Hello Neighbor 2 vs. Hello Neighbor 3

Hello Neighbour 3 is an upcoming launch, meaning the Hello Neighbors series is set to expand and evolve. The third installment was largely unexpected. Many fans expected more patch updates for Hello Neighbor 2, which is still rough around the edges. However, the developers seem to have abandoned the sequel, opting to take the next step in the series’ evolution. Undoubtedly, the sequel’s shortcomings have been instrumental in the decision to create Hello Neighbor 3. So, how will the third installment be similar to or different from the sequel, and will it be better? Here is a comprehensive comparison of Hello Neighbor 2 vs. Hello Neighbor 3. 

What is Hello Neighbor 2?

Hello Neighbor 2 is a first-person stealth horror game. It is a sequel to the first Hello Neighbor game and picks up where the original game ended. The game employs the same gameplay mechanics as the original, including stealth exploration and puzzle solving. 

This game features several notable improvements over the original. Most notably, it features an open world with more houses to explore and neighbors to investigate. Moreover, it features better graphics and sharper visuals. The puzzles are also more creative and enjoyable. In addition, you have more tools to work with as you explore and investigate. 

However, the game also suffers a few shortcomings. Most notably, the plot doesn’t seem well thought out, and the narrative disconnect is evident throughout the game. Interestingly, the story doesn’t have an ending and leaves many questions unanswered. Moreover, the controls are sloppy, making performing actions like picking and throwing items frustrating. Ultimately, the game suffers from overall poor execution. 

What is Hello Neighbor 3?

Hello Neighbor 3 is an adventure-horror game and has been described as cozy but eerie. It is currently under active development and was recently announced at the end of the animated series’ season 2 finale. It will be the third installment in the Hello Neighbor series. 

While Hello Neighbor 3 is still in active development, the official announcement included enough details to paint a clear picture of what to expect. Notably, it will be based on the original game’s overall concept and gameplay mechanics. It will even be set in the same town and based on the same open-world design as Hello Neighbor 2. 

In addition to the similarities with the first and second games, Hello Neighbor 3 will feature a few improvements. It will be designed as a sandbox adventure simulated in real time. Moreover, there will be more characters with richer personalities and more involvement in the goings-on. Most notably, you can make diverse decisions when working towards dynamic objectives. 

Story

Notably, the story in Hello Neighbor 2 is a continuation of the original game’s story. You are Quentin, an investigative journalist investigating cases of missing children in Raven Brooks. Someone you know, Mr. Peterson, is kidnapping children, and you must break into his house and several other houses to find damning evidence against him. Interestingly, this is not your first encounter with the kidnapper. You are the same person who investigated him in the original game, but several years have passed, and you are all grown up. Moreover, you ended up as one of his victims, and you still struggle with PTSD from the ordeal. As such, you have a personal interest in solving the disappearances and uncovering Mr. Peterson as the kidnapper. Notably, the story in this game doesn’t have a definite ending. 

The story in Hello Neighbor 3 is closely similar to the first two games’ stories, though with a few twists and turns. You arrive at Raven Brooks as a stranger without connections to the small town. You find the town half-abandoned, with half of the houses uninhabited. Moreover, the remaining residents have varying desires, relations, and goals, which can be good or bad. Everyone is weary of the new guy, and everything you do will affect the town and alter the course of events. 

Character

The protagonist in Hello Neighbor 2 is the same main player in the original game. However, he is all grown up, with several years having passed. Moreover, he now works as an investigative journalist. Mr. Peterson, the kidnapper in the original game, is also the main antagonist in the sequel. The game also features other characters. 

The protagonist in Hello Neighbor 3 is a newcomer to the town. The game also features various other familiar characters from the previous games, including Mr. Peterson. Other characters will include Jacob and Iris. It will also feature several bizarre characters, including Signed (with a road sign for a head) and Coned (with a cone for a head). 

Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics in Hello Neighbor 2 are based on the original game’s mechanics, which entail stealth exploration and solving puzzles. You must be stealthy when breaking into houses and snooping around to avoid getting caught. Interestingly, you can hide in closets and behind objects if you arouse suspicion. You must also solve puzzles to proceed through some stages and achieve your objectives. The puzzles are creative and can be difficult to solve. 

Hello Neighbor 3 will incorporate the first two games’ gameplay mechanics, including stealth exploration and puzzle solving. Moreover, it will introduce several new exciting gameplay features built on Unreal Engine 5.  First, the town will be a sandbox, meaning you can craft items and manipulate certain aspects of the environment to suit your needs. Moreover, you can make multiple decisions as you try to achieve your objectives, and every decision is right. Additionally, it is simulated in real-time, meaning that your choices have immediate and dynamic effects on the residents and unfolding events. 

Verdict

Hello Neighbor 3 will hopefully be a better and improved version of the first two games. It will retain the series’ core concept and gameplay mechanics while introducing new gameplay features and an evolving story. Built on Unreal Engine 5, it will feature better gameplay mechanics and sharper visuals. 

So, what’s your take on our comparison of Hello Neighbor 2 vs. Hello Neighbor 3? Let us know on our socials here or in the comments below.