Hypnospace Outlaw: The Most Authentic Internet Simulation Ever Made

Ever wanted to visit a bizarre alternate-reality version of the internet in 1999? First, that's a pretty specific goal but props to you for knowing what you want. Second, have I got the game for you!
HUGE Thanks to FB3 Network for helping fill in some footage for the video. Check them out here!: / @fb3network
Check out Hypnospace Outlaw here: store.steampow...
Wishlist DreamSettler!:
store.steampow...

[@jkdeadite]

This game rules. I spent hours taking my time with it, thinking I had seen as much as I could find. Then I got to the end and realized I had seen just over 50% of the pages! There's just so much extra content in this game, but it rarely feels like it's wasting your time. I'm so stoked for the sequel.

[@JustinKreule]

The level of quality on this video made me assume it had tens of thousands of views - was surprised to see this video/channel hadn’t been spread by the algorithm yet!

[@NeoBlueCD]

Haha thank you so much! Hopefully if I keep plucking away at it, the algorithm will like something eventually!

[@ryanwilliams7842]

I came here to say this too! The video is great and well edited. I hope to see this channel grow.

[@PerhapsDave]

Well the algorithm gave it to me a year late, great video!

[@pwe9488]

fun fact (spoilers bellow) you can actually save Zane from the mindcrash by getting him flagged in the first case w/ him and making him get warned and then when the mindcrash case starts you can go to his "got game or way lame" secret page and get him flagged once again and banned, which will get him off the hypnospace and most importantly will leave him alive after the mindcrash!

[@andrix7777]

SPOILERS - I THINK THIS IS ALSO NEEDED HERE BECAUSE THE "VIEW REPLY" BUTTON SOMETIMES DOESN'T SHOW UP you can also save Carl (burnrubber50) by banning him during the gooper revolution

[@JNJNRobin1337]

you can actually save a good amount of people, i dont remember how many though

[@Anastas1786]

The guide during Enforcer training pronounces HypnOS as "Hypno Ess". Also, the Dream Settler announcement really gets me, and not just because I love Hypnospace Outlaw. It's set in "an alternate-reality 2003"... but is it _just_ the alternate reality we're _familiar_ with, the one in which Hypnospace exists/existed? Or is it an alternate reality _of that_ alternate reality? What we read in the present day section of the Hypnospace Archival Project suggests that the Mindcrash (and general complaints of migraines and poor sleep) pretty much killed not only Merchantsoft and Hypnospace but also "sleeptime/dreamtime computing" _as a technology._ ... But the name "Dream Settler" implies that this 2003 sleeptime service is connected to *_Merchantsoft's_*_ regular, used-while-awake internet service, NetSettler._ If this is an "alternate-reality-squared", that raises a lot of interesting questions. Was there no Mindcrash? Was there no _Hypnospace,_ the '90s were (relatively) normal and _the early 2000s_ were the world's introduction to sleeptime computing? Did Merchantsoft just spin-off NetSettler into its own company after the Mindcrash so they could jump ship, let Merchantsoft and Hypnospace burn, and try to bring sleeptime back in a few years when things "cooled off"? ... Did the Dream Settler team _fix or minimize_ any of the sleep problems that the HAP will uncover in about 20 years, or are they still on the same hardware? And how does Hypnospace's old rival, CyberWorldZ, fit in? Are _they_ still around in any form, or did the Mindcrash still kill them, leaving Dream Settler with a natural monopoly on sleeptime internet? Sorry, I'm rambling. BWL.

[@NeoBlueCD]

I've been wondering that as well. From what I've seen from Jay Tholen, it seems implied that Hypnospace and Dream Settler are part of the "Hypnospace Universe" (Based off their press releases and announcements) I think either approach could be fascinating. A portrayal of sleep-time technology in a world without Hypnospace and the Mindcrash gives way to lots of possibilities that could be the foundation for this games "mystery/events" However, I think your guesses that Merchantsoft spun off NetSettler into it's own company could be very reasonable, especially since Adrian Merchant is very absent in the first title and may have attempted to jump ship from the bad press surrounding Merchantsoft/Hypnospace and frantically merged or hired a new team. Especially considering his very few interactions in HO show him as a pretty tech-unsavy greedy businessman. The fact that HAP hasn't existed yet during the time of Dream Settler is interesting as well, as it seems that they obviously will attempt to be more cautious on the second go-around, but still don't entirely understand what even caused the Mindcrash in the first place. (Dylan likely would've let Adrian believe that it truly was Tim and the Virus up until the HAP events) Thank you for the comment! I'm really looking forward to Dream Settler, and your theories have only excited me more

[@jaytholen934]

@@NeoBlueCD Sleeptime was 'killed' in that it never became mainstream or popular again - didn't stop companies from trying and lobbying to get it going again tho. :) Same timeline with a few returning characters tho.

[@NeoBlueCD]

@@jaytholen934 oooo awesome! I love that it's still within the same timeline, I can't wait to check out more of that world.

[@johnmickey5017]

The Switch port supports mouse and keyboard. It’s a great combo, especially if your dock is at a PC monitor. You get portability for casually plugging away, and can still get the full experience at a desktop.

[@arandompasserby7940]

What I especially love is how there's usually multiple ways to reach a goal. The twist you encountered with Dylan i had but in a completely different way - I was looking through different FLST profiles, thought "Hey, I wonder what files my boss has" and then realized what was on it. The game honestly solved the one thing that's plagued point-and-click adventure games since their inception: Having only one way to solve a problem, and it's solved using bizzaro logic you'd have never been able to figure out.

[@JFenixGG]

This game is so cool, you can penalize an elementary school teacher from the start

[@JediMasterYoda66]

Hypnospacre Outlaw is the first game I've played where I went out of my way to 100% and get all achievements for. I cannot wait to play Dreamsettler.

[@gabriel9116j]

God. I havent gotten so emotional over fake people before

[@Jack_Pepsi]

Incredible video. I hope one day you can delve into the side characters and stories because it feels like an absolute iceberg

[@NeoBlueCD]

I would love to! This was a lot more of a general scope, but I think it would be a lot of fun to do a more personalized theory/rundown on a lot of the side characters!

[@Egorator]

I'll just say again what was already said by others - this review was perfect. It's really apparent that you poured a lot of love and hard work into it, researched the game through and through, and even if the view count is low, those of us who did watch it surely enjoyed it a lot. Keep at it, you're doing amaizing stuff!

[@NeoBlueCD]

:') got me teary eyed in the club right now Thank you so much for the kind words, they mean so much

[@splatmaster2007]

I’ve been patiently waiting for the day when KZbinrs other than Vinesauce discover this game and start making some good videos on it. That day is finally here and life is now worth living.

[@NeoBlueCD]

I hope with Dreamsettler it picks up more steam! I'd love to do more theory/analysis type videos on this universe, but I'd be thrilled to watch more of them too haha

[@1ambad]

thank you for putting a spotlight on this gem of a game

[@DarthOlum]

so, they gave him permission to use the video. And the video was a success. I love happy endings.

[@inkerJ]

super underrated video. even on second playthroughs, the plot of hypnospace outlaw really hits hard with every revelation, really feels like you consistently uncovering something bigger and bigger

[@rustylasagna]

Being sick of social media as of recent, I decided to delve into a couple of BBS servers that are still up to try to capture some semblance of the old days of forum-hopping. The same thing happened with GameFAQs and it’s what you pointed out towards the end: it’s really strange being an outsider looking at old Usenet boards filled with messages from even ten years ago. In GameFAQs case, the uncomfortable amount of arguing and bigotry afoot make it awkward to even want to reply. So while it is fun going back to the past for a bit, I’ve found that it’s ultimately futile to capture what was once there. You end up feeling like the only person browsing old forums and pages, and eventually just shut down the webpage (or log out of the BBS in my case).

[@johnsmithy6354]

KoS Krew 4 lyfe

[@hilariousskullnamedcatzo647]

this game went from 1 to 100 unexpectedly

[@queenbean7071]

Was really suprised at the low viewcount, this is a really good review!

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate the kind words

[@bravestboi036]

I really enjoyed this! You certainly deserve more attention

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much!! I'm really glad to see that this is getting such positive reception :) Hopefully youtube will agree enough to push out some videos into the recommended feeds someday lol

[@enchantedmina]

BLUE this video was so good and so informative and omg?? I would’ve never thought this game would be so cool?? It was hella confusing at the beginning but I fell in love with it??

[@NeoBlueCD]

TY MINA!!! I'm really glad that you enjoyed it!!!

[@waterbears9874]

this video deserves far more views, the end of hypnospace still makes my eyes feel a bit XD

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much!! It's been my best performing video by far (The long hiatus probably helped there too lol)

[@beanieweenie1349]

Great video, Hypnospace is my all time favorite video game, the more people that discover the game the better!

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate it!

[@beanieweenie1349]

@@NeoBlueCD yeah totally, hey, but are you aware Hypnospace is getting a sequel!?

[@zacharonivevo]

How does this not have at least half a million views this fucking rocks wtf

[@NeoBlueCD]

you fuckin rock, thank you 🥹💙

[@jasonturney4798]

Hey just wanted to tell you I know this video didn't pick up but I really appreciate this video and hope you continue making videos and get some real attention for the effort you put in. Keep it up❤

[@NeoBlueCD]

That is incredibly touching

[@magicalZen]

Found this video while looking for Hypnospace mods. I've known a lot about Hypnospace before getting my hands on it, I knew what was going to happen yet I still felt nervous about it all. What I love about this game that not a lot of people point out is how easy it is to expand Hypnospace thanks to the Page Builder and Tune Sequencer, to the point that entire zones can be created if anyone wanted to, which is extremely darn cool, being able to create whole sites and add even way more to the world of Hypnospace. I am so excited to play Dream Settler and I really hope it has the same (or even more somehow) amount of personalization that HSO has. Excellent work here.'

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much for checking the video out!! I really haven't delved much into the fan-created content, but I'll absolutely check it out now while we're waiting for DS!

[@gingerdanny]

Wow, watched through this video thinking "How long ago was this made, this video is really good, probably has millions of views!" scrolled down, only 3000? Only April 2022? Holy sh&t! Keep doing what you're doing man, I hope the algorithm gives your sails some wind. This video is really really cool.

[@NeoBlueCD]

The algorithm picked it up more than my sub count, and my personal expectations ever could've predicted! It may not be some viral hit or anything, but I still am very happy with how it ended up. Thank you so so much for the kind words

[@dt3331]

If you're bored of waiting for dream settler you should play Slayer X it's a game made by Zane if he lives

[@NeoBlueCD]

I've tinkered with it a bit! It hasn't quite NABBED me yet like Hypnospace did, but I do think it's very interesting. I'll definitely check it out some more!

[@brymsd8895]

@@NeoBlueCD if you take a look at secrets and poke around a bit you can find some really cool lore about zane and stuff

[@polocatfan]

Something to note about the switch version. You can plug a keyboard and mouse into the dock and play it as if you were playing it on PC. I don't get why more devs don't support that.

[@NeoBlueCD]

That is super cool! There's not a TON of games that I could see that being necessary, but things like Hypnospace, Civilization, RTS games, etc. could really benefit from it.

[@chickenmanphil]

I bought this game years ago on the Switch and I still felt immersed, although it was on sale on Steam recently and now that I have a proper PC I bought it on Steam to play through it again with it being even more immersive.

[@johnmickey5017]

The Switch version supports mouse and keyboard. So you didn’t need to buy it again, but the dev team definitely deserves the second purchase.

[@ryanwilliams7842]

Good on ya man. Happy to see a small channel as the top search result for the game. I was wondering if it would be for me and happened to stumble across this video. Hope to see more videos from you that illicit the same feelings.

[@NeoBlueCD]

I absolutely love this comment, and have probably read it more times than is reasonable. I'm really glad my videos have resonated so much with you! I've struggled to find time to keep working on them for awhile, but I've got a couple near completion that I'd like to upload soon. Definitely trying to make time to be more consistent :)

[@mrfujiwara-JJ]

This game is a masterpiece and had me in my feels more than any other video game I've ever played.

[@DeadHandtheSurvivor]

So fun fact about the console versions, at least with the switch one. While they are very doable to play with a controller and even touch screen in switch's handheld mode, if your console has available USB ports and a usb mouse/keyboard hanging around you can plug them into your consoles and use them to play the game like the PC version. So you can still experiences the simulation the way it's meant to be played if you don't have a PC or you don't wanna use it for games.

[@richardkirkland6805]

HypnOS is pronounced "Hypno ess", as confirmed by the game itself.

[@CafeCreativeYT]

Convinced me to check it out and you deserve more views :)

[@duhrealeyethree]

Holy gods this video is underated, like honestly man I have listen to this 4 ish times and I'm still not bored, that's a haul mark of a great KZbinr and a great video. If you make any more content you'll be sure I'll watch it.

[@NeoBlueCD]

I've loved many chill content creators in my life and have always wanted to be someone who could create something that people enjoyed watching/listening to over and over again in the background, so this makes me super happy :')

[@duhrealeyethree]

@@NeoBlueCD you have have successfully done that on all fronts. When I'm at school I put this one and enjoy. Your chill and relaxed, and everything is just nice to listen to. Great job.

[@tivvy2vs21]

I watched Vinny play it when it came out so I'm spoiled so I'm gonna just play the sequel The alternate reality stuff reminds me of disco Elysium and how that game has tech that looks like stuff we had in the 70s but works completely differently

[@MinicFilip]

You've already heard it, but you deserve to hear it again - this video was top notch in every aspect. Thanks for making this!

[@localcryptic4425]

Amazing video, I love this game and eat up any videos about it. Enjoyed it a lot, would love more videos about this game and it's side characters!

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you!! I find myself thinking about this game and this video very often. I might go back and do a deeper dive into the story and characters if my time allows. I don't feel like i'm done making content on this yet :)

[@wizardly_]

great video! you and this game deserve more attention

[@MrPatrick69]

Man your videos just have such a good level of quality. I would have assumed you have atleast 200k subs or smthing but not only 500? Your content is amazing for your channel size and I am bamboozled that you haven't blown up yet.

[@questionablemotivegirl6054]

Dear god this video is incredible, and inspires me to make the content I want to see in the world, so thanks! :D

[@NeoBlueCD]

Wow thank you so much!! I really really appreciate that 😭I'm glad you liked it!

[@degenReflow]

An interesting fact about the switch port! It’s the only switch game out there to have mouse and keyboard support!

[@NeoBlueCD]

oh thats nifty actually! I've seen a handful of comments mention the support but I didn't realize it was the only game to implement it.

[@hasanabimybooboo4903]

this is the best video ive ever watched im looping it and using it as white noise to fall asleep to

[@NeoBlueCD]

haha okay i'll whisper so you can sleep good little fella :)

[@headlesshunter8435]

​@@NeoBlueCD this channel is gonna grow fast. I can feel it in my *bones* you're script writing is surprisingly good and you've already cracked the "just describe the game" challenge that so many (weirdly popular) VE channels make. plus the algorithm likes these for some reason. gj! good video

[@C3lticlord]

so excited for dreamsettler

[@jeffboy4231]

man do i want an internet sleep thing in real life (obviously without the bad stuff).

[@UmbraBorealis]

I did not expect a game of which I thought was some kind of silly parody meme game to actually make me cry. To this day just the music that plays at the end is enough to do it for me.

[@NJAXDTOWN]

This video is amazing man, keep it up!

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much!!

[@DanHoger]

Ending the video with Granny Cream's Hot Butter Ice Cream was perfect!

[@peanuttasty247]

An excellent video for an amazing game. Thank you.

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank YOU!

[@yatakaga]

Absolutely fantastic video! I agree, Hypnospace is such an underrated gem... How you described the story had it all coming back to me, haha. Heres to Dreamsettler! :D P.s. Hoping this video takes off in the algo, it was very good

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad I could do it some level of justice

[@roflwatanoob]

This was a great video. I hope to see you cover zanes shooter "Slayer X"

[@NibNibNib]

Criminally underrated video

[@NeoBlueCD]

[@radiobe4179]

Dude don't stop, you'll hit gold on YT

[@NeoBlueCD]

I really appreciate that! I'd love to start being more consistent on here, I just need to make myself dedicate more time to this hobby lol

[@radiobe4179]

You're a gifted writer! It's easy to sound like ChatGPT when reviewing a game. You sound like an experienced but laid back observant who goes on speaking facts about stuff we're both seeing. That's good ass writing.

[@billygreggory7899]

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet. But the switch version has Mouse support.

[@aliangel5007]

Amazing Video!

[@NeoBlueCD]

Thank you so much!!

[@AI-Creations-LLC]

I love the chowder man (Hot Dad). Favorite part of the whole game. Cant wait for the sequel m

[@phuqueyuii]

Best KZbinr

[@NeoBlueCD]

thank you!!

[@jeremybonner6259]

It is a travesty that you never mention The Chowder Man

[@jomol4598]

great video, i personally did not like how anti climactic the ending was, i would have liked another news report or something about what happened afterwards

[@headlesshunter8435]

as for what you could do better next time, I love the scripting, timing and all the editing was solid. but the gifs and the emojis. they lack the soul the rest of the video has. im sorry but I cant get it out of my head. I cant wait to see more!

[@NeoBlueCD]

I understand hahaha I was hoping that usually some old quality gifs and busted-looking emojis might be fitting to the vibe of hypnospace but I couldn't quite get them to perform exactly how I wanted them to. I very likely will not be trying that again (Maybe something else when I make a DreamSettler video someday??) Thank you for the feedback!

[@headlesshunter8435]

@@NeoBlueCD hmm. Idk how that would be done im not an editor, but, it could work I think! Timing would need to be really good for it to work though, and you might want to try and rip stuff from the actual game, poking around in the files or recording them manually them then cut them out but idk if thats possible. Seriously though keep trying out new stuff, serious potential here since your script writing eclipses half of video essay youtube.

[@mattymclaughlin5900]

Good vid

[@headlesshunter8435]

good video, enjoy the ego boost from the glowing comment section lol. but seriously, this was quality content 👌

[@NeoBlueCD]

Haha it definitely doesn't hurt! It's nice to know that there are people out there who enjoyed it, helps keep me motivated to make another :)

[@lopiklop]

0:00-0:04 Is that phrase in some sort of KZbinr's guidebook? I've heard that from countless KZbinrs countless times.

[@hasanabimybooboo4903]

i love you

[@pablomiranda7657]

Haha nice.

[@thealkymyst]

BEEF BRAIN IS REAL!

[@Joker22593]

Did you know you can plug a Mouse and Keyboard into your switch to play Hypnospace?

[@Joker22593]

Also, did you know you can save almost everyone?

[@Ballman404]

Balls 😊

[@TallTapper]

i like cars they're cute

[@droid142]

Idk why but I don’t know what the fuck to so

[@honey-chu]

hehe funny dream game go zzzz

[@NeoBlueCD]

catch me plugging my computer into my ears later B)

[@Islandswamp]

Slayers X is better 😊