her, and with little to nothing to defend herself with. Fiona must hide and solve puzzles to progress through the Belli Castle. There are virtually no load times and you can leave every room open to form a trail (a trail which tells you where you have and have not been yet). The creators were intelligent enough to realize by doing this a whole new dynamic could be added as the killer will go through rooms and close the door behind him/her to prevent your escape and search the room. My favorite killer was the Maid who one minute will be intent on killing you then suddenly appear in the next room and be cleaning and completely proper with you.
   
   Sounds fairly innovative already right? Well there is this dog names "Hewie" which changes everything. The dog's AI is insanely well done with him playing differently depending on how you interact with him and do pre-set commands such as "Go, Stay, Praise, and Scold". Hewie is needed to solve certain puzzles, and can assist you in combat as well. You can get Hewie to obey you efficiently by communicating with him often and occasionally throwing a ball around for him (once you receive it) and giving him praise whenever he performs tasks correctly. Also upon beating the game you can select from different breeds of dog which will change the personality as well as the dogs health, and speed.
   
   Some interesting survival skills Fiona has are her intuitions (thoughts which occur when Fiona interacts with a potentially useful item) and "Alchemy". The intuitions would be displayed when pausing and give subtle hints which never broke immersion (and in fact added to the immersion of the overall experience). Alchemy allowed you to make weapons out of different ingredients to assist in your survival. When bringing down a killer they will drop an item similar to the way Nemesis does in RE3.
   
   The game has an awesome amount of content, from unlockable costumes, movie gallery, art gallery, multiple endings and even the ability to play as the dog. Upon beating the game two times, Hewie's intuitions will be displayed instead of Fiona's. The intuition change caught me completely by surprise and had me amazed at just how much content was fit into Haunting Ground.
   
   The game is fairly expensive now, but regardless, if you ever get the chance or have the funds (and an insatiable love for horror and macabre) buy this game, there is absolutely no way you could be left disappointed.… Expand

   • 1 of 2 users found this helpful
2. Benley

   Apr 19, 2020

   10

   Still the best horror game to this day and so sought after. They really need to re release it to lower the price and generate profits,Still the best horror game to this day and so sought after. They really need to re release it to lower the price and generate profits, otherwise people are paying 300+ dollars for a USED COPY. This and Clock Tower 3 are my go-to PS2 games!… Expand

   • 1 of 2 users found this helpful
4. GamesFirst

   Mar 18, 2023

   10

   Haunting Ground is a true masterpiece and with unique elements that any Survival Horror fan will love. Its plot, gameplay, atmosphere,Haunting Ground is a true masterpiece and with unique elements that any Survival Horror fan will love. Its plot, gameplay, atmosphere, soundtracks, settings, characters, puzzles, chasers, graphics, replay value and extra modes are delightful. Hewie is the best dog in video game history and the whole experience is top notch. An intriguing and mysterious game, full of secrets and ahead of its time, which unfortunately was underestimated due to lack of efficient marketing and which should have another chance, perhaps with a remaster or even a remake. It's a must play!… Expand

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
5. LisaM.

   Sep 8, 2007

   9

   My fav game. Love the graphics, the caracters and puzzles. Could have been a bit more scarier and longer gameplay.

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
6. Soullex

   Nov 30, 2022

   8

   Keşke PC'ye falan tekrar gelse de tekrar oynasak...........................

   • 1 of 1 users found this helpful
7. Julian

   May 16, 2005

   8

   This game is pretty much what Clock Tower 3 should have been. The enemy is much smarter and there's more scare factor.

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
8. thadeara

   Dec 7, 2022

   4

   As JW says, for a game (or any other piece of media/fiction/art) to keep the player interested, there should've been some (sense of)As JW says, for a game (or any other piece of media/fiction/art) to keep the player interested, there should've been some (sense of) reward(ing) after long, stressful (like it happens in horror a lot) or/and difficult sequences, and this game doesn't have much of it at all. I'm going to be honest, and say that I didn't completely finish it (I got in a looping sequence right at the end and gave up), but there definitely was no real sense of reward for me in surviving or escaping the enemies. The story is not that good, nor is it explained in any sort of meaningful way. The main character is flat as a sheet of paper, and all the other characters (but the dog) are just very "insane" and abusive. It is a disturbing sort of game that supposedly wants to question the players' perspective while watching the main character being constantly hUnted as a sexual object...a minor sexual object. Anyway, as a woman, I don't need a game like this to tell me what my experiences and fears are. It just feels like those movies where women are gangraped...so the women can take revenge on the men after. Something that does not make a difference to the earlier violation itself. Hewie is alright...until he decides he doesn't want to help anymore.… Expand

   • 1 of 2 users found this helpful

See all 28 User Reviews