Well, here we are, Chapter 5 of Poppy Playtime! Created by the team over at Mob Entertainment, this game is on its 5th DLC with no slowing down in sight!

Having played most of the other chapters, I went into this experience with already a bunch of excitement, and it didn’t disappoint.

You, of course, still play as “The player”, a former employee of the company, Playtime Co.

And in true horror fashion, you start off this chapter already in extreme danger, being chased by Huggy (that’s the big blue guy); the fear already sinks in from the get-go. Using the chase as a quick way to teach you basic controls, it sets the mood that you are not safe.

Chapter 5 has a lot to unpack. Mob Entertainment has spent some time refining what works and what doesn’t in Chapter 5.

Dark corners and grimy toys fill this world, where falling debris, broken windows and a big bad called “the prototype” are just some of the things to look out for, although for the most part, solving puzzles will be the main focus.

With your trusty flashlight to see the way and scare off little critters, UV light to reveal hidden clues/codes and a grab pack for all your handy needs, they are at your disposal. You’ll have to solve each puzzle to progress to the next area.

Poppy Playtime is an expansive world that builds on itself with each game, and the development team has done an excellent job of providing a compelling story.

I am never truly disappointed with Poppy Playtime’s graphics. The grunge and dirty fit well with an abandoned factory, dark vents, and caved-in hallways; mixed with loveable but freaky toys, it all sets the mood for a truly nightmarish situation, mostly set inside a child’s room.

Unlike most horror games using an ear-breaking scratch to scare you, I find myself really enjoying the level I got when it came to either being chased by Huggy or being on a timer to solve a clue. The voice acting also caught my attention. The spookiness that set in with the prototype really sank in with how distorted and menacing it sounded.

As much as I love the series, it doesn’t come without a few flaws; the unique puzzles and story are what we come to expect, but is this just rinse and repeat? The formula lacks true horror; it has many highly predictable moments and repetitive tasks, to say the least. Pair this with a game that feels a bit short, and it leaves you wanting more.

Cutting to the chase: Poppy Playtime is something most of us enjoy, and chapter 5 won’t disappoint. We could dissect each detail of a game and find something we don’t like. But the truth is, the game is solid if you enjoy the series, and I would recommend giving it a go.

Written by: Matiyus