My Friendly Neighborhood - The Story and Endings Explained

[@silverbullet7691]

This game is a real breath of fresh air. No experimentations or cults or black magic. It’s a heartfelt story where the puppets really are the victims and a cautionary tale of how media can influence

[@jackwastakenx2]

Hahaha *felt* (sorry.)

[@Lumberjack_king]

Yeah

[@Choujifangirl]

It also shows that big media corporations sometimes can be the devil incarnate but then again every story needs a bad guy right

[@CYNical332]

​@@jackwastakenx2bro why did I actually laugh 💀

[@CeliMe007]

I'm really glad it didn't go down the children put in the blender route. This and tattletale are awesome for that.

[@oishi_sammich4542]

I just realized that Pearl, Ray, and the dog behave differently depending on the ending. In the neutral ending Pearl is tapping the wall, the dog is growling, and Ray is bashing his work table. In the good ending Pearl is happily talking to Ricky, the dog is panting happily, and Ray is being gentle with his work. A lovely little detail in how comforting the puppets affects them in the long run.

[@happybarby598]

Yeah I saw that too. I think Gordon also sounds happier in the good ending compared to the neutral ending

[@voiddoesntexist]

also, pearl has no eyes in the neutral ending!

[@irionuchiha3823]

@@voiddoesntexist that's why she's tapping the wall...

[@thomaspalazzolo5902]

It is so refreshing that the puppets aren't haunted or demons, but just childlike naive creatures who had the puppet equivalent of nervous breakdowns being exposed to violent and isolationist themes of war, greed, cruelty, etc. Especially how Gordon, likely a vet himself, recognizes this so never is outright cruel to the puppets, and even empathizes with some of them, resulting in a happier outcome for both the puppets and Gordon.

[@Cubeytheawesome]

Yeah. It shows that horror can change a lot when you change one of the usual tropes.

[@badpiggies24]

I agree with you This the game is awesome

[@JesterPrince]

There's heart medallion on his car and overall dislike on the topic of war + hardened personality would very much hint at him being a vet. Biggest being his convo with Ricky in the park(?)

[@badpiggies24]

@@JesterPrince Yeah, that 1 was pretty crazy.

[@un1xify]

If I knew this prior to watching these videos, I would have bought the game. Cause you're right, it is great to not see "demons" or "ghosts".

[@annacaligan8352]

I swear this game feels like a horror game for kids. There's no swearing, blood, gore, and it doesn't get too dark. This is just a straight up fascinating and really nice game with a sweet story and I like it.

[@star-rock6466]

at this point, I feel like calling a horror game a "horror game for kids" is more of an insult than a compliment

[@tarotsushima3332]

I wouldn't say 'Horror game for kids' as this brings to mind cash grabs like Poppy Playtime or Garten of Banban, but more the game equivalent of family movies. The framing's kid friendly but the message of being kind and empathetic in a cruel and pessimistic world can apply to anyone.

[@annacaligan8352]

@@tarotsushima3332 Hmm... You're right, that does make more sense.

[@wildberrycrush3901]

​​​​​@@tarotsushima3332That feels a bit unfair. Kid's 'horror' games exist outside of the recent mascot horror genre. There's gems like Luigi's Mansion, for example.

[@natu01]

​@@tarotsushima3332 comparing poppy playtime to garden of banban interms of quality is wildly unfair

[@spartalina9324]

It’s nice to see a horror game that changes its plot of evil deeds. Simply having the puppets go mad when they see horrible content, makes more sense than they turn out to be people souls inside of that want out or having dark magic corrupt them.

[@blackbear7966]

I’m gonna be honest here When I first saw the gobblette scene I thought the puppets used to be soldiers in the war

[@Cubeytheawesome]

Yeah, they’re just like me.

[@MattAttack911]

Agree

[@thedraftingax5963]

Agreed

[@mayhem_mars]

@@blackbear7966 Same

[@ryebreadthebread]

I really love how this isn’t just another “good character turned evil” type story, they’re just confused and scared and lonely, just like an abandoned child would be

[@zacg8975]

That's true

[@marcusaaronliaogo9158]

The puppets being a normal part of the world feels refreshing after the amount of “children souls” origins.

[@kingkoopa64]

Yeah. We don't question "why the muppets are alive", we accept that there are alive

[@marcusaaronliaogo9158]

Also they seem to work like robot masters from mega man as they seem to have high intelligence but are still stuck to what purpose they were supposed to do. Like entertaining children.

[@kingkoopa64]

@marcusaaronliaogo9158 war can be violent, even to the people far away from it

[@smiththeinspiringanimator7042]

One question that has been bothering me since I've watched the final video of Super horror Bros playthrough of my friendly neighborhood,What happened to the puppets at stage 6 and where they also put onto the show if this game ever get the sequel which I hope it does will they become the new main antagonist.

[@kingkoopa64]

@@smiththeinspiringanimator7042 that. I think it's best we don't know cruel, violent, twisted,dark area that place may be

[@dinoboiis8147]

I like that the game isn’t violent or super dark and actually has a message within. Not just a simple ooga booga spooky game

[@cmanhanks1]

to be fair gameplay wise it still pretty unnerving......

[@Unknown_13404]

​@@cmanhanks1The Unfriendly Neighborhood was the creepiest, Hearing the bosses sounds were disturbing

[@kagemushashien8394]

@@Unknown_13404 But the boss music slaps your head.

[@epikjoe4189]

In my opinion, **this** is what mascot “horror” be, since it’s mostly for children you could make a fun game, is slightly creepy with a great message!

[@Whatisthisgremlin]

The moment between Ray and Gordon will forever be the most wholesome moment in that game. Prove me wrong

[@SandJosieph]

Gordon pets the puppet dogs.

[@joshgtm3266]

It's Gordon leading friendly neighborhood for me. He feels so hopeful that he stays and helps give everyone hope

[@rahatmiah4294]

@@SandJosieph Me too

[@22Tesla]

Any moment with Gordon and the puppets is sweet. I loved his little bit with Pearl upon giving her her eyes, and the dogs were precious too!

[@Wizkid_Utopia]

Gordan and Goblet was the most wholesome moment, imo.

[@ErisIsAnAbomination]

As much as people claim that “kids horror” is inherently watered-down and bad, this one really feels like a horror game for kids done RIGHT. The content is nowhere near as graphic as other mascot horror games and there isn’t any graphic violence or swearing, but the game’s content is still engaging and the overall message of following the light and changing the world through positivity is a message I could see resonating a lot with a child audience. MFN is proof that you don’t need to sell out or sacrifice quality in order to make a child-friendly horror game, and I’d love to see more media working with this!

[@silverpslm]

Agreed. Reminds me of classic kids movies. There was always a hint of fear, addressing that there is always something that scares you. But it always pushed you to face it and do the right thing. A lesson of having a good heart was always taught, even in the scariest of places.

[@newageprometheus]

I wouldn't have expected this game to be as sad/tragic as it is. Compared to its counterparts like Poppy Playtime, FNAF, or BATIM, this one feels less scary and more heartbreaking.

[@MattAttack911]

It really dose mirror our own reality. 😢

[@star-rock6466]

poppy playtime, fnaf, and batim are heartbreaking too, if you think about it a little more, scarier, for sure, but still sad FNAF has dead kids who were trapped for years inside mascots and simply couldn't move on until they killed their killers poppy playtime has orphans being turned into toys, and it probably gets worse in the lastest chapters with stuffs like the daycare BATIM is full of tormented souls trapped in a timeloop in a world with monsters

[@berandom2000]

⁠@@star-rock6466Mean while MFN has puppets who are like children but not actual children. These puppets has become directionless but not unruly.

[@sixteenthbluemoon7606]

Heartbreak can be a kind of horror itself imo, like having to experience something that makes you lose hope and despair outside of the usual scares and wacky woohoo experimentation and have it just be the woes of living in a broken world also does well for it. To lose that glint in your eyes, to lose that warm feeling in your heart, whatever goodwill you have for other people is pretty scary in and of itself.

[@MattAttack911]

@@sixteenthbluemoon7606 I guess your right ✅. It just dosen't make any sense, nothing can just be alive without some reason, right?

[@topaz4692]

I love how hopeful the game is, we don’t have some dark story about children being used for gain, or some poor soul wanting out of a living hell, instead we have these puppets, they saw the worst of humanity and it made them just as jaded as their human counterparts, the story is so sad yet it has such a hopeful outlook for the future, this game just like the fictional puppet show managed to let in the light in this dark age

[@werh227]

Right??? The whole light in the darkness bit is so much more poignant in this sense.

[@sbujdaszmovies6715]

This game is family-friendly, comedic and no more SOULS OF CHILDREN

[@VulpisFoxfire]

Not to mention that for most of the game, they aren't actually attacking you, they just being overly enthusastic kids. And your method of taking them down is (apparently, at least) non-lethal.

[@mewtwohunter9715]

honestly the only thing i was kind of disappointed at watching this game it’s that we didn’t get to see even a full minute of the unfriendly neighborhood before we run into a boss

[@flamingfox127]

Yeah that makes sense, it'd be a good opportunity for a stealth section

[@Grimokan]

This game felt like there needed to be a bit more.

[@thedraftingax5963]

⁠@@GrimokanFr I agree

[@22Tesla]

Yeah, they should have kept the Unfriendly Neighborhood throughout. Where we see them, these eyeless puppet clones roaming around the studio who are more creepy and deranged. It would help sew the seeds of doubt in Gordon's mind to say "all the puppets are crazy and dangerous, the sooner I turn off the antenna, the better!" You could even have the twisted puppets babbling their messed up dialog the concerns violence "stick your hands in your mouth and down your throat, I stomped his face, I eat roadkill," those kinds of messed up dialog. Follow this with the moments to befriend the five puppets throughout the game, and then the story gets more confusing. "These puppets are good... but why are they different from these others?" Thus we reach the Unfriendly Neighborhood and see what became of those who were twisted by the violence on TV.

[@eleanorcooke7136]

​@@22Teslasounds good but I took the point of the game was for Gordon to get over the whole "these guys are bad, I just need to do my job" and see them like creatures with a distorted view of good, not violent things. It maybe would've been better for the puppets to go crazy far on the good stuff after they saw the bad stuff in the world, like giving messages that are meant to do good but are actually dangerous, stuff like offering to give someone a ride if you see them on the side of the road.

[@KJStylesFGC]

Ya know. With not having too much hope for this game when i checked the demo. A story of a war vet with his own clear issues helping out innocent creatures that got corrupted by just being a person to listen and talk is a real nice touch.

[@germans_lol7259]

Gordon has became one of the smartest protagonists in mascot horror by simply talking to the puppets.

[@alexandersotomurillo5795]

Well, at least these ones are able and willing to talk, which is a first, as no other horror game enemy does that

[@M567dk]

The Gordon and Gobblet moment was so wonderful and such a great way of showcasing how much the movies can impact our lives. This entire game is a great tribute to Sesame Street in a scary, but not that violent way.

[@thedraftingax5963]

Yeah fr

[@Notsobritishdude88]

I love this game.

[@midnights2631]

That part me tear up

[@candys7014]

​@@midnights2631 me too

[@zeldagameryt4018]

Yeah it was great. But one thing that stuck out to me was the movie that Gordon was talking about sounded like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

[@larsthememelord3383]

gordon seems to have taken the place of the adult actor that explains the moral/lesson of the episode to the children at home atleast during the heart to hearts

[@silverfox_wastaken]

The backstory of this game is much deeper that it seems Edit: thanks for all the likes!

[@smiththeinspiringanimator7042]

Agreed! :>

[@georgianagheorghe8848]

I agree and the story of this game reflects many things happening in the real world like propaganda, how the rich destroys the lives of the middle class and the poor, the effects of the war on people, the effects of the media on people's view of reality etc.

[@thedraftingax5963]

Fr it’s so interesting too

[@neofulcrum5013]

The theme is strong

[@JustGoldy77]

It’s much deeper than it seams

[@neofulcrum5013]

It’s crazy how the puppets went crazy just from seeing what our world was like without the need of any murder happening in there.

[@miasmia4968]

They were created with purity and naivety in mind, constructed solely to entertain and educate children. That purity was corrupted, that innocence lost, when they experienced an unfiltered reality through TV. Nightly news, reality shows, trash gossip talk shows, violent movies completely ruined them.

[@crystalhamptonhines]

... and from being left alone/neglected to their own weird puppet desires.

[@r16-q6v]

“And for me, you’re bestest friend….. you can bring a friend. All… all I need is a friend.” Various survival horror games turn out to be heartbreaking because of a very evil villain and its innocent victims but in this case the puppets aren’t evil. They miss humans and when they saw Gordon they became really happy but couldn’t control the excitement and didn’t know how to react, hurting him physically when maybe they just were trying to hug him. It’s heartbreaking because it shows how a society can drown in depression thanks to a war, starting to demonize good values and develop cold hearts, shown as the cancellation of My Friendly Neighborhood. Like a Pandora’s box, the reappearance of MFN can be interpreted as the small but comforting shine of hope in a world consumed by darkness.

[@windowsreplicate8691]

This game is so tragic and dark, yet it plays with your emotions so good, love it!

[@blackdemonknight]

I like how Gordon's moments with the 5 puppets you need to help are like moments you would find in a show like Sesame Street clear example being Gobblette in the movie theater.

[@windowsreplicate8691]

@@blackdemonknight Why is that so true? Especially with the gigantic bird in the city scene, it was wholesome how she was looking in the mirror at herself, and then Gordon was just standing there comforting her like that

[@alf513]

“Norman has noticed!” I hope that line is still in the game

[@wobblewokgaming655]

I can confirm that it is.

[@dragonslayersworkshop8598]

Oh, it is.

[@springfaux6991]

Oh thank god I was gonna panic

[@madnessguy1300]

"NOTICE THE CHILDREN! NORMAN HAS NOTICED THE CHILDREN" laughed so hard the first time i heard him yell this.

[@debiluspegus8236]

​@@madnessguy1300 I Hope it isn't the french one

[@jshtng78]

The most horrifying moment for most people should be that one letter from the concerned parent saying that the show's message of self sacrifice is harmful for her children. The fact that good things happen when Gordon potentially puts his current career at risk (he will be fired if he fails to shut down the antenna) to help the puppets is in line with that message. Just look at how Ricky is almost fighting himself at the end to help his last hope escape from the studio and even wish Gordon well afterwards regardless of the maintenance worker's choice.

[@Guilherme_Catt]

I like that in the neutral ending pearl is missing her eyes the dog is barking in a hostile way and ray is just "hitting everything with a wrench" While in the good ending pearl has her eyes the dog seems happy and friendly and ray looks like he's actually fixing something

[@reececonnor526]

I really like the parody of not just the muppets but also the history of the muppets from public access television to successful tv shows and then movies which as they went on got more and more negative reviews

[@reececonnor526]

@@fungusghoul I’m sorry I don’t know who those two are

[@frank8917]

​@@reececonnor526i think fraggle rock is related to the muppets

[@reececonnor526]

@@frank8917 oh okay thanks for letting me know

[@larryinc64]

@@reececonnor526 Fraggle Rock was another Jim Henson show from the 80s. The Berlin Wall separated East and West Berlin which was up during the Cold War, and has it's roots in the aftermath of World War 2. It was demolished at the end of the 80s.

[@reececonnor526]

@@larryinc64 oh okay thanks for telling me man

[@WarioWareFan01010]

I’m happy that the puppets weren’t people that were experimented on or Children souls trapped inside the puppets.

[@christianparrish3292]

It would have been interesting if it was.

[@therealchaosguy]

@@christianparrish3292Yeah, but the trope’s kinda been done to death

[@christianparrish3292]

@@therealchaosguy I know, but I love those kind of plots in horror games. It makes theories very juicy and interesting. Especially for Mike.

[@smiththeinspiringanimator7042]

Agreed! And I'm also really grateful that we've been getting games with children protagonist.

[@smiththeinspiringanimator7042]

​@@therealchaosguyOof,I think that trope might be finally being put to rest.

[@bigmike606]

Finally, a game that isn’t about soul haunting animatronics or are humans that are experimented on. I like this idea of the puppet being like the muppets.

[@MattAttack911]

Does anyone cair how the puppets/muppets are alive. I mean how did they even come to be in this world 🌎, I just dosen't make any sense. I mean nothing can be alive without some reason.

[@matthewwilliams8267]

Maybe they're like Sesame Street "Monsters"- they come from their own world/reality, to exist in this one to help children learn and grow. Why? Maybe because it's what they like to do, or to ensure that something bad doesn't happen to them, or just so there's still a little hope and wonder in the world. But the Neighbors should stay as non-human in origin. It diminishes the idea of the game.

[@MattAttack911]

@@matthewwilliams8267 ok, but how do we know they weren't made by humans like in garten of banban?

[@matthewwilliams8267]

@@MattAttack911 we don't. Nice to just have a break from "ooo scary experiments" and dead children, tho

[@natu01]

​@@matthewwilliams8267 yup it's literally just seaseme street but the puppets are tweakin. And I love it

[@superbendy7303]

Scene Selection 0:00 - Intro 0:22 - Part 1: A history of the show 5:21 - Part 2: Gordon's journey 22:22 - Part 3: The Endings 28:16 - Outro

[@Ch0ccyM1lk2]

And 22:25 - Part 3: The endings

[@superbendy7303]

​@@Ch0ccyM1lk2Dude, I already put that there. Sorry it took so long.

[@Luna_exists1234]

Thanks superbendy!

[@noodle932]

period poppers

[@elisabethnunez4569]

I guess in the True Good Ending, small acts of kindness like helping the 5 puppets and bringing the show back can make a difference to society and yourself. It also shows that heroes really DO exist, even in modern society

[@dreamergirl6017]

And anybody can make a difference even when the action seems trivial.

[@TimothyLong-l1p]

The true good ending is honestly so wholesome, and while I don’t really consider my friendly neighborhood a ‘horror’ game, it definitely deserves loads of love from the gaming community, and honestly provides the kind of light that we all need today and for that I am grateful

[@boxOhobo]

This game really was a pleasant break from the current indie horror trends. The demo flew under my radar before but I am glad I looked into it now. Hope it can get console ports.

[@MrWhiteSuit17]

I can’t believe a game about shooting Muppets ended up having so much heart behind it. Such a good job and you covered it perfectly.

[@hollowminded12]

I think what makes my friendly neighbor so interesting to me is the fact that their is actual themes and complexity within. Its shows that selfishness and selfness are not bad things on their own but, if taken too far, they can build up nihilism and lead to a defeatist mindset. All the characters truly want nothing but good things for the world, its just the world has warped or not taught them how to make an actual difference. It also, however, shows this mindset doesn't have to be how the world works and that things can change through trying to help the hurt the see the light again.

[@akeepsakeforfantasies2790]

What a surprisingly wholesome horror game! It's basically an allegory of a jaded (but still compassionate) adult taking care of and teaching a bunch of neurodivergent kids who are deeply in need of both kindness and hope. I love it

[@mackenziewoloschuk7375]

I wish we always had someone like that available to kids... they're always so cool...

[@diggyrobinson5859]

I need a Gordon in my life

[@igenvykris]

I love that perspective. Thinking of them as just little kids who need some love. 🥹 low-key makes me have a soft spot for puppets now.

[@Attimations]

Sometimes, the most "scariest" of games are the ones that give a message that hits a little too close to home. This is a wonderful game and one of my favorites!

[@austinmorrison6953]

I think I just realized why this game is such a breath of fresh air in a sea of lousy and mediocre mascot horror games. There’s no sinister origin behind the puppets being alive. No secret government experiment, no dark voodoo ritual or liquid souls of dead children. They’re just alive and that’s that. Plus how often in a mascot horror game do you actually get to help the monsters improve and find their compassion again?

[@WarioWareFan01010]

I get government experiment and children’s souls but I’ve never seen a single indie horror game with voodoo rituals for the backstory of the monsters.

[@OdaSwifteye]

@@WarioWareFan01010 It wouldn't literally be voodoo because that would be offensive.

[@austinmorrison6953]

@@WarioWareFan01010 that’s besides the point

[@WarioWareFan01010]

Ok. And yes,I am happy too. I mean,they could of had Amanda be a demonic entity instead of being possessed by a child or The monsters in Poppy Playtime be possessed by Evil Workers who transferred their souls into the toys. Also,I plan on remaking Amanda or Poppy,but which one should I do first? A.Amanda The Adventurer. Or B.Poppy Playtime.

[@alicewiegold4425]

​@@WarioWareFan01010 I think something like that happened in Hello Puppets, but I could be wrong.

[@X-SPONGED]

0% Dark Magic 0% Children Souls 0% Evil Creators 100% Puppet trauma from unsupervised viewing of old television programming from the late 80s and 10+ years of no human interaction after greedy media conglomerates coldly shuts down a genuinely friendly tv show studio who just wanted to spread joy and positivity to the next generation

[@oridoesthings]

i love how this isn't your generic "ooh spooky thing you need to run" these puppets have genuine emotions,genuine loneliness and it's so nice how he interacts with the puppets and calms them down from their violence

[@Courier6FNV]

My main question at the end of this game was: “What happened to the rest of the puppets? Were they re-socialized? Destroyed?” And it’s kinda a massive plot hole that is opened cause in the the good and true ending you only see the puppets you helped

[@MattAttack911]

Yeh, I mean what's will happen to the puppets in stage 6?

[@sagrawolf]

They might do a dlc to answer the question

[@MattAttack911]

@@sagrawolf I hope so

[@KTWhatsup]

I assuming at least the main 5 (Norman, Junebug, Leonard, Lilliana and George) were helped off-screen. Also there are clones of each of them, so if we help just one of them, does that count for the other versions of that particular puppet? Like if we help Junebug, would all the Junebug puppets become passive now now or is there just a specific one?

[@MattAttack911]

@@KTWhatsup why are they clones in the first place?

[@syrusangi8743]

I really love the direction this game took with the horror Mascot genre. Instead of taking the standard route of psychopathic monsters n killing machines, it adds layers to the puppets who are misunderstood n giving the players opportunity to interact with each of them on genuine ground, fleshing them out as well as the protagonist, Gordon who goes through his own character arc from a struggling, grouch to a complex man that has gone through a lot in life via the war but is still able to confide in the puppets n find some comfort. I really thought this was gonna be some other copy cutout of Bendy n Poppy n I hardly took the danger seriously as the others cuz of the wacky design n personality of the puppets but I can see now that this was intentional to the plot n not just a blunder (e.g. Banban), so I commend the creators for standing out n adding their own spin. In fact, I think the lesson it teaches resonates with how we perceive mascot horror games now at days were it's always grim n traumatic from heartless corporations exploiting their audience n workers, including children to gruesome experiments n inhumane treatment of fellowmen. However, MFN shows otherwise, cuz while we always hear in these type of games how good the show/company influenced their community before it went south, this game shows it to us without sacrificing the mystery n tension. The game has heart n I appreciate it for that.

[@jayemover_16]

I hope there are more of these "horror for the whole family" type games. This game is a perfect introduction to horror games for anyone, especially due to the lack of gore. Unlike how Subnautica isn't specifically a horror game and just has the primal fear of the unknown, MFN has a linear story that's easy to follow (regardless of extra secrets and lore that hides itself well). I'd definitely recommend this game to any kid who likes horror. They can even play this with their parents watching over their shoulder and discussing the lore together.

[@joshcoy6748]

I tried subnautica(it was free due to covid quarantine), but the atmosphere and noises in game actually scared me to the point I didn't want to play it(those exploding fish startled me), I'm not trying to be rude.

[@ichigokage]

@@joshcoy6748 most people I think would begrudge you finding Subnautica scary as there are plenty phobias around the water. And there is plenty of unease in the game.

[@BooksInTheVoid]

15:28 Ricky calling out the players of mascot horror and at the same time saying that this game is different. Love it 😊 Amazing Flash Gordon reference as well. "Gordon's Alive!"

[@BinaryHedgehog1]

One thing I really like about this story is that, in a way, the puppets are helping Gordon just as much as, if not more than, he's helping them. I think it also puts an interesting perspective on "violent" media and re-framing it as a reflection of darkness and hopelessness that it then amplifies.

[@GG553]

I love to think that Gordon (likely after getting fired) started starring on the show himself to teach leasons about how things can be hard and the world can be scary. How bad things can happen and that its ok to be upset about it, but that even in the darkness there will be a light to guide you back to were you need to be Idk I just think it would be sweet

[@spentlizard353]

In a sense he might’ve become the Mr. Rogers of this show. Evidently, MFN the show was envisioned as being pure innocence and goodness, but there is a dangerous element of that of being unprepared and in equipped for dealing with the challenges of the real world. The idea behind “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” is that it teaches kids how to deal with confusing and sometimes unpleasant feelings, not by ignoring them by just focusing on the good but working through their problems. This is how I see Gordon’s run on My Friendly Neighborhood going, where instead of submitting to or completely ignoring the cynicism, the show will provide an outlet for kids to tackle these problems.

[@NightFangClash]

I like how the puppets weren't really evil and didn't truly want to hurt anyone. They just wanted to make people happy and teach everyone that even when times are rough and seem dark and hopeless, that there is still good and light in the world too.

[@freedomcat]

the line Ricky says "Won't you be our neighbor" is a variation of Mr. Rogers "Won't you be my neighbor" catchphrase.

[@unknownnametag6595]

I gotta say, the puppets being puppets was a breath of fresh air. I was waiting for the "big reveal" where it turned out that they were possessed or made from human souls. In the end I kept expecting Ricky to turn on Gordon. At the antenna I thought he would push him off, when saying yes I thought he would kill him or something, but in the end they were just impressionable puppets that were nothing more and nothing less.

[@StonedHunter]

This was a beautiful game. I love that it wasn't a traditional horror game. All of the emotions felt so real and raw that I found myself crying several times throughout the game. I'd been so excited for this game since the demo dropped and it ended up being so much more than I was expecting. Beautiful game and so much kudos to the team who made it.

[@ezaf5989]

Grown adult with an anime pfp crying at a kids horror game? You can’t make this shit up LMAOOOOOOOO

[@StonedHunter]

@@ezaf5989 I'm sorry you have an inability to feel your emotions without shame. I hope you can heal from that

[@caramel9154]

@@ezaf5989 Hey you sort of sound like the type who thinks a lack of emotion therein means you're smarter, which ironically a pretty naive worldview a lot of children have. Please don't be dicks to people, unless you want people to actively avoid being around you for some reason

[@KaitiKat216]

That moment when Ricky asked Gordon “won’t you be our neighbor?” really brought a tear to my eye. This game is just all kinds of amazing.

[@DrMutran]

I like how we came for FNAF and Resident Evil hybrid game, and got a game that gave us a touching life lessons.

[@randomusernameCallin]

One thing you forgot was that the show runner refused to deal with any more complex issues like some people will misuses your trust something even Sesame street have shows about. My biggest issue is the showrunners did nothing to help the puppet.

[@michaelwalsh9616]

My belief was that the parent company mandated that the show couldn't display nuanced morals

[@randomusernameCallin]

@@michaelwalsh9616 My view is the creature was focus on the light side and ignore the dark issues. Also he and the other making show did not help the the puppet to grow up to handle thing they were just tool to them.

[@michaelwalsh9616]

@@randomusernameCallin The puppets didn't ignore more nuanced lessons, they had never been exposed to the outside world. Ricky himself said they had never seen any of the TV shows outside of the studio, and once they did it traumatize them and even completely broke a few of the puppets psyches. If by he you're referring to the MFN creator Girswald, I disagree. He started the show as Ricky and Friends back when it was on public television. When the show was canceled, he took the time to make a public statement to encourage children to find the The light in the dark world around them. There are no notes in the game indicating he was disingenuous about teaching children and bringing hope.

[@randomusernameCallin]

@@michaelwalsh9616 My point is that Girswald and the other showrunners was focus on only selected things. Instead of even hint that there are bad thing in the world they lock it away and away from the puppets. It was so bad that the puppets were not ready to deal with just the display of the things. There never been a note about plans to teach the puppets.

[@michaelwalsh9616]

@@randomusernameCallin true, they didn't and there no notes indicating that they wanted to teach them or that the studio was prevented by the parent company. I concede to that

[@monopoly14]

My Friendly Neighbourhood seems like a fresh breath of air from the standard horror game this days

[@robloxaingoji7246]

Agreed

[@shafinazhanafiah]

ricky 100% has to be my new favourite indie character

[@randomusernameCallin]

Also his writing is so well as you can see a change in Ricky as in growing up.

[@ToothedKrux]

​@@randomusernameCallin I'm not sure I would describe his character arc as growing up, it's rather that he tries to deny that bad things are happening, that things are amiss and need attention and insists on the ones needing help is the outside world when the puppets themselves direly need the people too. Ricky doesn't, or refuses to, understand that it's important to face problems as well and not just sweep them under the rug.

[@thedraftingax5963]

Mine too

[@emilyfeeney7846]

He's is the only horror mascot who was kinda right all along

[@shadlos8131]

Recognized Arlo's voice immediately as Ricky, it's so cool seeing him act an appropriate VA role in a video game.

[@masteroak]

I think the creator of the game had a different idea of the puppets if you play the beta there are some Easter eggs that suggests the puppets were supposed to be haunted by the children from set and even there quotes gave some insight to it. But I think it all changed when he actually started building the game and lore and changed it. Either way this is a unique and fun game

[@jeanduresau]

No, the beta never suggested that they were haunted or anything at all.

[@saintoffire7503]

11:55 "A shotgun that fires off book pages..." I always knew books were more dangerous than they looked lmao

[@frank8917]

"The pen is mightier than the sword"

[@THawkMedia]

"Words can't hurt me" mfs when I throw a dictionary at them

[@SharpestLiVES13]

Really love the premise of this game. The plot is well-written, and the good ending makes for a nice, hopeful cap on the story. I like how it doesn't focus much on bodily horror, but rather the sad horrors brought about by real-world events such as war.

[@cherritea8361]

I love this game for so many reasons, it’s story is refreshing from all of the “dead children” and “souls trapped in a robot” stories that we see in modern horror nowadays. I also love how the puppets being sentient is never questioned, they just are, and Gordon being so nice to the puppets is just wholesome in general

[@spacealien3073]

You know as goofy as this game is on the surface it has a lot of genuine emotional/wholesome moments and it gives me a lot of hope that "mascot horror" as a subgenre can evolve past being pretty derivative of FNAF in some way or another (be it in their lore or how they scare the player).

[@Wizkid_Utopia]

I like how he left the puppets off better than they were left by the show's cast and creator. Well, MOST of them, as some of the main cast still are aching from the letters and book pages shot at them.

[@prozorozo]

At least their literacy rate is better than before (Or worse depending on if they have something like a brain that Gordon hit)

[@potentiallyunfunnyguy9716]

I love Gordon as a character. His voice-acting makes him really sympathetic.

[@Cluck58]

I love how Gordon calms down most of the main puppets and instead of killing him they become friends

[@Zen_Phantasio]

It's so nice to see a horror video game where the main character and the "antagonist" come to terms with each other and actually have a happy ending, it's like one of those fan comics that turn horror to slice of life and it's so charming in it's own weird way

[@fromashesreborn.]

im honestly surprised this game is getting as much traction as it is. im glad, too! its a very fun little game

[@ghostkiie]

i feel really bad for the puppets , they need attention and love like anyone else it's a shame no one who worked there visited them knowing they were like this

[@selty]

They weren't allowed back onto the lot and I can imagine over the years they forgot about them as living, feeling beings like Gordon does if you leave early.

[@compassrose1466]

I’m really hoping this game gives new life to the mascot horror genre. After seeing Bendy and the Ink Machines sequel, I was tired. It was boring, soulless, and just so empty of life or care…but idk this game really did reopen my desire for the genre. It’s nice for it to not be “oh look kid souls” or “oh look they’re bad. Solve it.” At the end of the day they just needed help…they were like kids with no guidance and abandoned which turned them angry. With help and some guidance, the puppets learn how to handle their situations and do get better. Not to mention, I’ve missed a legit not half assed story and empty ending. It was so wholesome and I really hope that they do eventually add DLC where you help them film and episode as Gordon.

[@yapyapthedestroyer2562]

My first time watching Mike play the unfinished version of this, thought it was gonna be some kind of low quality horror game of possessed muppets, with a cut and dry story. Seeing parts of the playthrough, it looked pretty good, and was suprised by it. And watching the story explained, props to the developer who came up with a pretty interesting original story.

[@RhythmShorts]

I love how gentle Gordon's being with the major muppets like pearl, ricky, the sewer dude, etc.

[@christianparrish3292]

Who agrees that Mike is incredibly smart for theorizing on horror games?

[@thedraftingax5963]

I agree!

[@Luna_exists1234]

100 percent

[@giogeddis2260]

Yes he is smart

[@pegeta]

Not really he can't tell the difference between a purple talon and a light blue stuff kitty.

[@dreamhubproductions753]

I don't

[@doyourbest_uwu]

"There is light in the darkness": a phrase everybody needs to hear, but nobody bothers to listen. This is why we need people like Fred Rogers and Bob Ross, to bring hope where there may be none.

[@LtDragonfruit]

I love how nonplussed Gordon is by everything

[@chriscormac231]

he's a vet

[@longwlenguyen4214]

@@chriscormac231I guess in his mind the puppets charging at him seem tame compared to the trees start speaking Vietnamese.

[@adiegrass1616]

This is so trippy for me. My great grandfather fought in multiple wars, he was an airman. He went on to advocate for mental health and was apart of a group of people that got alcoholism to be recognized as a disease. His favorite show of all time was the Muppets and he even had a Kermit the Frog puppet. And his name was Gordon.

[@DraconisLeonidas]

This game really is just refreshingly good. It's a true horror game for kids. The themes and events of the story aren't completely in your face, but they're also really easy to understand if you pick up the articles and such. I enjoy how the game doesn't villainize Gordon for defending himself while also making the puppets innocent- Yes, Ricky does shame him a little, but both the context of the conversation, and later discussions show even Ricky himself understands the situation and doesn't ACTUALLY blame Gordon, it's more an effort to get him to not shut them down and perhaps even an expression of misplaced anger at those who abandoned them. Gordon shooting them with a nonlethal weapon isn't ideal, especially since the intent of the puppets (or at least those not in the unfriendly neighborhood) isn't to hurt, but that's what they're doing and Gordan needs to defend himself. I think my favorite detail in all of that is what happens when you tape them up. I know it's likely more a stylistic choice than anything else, but something I immediately noticed is how LOOSE the tape is around them. Certainly enough to be tricky to get out of, especially for a puppet, but I think they could escape it relatively easily if they tried. But they don't, they lay there calmly and just keep chattering on. Hell, a lot of the time, their legs are almost completely free, meaning they could still get up and walk around most likely, but they don't. It makes me think that maybe being taped up is the closest thing to a hug any of them have gotten in ages, and that's what makes them docile. It really adds to the tragedy of them in my opinion, that they're so desperate for interaction and attention that even being loosely taped up is enough to satiate them in the moment. I also like that the true villain isn't made out to be people for not watching the show anymore, nor is the corporation itself blamed for canceling it. While the puppets mournfully question why they were canceled, as an outside viewer, it's much easier to understand the reason, being stated that people just weren't watching. No, the villain is corporations for taking actions that put economics above people, including completely abandoning the puppets. I think that's the only thing that annoys me a little, is that in the end the network seems to BENEFIT from Gordon and the puppets' efforts to bring back the show, but the focus is more on that concept of bringing good and light back into the world, which is a better thing to focus on if your intended audience is indeed kids. It's a nice, subtle message, intended or not, that corporations can do really shitty things and unfortunately, we may not get to see the consequences they face, if any at all, but what's important is to focus on doing good. I think it's an unfortunate truth that many people get so focused on being mad about the wrongdoing of companies that they forget that contributing good to the world is worth twice as much as getting upset at the wrongdoing of others. Yes, it's still important to get upset and to fight back, to try to have these entities held accountable, but don't let that take away your focus from doing what you can as an individual to help others. I really like this game and I hope it gets all the recognition and praise it deserves.

[@GlacierWolf]

Compared to FNAF and Poppy Playtime, this game seems a lot more tamer and benign. The puppets just needed someone to help them heal after being abandoned and exposing themselves to dark and edgy adult television.

[@Beelze_Bubbles]

There really is too much darkness in today’s world, but there’s still that light of hope we can believe in. This game’s plot was like a breath of fresh air.

[@jackpotskirazor3142]

Looking back at the intro, the game feels exactly like a compromise between what the city wanted and what MFN's creator wanted: a darker grittier story that gives positive messages to the audience.

[@ireallylovepuppies1015]

My Friendly Neighborhood certainly took me by surprise with how the game played out. I was expecting something heavy, but it turned out kinda hopeful, which is certainly a nice twist. Also, now this may be a bit cheesy sounding, I'd like to thank you. For a long time I've been to scared to look into horror stuff even if it looked interesting, but because of your videos like this one, I was able to finally build up the confidence and try checking out horror games. Now I'm a huge fan of Bendy and the Ink Machine, Five Nights at Freddy's, My Friendly Neighborhood, and a few others. I'm even going to go see the fnaf movie this Halloween! Your videos helped me a lot, and I appreciate it. :)

[@ghostwriter5685]

The story is just so much more wholesome when you take in the fact that Gordon is a Veteran and hates the Puppets yet is still willing to help them when he realizes just how bad off they are.

[@MrZReacts88]

What makes this games story so heartbreaking. Is that the innocence in these characters is real. They’re not twisted. They continue to maintain their true innocence even in going crazy. They still care about the world. And there scared. They resemble. The child hood innocence that the world today is and has betrayed.

[@ellajade8687]

Gordon’s dialogue / ending monologues are so well-written and poetic I love it. The message of the game is great and clear without being too obvious, too.

[@thecheespeelines4384]

I watched all your videos on this game, and now your finally explaining it I really enjoyed everything and great video too!

[@michaelplantarich3375]

This needs to be up for game of the year. Finally a horror game that's different with an amazing story, sentimental, it really has everything. It's extremely creative. Just amazing

[@The_Unknown_Mister_E]

17:59 I think you’ll find the puppet’s name is in fact ARNOLD, not MORAINE. Otherwise, great job as always Mike. Been looking forward to your video on the story and endings for a more detailed overview of all of it, as opposed to just the gameplay which I also watched and greatly enjoyed.

[@Altoryu]

Seriously don't know where he got the name Moraine from

[@Adelicousbottleosyrup]

It feels refreshing this won’t give me nightmares, since it’s a different universe, and how instead of wanting to kill him, they just want a friend. Far better than those horror games which are still on earth and end with you wanting to bolt all your windows. Also usually the main idea for horror games are you can’t beat your fears and you should run, but in this, it’s turn those nightmares back into what they once were. Dreams.

[@prestonray6859]

I have to say mascot horror projects like this is a breath of fresh air their has been increase on mediocre mascot horror games recently. But this has a great story good gameplay and is just amazing:)

[@oshahott2532]

I absolutely love that Ricky was voiced by Arlo, who's a KZbinr that uses a puppet as his mascot. Honestly perfect!

[@Shadoan18]

There should probably be a sequel. Someone with nasty interests wanting to shutdown the neighborhood and dealing with both Gordon and the Puppet's.

[@ruffruggednraw]

Maybe make that as a DLC idea

[@arthurdurham]

At first I was offput by Gordon's voice actor and character, I didn't expect him to be a gruff handyman stereotype. But as I progressed it started to make sense and I ended up loving the story. Esp realizing it takes place in a fictionalized past new york. It wasn't shock horror meant to get streamers to scream for views or bait for theories, it told unique bittersweet emotional story with horror elements.

[@graythepokemonartist6427]

This game was incredible I love the visuals and the story is just so mysterious

[@videogame_girl_2.570]

The puppets exists the way they are is just because. No explanation. No reason. But most importantly No souls. I want more indie games like this.

[@wy7177]

Coming into this game, I thought "Oh boy, it's gonna be one of those cliché mascot horror games," and came in expecting that kind of story, and I admit, I really didn't understand what to do to get the best ending until my second playthrough when I got the cutscene (my first one) with the dogs. This was when I started realizing that mascot horror doesn't have to be about some cute or fun looking character with some dark backstory, but about a mascot character that has depth and connection to us players while still maintaining a horror element. This is why I feel BATIM and (the old) FNaF really excel at telling an amazing story through their mascots, whereas newer games such as Poppy Playtime and that other one mascot horror game feels rather stale as it puts more its into mascots rather than what kind of story they're telling, it's a shame as well that these kinds of mascot horror games don't really have that same kind of passion as the classics, or the extreme, wild, and comedic love as some others. This game, I love its story, its designs, its creativity, but its gameplay... its extremely tedious, especially on my first playthrough where I was clueless. The amount of times I've had to go back and forth to knock down puppets and complete puzzles, but in the end, I guess Ricky kept me moving forward. I can tell this game was made with a lot of love, and I really wish I could say the same with other mascot horrors. But definitely this game deserves its 10/10 on steam.

[@mstrmiller6242]

i love Gordon's voice and lines. Showing a person with scars, down right on his souls. He hate the upbringing of his personal experience through war. He just tried to accept the world with all bad things, although his soul tried to reject it. lesson i pick from this game, Human soul are kindness in origin, like those dolls. But those different kind of value we accept and what kind of outer force and influence which we allowed to shape us , is what make us now.

[@silverpslm]

I was always a huge fan of Jim Henson. This game is like a love letter to how much both Jim, Rogers, and many others were needed in the lives of many people.

[@AsDerouxWoofWolf]

I love the very wholesome "good ending" of this game. It's very heartwarming, if not melancholic.

[@ElvionOfLXIX]

Gordon is a top G, fixing them emotionally while doing his job.

[@nidiasg5280]

Man, Gordon is such a good guy. He consoles and helps some of the puppets.

[@bushidotestu1997]

I honestly like the fact that this game doesn’t have some gruesome or gory story behind it, it’s just about a guy and a small community trying their best to find a bit of happiness in a dark world

[@happilyeverafter7703]

Honestly, this is a dark but wholesome game. I would like to compare it to the likes of Fran Bow and Little Misfortune, not exactly alike but similar in spirit. Like the last shreds of innocence, hopes and dreams holding back the inevitable horrors of the real world. I bought this just for the sheer amount of feels I got.

[@ericavioletvincent9305]

I've been subscribing you for two years , and I never regret that .....

[@deoxi3207]

The good ending line about the sun leading you home is probably what anyone in the world wants to experience atleast once in their lives. For the first time, they feel as if they have a place, a calling. It just stuck with me in a way.