Catnap & the Smiling Critters || Poppy Playtime Chapter 3 - VHS & ARG Explained

[@OmegaChimera]

My biggest fear in any horror media is a character having a wide grin coupled with big blank soulless eyes. I don't know why, but it's one of the only things in horror that always makes me freeze in fear. So can imagine my intense fear at just these smiling critters existing and the cartoon was absolute nightmare fuel for me.

[@deoxi3207]

In ch3 these critters will surely watch you while you go around the complex, I imagine there to be a section where all 8 come at you at the same time in a vent then you come out and the main antagonist comes at you full speed.

[@jeromefribourg2396]

​@@deoxi3207 that would be absolute nightmare fuel

[@kateb1127]

It's propably the uncanny valley. Things like that look like they are unnatural, out of place, so they naturally freak us out

[@savannaaah]

I’m the same way, but I kind of get a thrill out of it, too. That is, if the characters and their plots in the story are executed nicely which they are here.

[@Tenshi_Eirian]

The same is for me it gives me the chills and makes me 100% uncomfortable

[@kateb1127]

The red gas is most likely made from Opium Poppy, since there's been several mentions of it and the symptoms match. As far as I know opium can be used as a sleeping gas, but if you inhale too much it's extremely deadly. It's also heavier than air, which makes it all the more dangerous. It was already mentioned on several theory channels aswell, and considering the name of the game and the experiments with poppy gas that were described ingame I think this is the final answer.

[@Lunarstarnight]

You're totally right about that. It can probably explain why the third chapter is called " Deep Sleep"

[@jessica_swan]

Was thinking this too

[@sboy2044]

@@royalpain9281First of all, that has nothing to with the original comment. Second of all, it’s because she wants to set things right. She literally said so.

[@random_dumass]

They took inspiration from a astrian artists use of showers

[@thefirsttrillionaire2925]

And if you look at a picture of one it matches his color of purple yellow and that creepy black

[@mrmissingno10]

The unicorn also seems different from the other smiling critters, notice how it’s the only one grinning in the cartoon logo while the other all have an open-mouth smile. Maybe the unicorn could help us during the chapter while Catnap is the antagonist.

[@christianparrish3292]

It's a bit of a stretch, but we'll see.

[@charlottevicarage1331]

It's likely the dog, but anything is possible.

[@CertifiedOutcast]

And in that pic at the beginning catnap and the unicorn are the only ones not looking forward. Instead it looks like they are looking at each other.

[@christianparrish3292]

@@CertifiedOutcast you might be on to something.

[@Pumpkin7269]

I mean you're not wrong. Catnap hides both arms but otherwise looks the same as the rest of the critters. But the Unicorn has closed eyes and is grinning inside of smiling.

[@Bunnycat187]

My mom pointed Out that the gas could be a laughing gas mixture, as it was used to put people to sleep before dental procedures. This gas causes people to laugh hysterically before they pass out. Also the intro shows us each character’s personality trait. The unicorn is artistic, as it’s painted a picture of the bear from the frame before!

[@testerwulf3357]

Laughing gas doesn’t actually make you laugh 😅 It makes you euphoric and loopy before falling asleep (it relaxes you too)..some do giggle from it but not erupting in laughter like the smiling critters.

[@Bunnycat187]

@@testerwulf3357 the concept is still there however. Maybe playtime co. Did something to it?

[@cherriemaesicad8830]

What a W mom, i wish my mom watched these with me and also gave her own theories

[@thearchivest]

my mom is a dentist she watched with me and pointed that out!

[@goteamslugs]

@@testerwulf3357 Does hyena gas make you giggle? :]

[@Tempest-jc3me]

Something to note about the rest of the Smiling Critters: it's possible they were all successfully created alongside Catnap. The number of names on the redacted list matches that of the number of Critters. Also, it seems strange that PlayCo would stop at just one Critter when it's clear they wanted to keep testing. It may have been a situation similar to Garden of Banban where the mascots would have been helping take care of the children. That said, if this is possible, it would explain a few more things about the trailers. Firstly is the cartoon where Catnap puts the others to sleep. This may indicate that Catnap was created to be friendly and playful alongside the other Critters but was influenced by the Prototype to turn malicious. He may have turned on the other Critters with his sleeping gas and then used their dead bodies to create the hulking form visible towards then end of the chapter 3 trailer. It's likely he did this under the Prototypes instruction to create a new body or did it himself just yo glorify his "master". Either way, it looks like Catnap is subservient to the Prototype and we will be learning more about this mysterious enemy in the next chapter.

[@karak962]

the theory he turned on the rest of them and used them to create the form is so smart!!! I bet you're right.

[@replacableVessel]

Maybe he did not kill them, but he made them addicted to his sleeping gas to use them in the prototype´s future plans.

[@orlandolee4438]

My theory is Some of the kids survived the experiments but because if the whole ordeal, they lost whatever sanity they had left, wear masks and outfits akin to the other Smiling Critters and worship Catnap as a God like a cult!

[@replacableVessel]

@@orlandolee4438Catnap doesn´t seem to be the deity that is worshiped, I personally believe that he is the prophet/leader of the cult

[@animal_gal_adventures9885]

I mean, if you look closely at the mysterious body. You can definitely see the pig and the rabbit so I think you're right.

[@isaacanguiano8267]

Pardon me, but the Unicorn could also represent creativity, as her flower charm is colorful, and she's always seen with paper, crayons, and/or paints.

[@22Tesla]

I think that's exactly what her trait as she's paired with Bubba the elephant during the theme song. It goes from a picture of Bobby Bearhug (presumably drawn by her), to a technical blueprint underneath. And it makes sense as his charm is a lightbulb, and their methods of creativity are similar yet different (artistic vs intellectual)

[@9ightdreamer]

And unicorns are creatures for imagination.

[@ZZX754]

I’m the 400th like from you

[@pettism]

Thank god someone else recognizes that the unicorn is probably an artist and not just friendly

[@ryancook3324]

I think the charm is supposed to represent he color wheel prehaps

[@lynnboartsdye1943]

I’m really excited to see how chapter 3 unfolds, the smiling critters give a bit of a Care Bears vibe and they’re overall just really charming despite the creepy ending of the video they star in

[@thedraftingax5963]

Same!

[@luciankenny2208]

I thought of something what if later in 2024 the monster in chapter 3 will be in project playtime for a new update

[@rohangardiner]

​@luciankenny2208 probably yeah. Pj pug a pillar was planned to be included too. Also is the phase 2 map still in project playtime? I don't play it and I swear I didn't see it on the selection screen, if I remember.

[@WhitneyDahlin]

If you noticed there was like 3 months or so in between chapter 1 and chapter 2. And then 6 months after chapter 2, instead of chapter 3 they launched that cash grab multiplayer. I KNEW the second it came out that they had spent all that time and money working on that unethical cash squeeze nstead of chapter 3. I'm extremely disappointed that they are purposefully dragging this out as long as possible to make as much money as possible. I would rather wait 6 years and have them release the game all at once instead of have them drag out parts of the story over 6 years. We have bendy and the ink machine to thank for this. Seriously games like this are RUINING gaming. It's all about making as much money as possible. Not telling the best story or making the best game possible. I'm extremely disappointed in the devs. I doubt they even have an end planned for the game. They're just going to keep releasing chapter after chapter after chapter until they stop making money and then and only then end the game.

[@C0zyFr0g20]

Yeah it felt like it was inspired by the original Care Bears style (intro sounds the same and animation style is similar)

[@summerbash5927]

I think the unicorn's personality is creative, as you can see it painting on a canvas in the intro and surrounded by paper and crayons in the cabin

[@squirtyflirty6829]

And then how the Elephant rips it off revealing mathematical equations, cool attention to detail

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

🦄🎨🖌️🖍️💐🌹🥀🌺🌷🪷🌸💮🏵️🪻🌻🌼

[@johnj.spurgin7037]

It's been theorized by some that the unicorn being the creative one is the one that made all those paintings, sprawling, warnings, and probably the hangman'd toys in chapter 1 as well.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@@johnj.spurgin7037 🦄🎨🖌️🖍️

[@MakotoYuichi01]

Imagine, Dealing with those Critters in the same chapter will be more insane and nightmarish than Huggy and Mommy long legs...

[@fnfethusiast6508]

I think Huggy might return in chapter 3 since Mob also has teased that a couple of times

[@raptorsuedemondrake4143]

remember how one of the screenshots included what looked like a bunch of enemies wearing a "skin" of some sort? maybe catnap was the only big one and the rest will start out as a "conglomeration" enemy attempting to emulate him.

[@sbujdaszmovies6715]

Critters will be like Joy Joy Gang

[@iaminaconstantstateofdread]

Imagine if catnap did not mean to give his friends that big of a dosage of sleep gas, and accidentally killed them because of it, and at the end he's just sitting there cuz he's so traumatized because of what he's done, or maybe he went crazy and thinks his friends are still alive.

[@thefirsttrillionaire2925]

Nah bro definitely looks like a killer

[@amandapanda5087]

​@@thefirsttrillionaire2925Yeah, just look at his smile

[@iaminaconstantstateofdread]

@@amandapanda5087 I mean they all have that smile, and people will deal with traumatic events by making jokes or trying to be funny. And yes I do know that they're toys and that doesn't really make sense, but I mean people are being turned into toys so I don't think it matters. Also I'm not trying to sound rude but I'm sorry if I do.

[@idontknowwhattonameyt]

I mean its a cartoon, its supposed to be a humor

[@iaminaconstantstateofdread]

@@idontknowwhattonameyt yeah, you're right. I just thought that it'd be messed up and tragic if that was what happened.

[@pauljean300]

Theodore’s drawing depicts him in a purple color, the same as catnap. So the Theo being catnap theory does stand pretty good

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

🎨🖌️🖍️🐈‍⬛👦

[@kaichris]

That’s my guess for it to! Maybe to prevent others from doing what he did he was turned to Catnap

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@@kaichris indeed.🐈‍⬛🦴🖍️🖌️🎨

[@SupermanofUranus]

​@@PaigeRobins-ky4qc Man, Scientists are so evil these days.

[@SupermanofUranus]

​@@PaigeRobins-ky4qc Hence they're Evil Scientists.

[@melasnexperience]

Once again, the artwork is absolutely adorable, but the toy versions - even before they're actively trying to kill the player - are HORRIFYING. That level of deliberate dissonance is one of the things that keeps me interested in Poppy Playtime.

[@ughugh3767]

With the red smoke from Catnap, I was reminded of the Wizard of Oz where the witch uses poppy flowers to put the group to sleep. Just to connect it back to the Poppy doll

[@revaslatts4301]

What if the sleeping gas used to help children sleep... is opium? If you are confused, there is such a thing as opium poppy, which has a similar effect to a poppy spell that the Wicked Witch used.

[@Jasobroc87]

There are some stuff you missed: The critters video has hidden stuff like: 1.The glitch part at the beginning, it has a hidden upside down message that says "golden path" 2. During the cartoon intro there are three hidden faces, up to you to find them. 3. The clock in the house says 10:06 a nod to experiment 1006 4. If you rewind the video, near the part of catnap knocking his friends, right before they pass out, the chicken is saying "HELP US" backwards!!

[@UserEros]

I know about the gas mask, What are tge other faces?

[@alttabhorror]

I find it interesting that the clock starts at 10:05. But when Catnap arrives and dispenses the gas for the “hour of joy,” the clock in the background clearly shows 10:06. The prototype is Experiment 1006. I wonder what significance, if any, that has in relation to Catnap’s gas.

[@pusheenheart312]

yo wait, that is some amazing perception

[@KingAnimalGT]

I don’t understand?

[@midnights2631]

Omg, you're right

[@sansationalUT]

@@KingAnimalGT when catnap arrives in the creepy cartoon show, the time on the clock is 10:06. The prototype (the hand that moves mommy-long-legs’s body) is experiment 1006. This might resemble a connection between CatNap, potentially Theodore Grambell, and Experiment 1006.

[@KingAnimalGT]

@@sansationalUT Ohhhhhhhhh Thanks That Makes a lot more sense!

[@moonstone9292]

The transition in the cartoon to catnap producing the red smoke reminds me of the old courage the cowardly dog show.

[@TheActualMadDemon]

For me, it gave of Ren and Stimpy vibes

[@wafflymations]

0:23 no one gonna mention how this drawing of DogDay and the Unicorn is absolutely adorable?

[@denjis_left_nut]

I really like the bunny too! Lightning bolts are always to be appreciated lol

[@withered1414]

The gas reminds me of Joker gas from the batman series. When the victim breathes it in, they laugh uncontrollably before laughing to death with a wide grin on their faces, or in this case, passing out to sleep.

[@themushroominside6540]

It's actually worse, joker venom doesnt merely kill, it makes you laugh uncontrollably while inducing incredible pain that simply cannot be expressed as anything other than laughter until you finally become comatose, the recipe is ever changing so there's no proper antidote, but the effects are always the same. I'ts one of the scariest weapons in fiction which is why i was immensely disturbed by the Smiling Critters cartoon, especially with those horribly exaggerated smiles, the uncontrollable unnatural laughter as if they were also in pain, and then silence.

[@jf_kein_k8590]

The idea that one of the kids is Catnap and was friends with 1006 before becoming a toy, raises the idea that Catnap was then the one to start the toy rebellion.

[@Roxy_racin]

So excited for this chapter, Catnap seems so creepy! I also had an idea maybe catnap could unzip their stomach and a bunch of little smiling critters could come out to chase the player? Since they have a necklace that unzips. Also I do think it’s theo who’s in catnap. His accident could allow playtime to transfer his consciousness into catnap easier, and he was an option for the experiment too. Along with this, theo’s drawn in purple next to 1006, and catnap is purple and seems to be almost like a servant to 1006.

[@RavenBeardenStudios]

I think the Smiling Critters resembles the care bear cousins In 1984, the makers of Care Bears made a spin-off line, the Care Bear Cousins. Also I think that experiment 1188 might definitely Catnap, and here are 3 reasons why I think it's true. First off) 1188 can contort its body to fit in tight spaces, and cats like Catnap are capable of doing such a thing. Second off) the Bigger Bodies Initiative assign this experiment roles as Home Sweet Home mascot, which makes sense because every households has to have a pet, which is rather fitting for a cat to be said mascot. And lastly) Catnap's name literally is a term used for sleep and the main purpose of the red gas is to put children to sleep, plus cats are know for sleeping arounda

[@ReeceConnor.]

With all the info we have on him so far I’m going to go ahead and say that Catnap is going to be both the scariest and most tragic of all the Poppy Playtime monsters so far

[@wingedflyingforce5139]

I think, if it follows classic tropes, it may have a high chance of being girl.

[@ReeceConnor.]

@@wingedflyingforce5139 Who’s girl?

[@wingedflyingforce5139]

@@ReeceConnor. I am referring to catnap.

[@ReeceConnor.]

@@wingedflyingforce5139 Oh I thought it was a male has it been confirmed to be a female?

[@wingedflyingforce5139]

I was saying *if* it follows the classical trope then it has a high chance to be, but knowing that wouldn't be subversive enough like horror is, it may make the cat male to break norms.@@ReeceConnor.

[@TheRandomShortsv1]

Just gotta respect SuperHorrorBro, takes time finding specific details and finding out lore that we all enjoy! Thanks!

[@amaccoy]

I think the unicorn stands for creativity. Considering she's showing off a painting in the opening and has art supplies around her at the sleepover.

[@jadestar0883]

I kinda agree that 1188 maybe Theodore. Theodore probably would idolize and worship 1006. It’s very creepy that Catnap can shrink himself. One of the other candidates are probably the other smiling critters.

[@Luis-sz7tn]

May [space] be Thank you

[@Earthborn.elves.]

I gave this game a lot of judgement for the lore being very similar to other games, but after the release of games such as Garten of Banban I realised that it’s genuinely very well made and actually scary- so well done team!

[@superbendy7303]

Scene Selection 0:00 - Intro 0:32 - The Smiling Critters 2:21 - The Critters VHS Analyzed 5:38 - The ARG that explains everything 8:25 - Theodore Grambell 12:16 - The Bigger Bodies Initiative 15:50 - Outro

[@marypascoe1012]

Catnap scary

[@Scoutcoffin-i3p]

​@@marypascoe1012frl

[@Emilyandmydog]

​@marypascoe1012 yea idk why the criters like him so much if he killed them or maybe they're just sleeping but cats aren't egxactly the safest sleep foke I mean theyres a sory abaut "the cat will take ur baby's breath away!" Implying that cats when naping close to baby's will steal they're oxygen while baby's nap meaning that the baby could die in his own sleep and this has Ben proven by many casualties plus the fact that it defenetly looks like the characters are dead I mean if the show wants us to think they're asleep then let's pretend they're asleep and that that's why cat nap is they're top frend or myyyyybeeee possibly they're dead and they're "frend" isint realy a great frend...

[@starscream4812]

Thank you

[@dejuanhickman3175]

Thanks Bomberman

[@nokiasnumbskulls]

THEORY: i think that theodore is the elephant. during the talk between joel and thomas, one of them says 'the ELEPHANT in the room'. the elephant has a lightbulb on its zipper. theodore was electrocuted. just a quick theory! edit: i also noticed in theor's drawing he drew himself in purple crayon, catnap being purple. if your theory about theo being catnap is correct, bravo!

[@sodawolf277]

That is an amazing theory. I can see how that can be true

[@replacableVessel]

Catnap´s devotion to the prototype may be because he was Theodore, and they were imaginary friends. One can even come to the conclusion that Catnap sees The prototype as his savious since he was the one that left him in the door of the scientist that saved him when he got electrocuted

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

💡🐘🐈‍⬛🎨🖌️🖍️

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@LOVE_URSELF_YALL 🐇⚡

[@RinHoshino]

‘Elephant in the room’ is an idiom, it means a major problem which is obviously present but avoided the subject during discussion

[@dg4545]

Makes you wonder if the prototype is actually a good guy who just wanted to save the children from becoming toys. And the children that were turned into toys he would kill as a form of mercy while also using their bodies to build himself a new body. Probably to exact revenge on Leith Pierre and Harley Sawyer. Assuming they are still alive.

[@WarioWareFan01010]

Then what about Leith and Harvey? What will they become? Anton became Spring trap and the Hamlin director became Woolly so what about Leith and Harvey?

[@dg4545]

@@WarioWareFan01010 i think the prototype just wants to kill em if they are still alive. Idk about turning them into anything but this is clearly a vengeance kick.

[@dg4545]

@@WarioWareFan01010 okay not "clearly" there are some peices of the puzzle that are missing.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

That would be interesting to see and it shows that everything is not always what they seem to be.💡👦🧒👱👧👱‍♀️🦴🚸🛟🫂

[@WarioWareFan01010]

@@dg4545 Well maybe some of the rebel toys like CatNap could turn Leith into a toy.

[@I_have_Claws]

I hope DogDay is going to help us in this chapter. Because he’s the opposite of Catnap. So he can have a different personality and attitude then CatNap.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

🐈‍⬛🆚🐕

[@caseydreamuslpsandmore2582]

Cat vs Dog nice. What if the other also helps out as well.

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

@@caseydreamuslpsandmore2582 🧸🐘🐕🐰🐷🦄🐤🆚🐈‍⬛

[@xcept1281]

Dog vs Cat Sun vs Moon

[@Cinnss]

Damm

[@galaxygirlblackheart6805]

CatNap's name has 2 possible meanings: 1. A literal cat nap (sleep) 2. Cat + Kidnap (hence all the haunted toys in Playtime Co. are meant for kids)

[@starstorm1267]

Catnap also made me think of catnip, which to what I say might be a bit of reach but it could possibly refer to the use of a drug (the gas) that makes people feel happy before being knocked out (like how catnip makes cats extremely happy and eventually mellowed out)

[@adrielleplays9600]

im literally soooooo obsessed with the smiling critters. what a cute/creative concept!!

[@hitokage4]

I am so absolutely STOKED for Chapter 3! As someone who couldn't keep up with the ARG - thanks for this video catching us up!!

[@willowboy_618]

They really nailed on designing these dolls for sure. God, just staring at them is so unsettling.

[@arvidgreat]

There is nothing I want more atm than poppy playtime chapter 3. With how the arg, adverisement and how long it was in production I hope it will be a a good game.

[@gabelster3729]

There’s a difference between making a reaction video (most common for most KZbinrs) and making an ANALYSIS video. The former lacks added value while the latter is prideful of it. This is why I LOVE this channel.

[@bait1021]

So did the "Hour of Joy" happen at 10:05 pm, since that's the time on the cartoon's clock? I assume the "Hour of Joy" is either when all the toys attacked the facility, or when the facility did something horrific to the children. Or both.

[@R4ng3rGh0st]

I think it showed 10:06 and we know the relationship between Cat-Nap and Proto so I think they use that time as a trigger for Cat-Nap

[@p1ay3r_095]

You might be right but I also think it could be when the kids don’t want to go to sleep so catnap comes in and puts them to sleep.

[@Grizzwalde]

Meant to post this here: At the beginning where Mike’s talking about the Smiling Critters Tweet with Catnap included, I’ve noticed within the back of the mouth of the dog and some of the other ones, including catnap, it seems like there’s a hole in the back of the mouth. Like a gas line cap, even catnaps looks perforated. I wonder if you can see them more clearly if you increase the brightness however maybe all of the creatures are capable of breathing gas? Or possibly the factory used the same design as catnap but plugged the gas line in the throat to have a base model for the other toys? It did say that they needed him to look more friendly than it’s full sized form with retractable claws, and the rest of the line was created after the fact once they perfected the design? Edit: they ALL are suppose to help the kids sleep at night. Meaning do different kids have different critters to help with the fears of catnap but all of them having the same function of slowly releasing red gas, not just catnap?

[@Madhattergirl122]

I couldn't see something in all of the mouths but I think that there is some merit to your idea the rabbits mouth has what looks to be something that's reflecting a bit of light? Maybe there's a camera back there? Also with his lightning bolt tag on his zipper could make sense?

[@tessfabled4115]

They're stated to have scents, so the Critters are likely meant to work like something similar to aromatherapy diffusers (closest I can think of for a real toy would be My Magic Kissing Dragons, Strawberry Shortcake's Blowkiss Babies or MissTiques) with Catnap being the only one to use the red gas.

[@devydoo23]

Crazy coming back to look at all this after watching the game play for Chapter 3. When Dog Day is on the couch at 4:42 it is the same pose he's in when we see him hanging in the jail cell

[@Voidmercenary]

In this game, you will have the pleasure of meeting a variety of unique and fascinating characters. First, there is Catnap, a purple feline with the remarkable ability to exhale poppy essence, causing others to fall into a deep slumber. Be wary, as you may need to toggle your mask on and off in Chapter 3 to avoid his dangerous breath. Then there is Dogday, a friendly beagle with the opposite traits and appearance from Catnap. He might be able to wake people up in the morning. The unicorn is a radiant creature that exudes positivity and light, while the pig is both adorable and always hungry. The elephant is an intelligent and observant member of the group with an excellent memory. The energetic rabbit is a skilled athlete, and the cuddly teddy bear is a loyal companion. Finally, the "star" of the group is a knock-off chica. I hope this detailed breakdown of the characters from my perspective provides you with a better understanding of their unique qualities and quirks and helps you in future videos!

[@jonathan4158]

Wonder if any of the Critters would be friendly towards the player beside Poppy?

[@AverageAuby]

The “knock off Chica” got me rolling on the floor lol

[@haleyhersh3850]

What if the “chicken” is a duck?

[@lincolnmemorial0]

Nice AI generated comment

[@rohangardiner]

​@@lincolnmemorial0yeah the last sentence sound like something chatgpt would say

[@cyboyentertainment92]

I love these videos. Your theories are so much fun. Lots of effort obviously goes into this!

[@PaigeRobins-ky4qc]

Me too.💜👍

[@Greyjay254]

This was so helpful! I've seen most of the pieces of this scattered everywhere, but having it all put together is especially helpful. I always love your videos, and I absolutely cannot wait for this chapter to release. It's absolutely terrifying.

[@oceanicrose6085]

Damn, good theory as always! If Theo is Catnap, then that makes his story all-the-more- tragic in my opinion. His (almost) escape to freedom, but captured to serve as a toy forever. The prototype tried helping him against the employees, but ended up losing theo to them anyway...

[@RainbowTeddy9417]

Cat Nap seems a lot more sinister and a lot more creepier than the other smiling critters.

[@christianparrish3292]

The thumbnail has a purple cat. That's the chapter 3 antagonist. I can't wait what it looks like in full model.

[@mothiecoralix]

I want to believe that the Smiling Critters came to be after the red gas was tested to a group of orphan children that died of laughter and had the plaster smiles over their face after they went into a "deep sleep" Also looking at the teaser of Chapter 3, some of the orphan kids' photos had a Smiling Critter in the frame which I believed it was assigned to later experiment on them ((or maybe it was just a coincidence they had the picture in the character in the frame))

[@netherfreakultima4498]

As always, it's a pleasure to see your videos, SuperHorrorBro ^^

[@Jacobsaucedo-g8s]

I’ve noticed that when the other critters beg for catnap to help them sleep almost sounds like tortured children begging to be put out of misery Catnap also seems like someone who is more important than all the other toys even poppy

[@justsomefox8910]

Hearing the words “The golden path” gave me flashbacks of terror from that one other indie game called Tunic It was such an awful experience

[@Corvus0u0]

The unicorn definitely stands out with the entire crew 1. they have more that 1-2 colors on their charm 2. they're the only fictional animal (Dog, Rabbit, Elephant, Cat, Bunny, Chicken) 3. In the real life plushy teaser the Unicorn is bent over slightly and appears to be looking at Catnap (It also appears Catnap is looking at them) 4. at the title drop the Unicorn is the only one with their eyes closed and actually smiling. I'm very conflicted with this. On one hand it could be a bright sign telling us that this unicorn will be something more in the chapter or it could be a very bright big red herring. Also I don't really believe the dog will play a part. Yes he is a complete opposite to Catnap but he shows barely any signs except for having a sun charm and being a dog. He does though show a more leadership type role so I'm thinking he'll be a second in command type of plush then someone going against Catnap. Edit - Semi scrap point 1, The pig has three colors on his charm (Brown, Green, and Red). Also the Unicorn's charm in the promotional plushie photo is put into shadow like the rest so again, all their differences could be a giant red herring. (only Catnap's charm has light shining on it)

[@starstorm1267]

Considering that Dogday and the unicorn are seen together at 0:22, maybe the two of them will work together to try to take down Catnap but Dogday gets defeated/killed early on, leaving the unicorn as the sole survivor and helper to the player to go against Catnap?

[@wanmalikiwanmuhammad446]

The unicorn and catnap are also the only ones with their hands on their laps unlike the others in the plushie image. So your theory that the unicorn's friendly makes a lot of sense. (to me at least) Edit : also the unicorn doesn't beg to catnap for the gas.

[@heartroll8719]

An interesting thing for “The Hour of Joy” is if you look at the clock in the cartoon, right before we see the critters, it’s 10:06 or 1006. We all know what that refers to. I think 1188 or aka Catnap is Theo. It was perfect for the scientists since they had a child to work on and the list could have been created before he got hurt so it all worked out perfectly.

[@replacableVessel]

Not perfectly, thanks to the accident, Theo became Catnap, and Theo is friends with the prototype, It would have been more difficult, but way better to have a kid that was not related to the prototype to take the role of Catnap

[@BurningFlamesofDivineDragon]

Good catch on the time for the clock and exp. 1006.

[@compassrose1466]

Dude the animation and the details of making the cartoon fit the 80s aesthetic since Poppy Playtime’s building gives off those 80s/90s vibes is so cool!! The amount of detail on the frames to make it look like it was hand animated and inked is really cool!!!

[@georgianagheorghe8848]

These new critters are creepier than most of the monsters of the game.

[@mistermann4163]

I'm just picturing the chapter being a literal cat and mouse chase where you have to loop back to a large room where it's at it's largest and try to not get noticed by it by hiding with whatever will be around. While in more smaller areas it would be stretching and squeezing it way towards you. With the cloud it produces being ever present until vents are opened to divert the gas as well as air pockets before getting the gas mask.

[@lalune1824]

I still think that the big body initiative is not about human soul transferring to toys but more gruesome - doing surgery on human body parts and transferring their guts and parts into the skin of the man-made toy (Just like made in abyss)

[@Konani_the_unicorn_queen]

Theodore, a 7-year old, as the cat writing very complicated words on the walls, doesn't feel likely, unless the kid's vocabulary increased and got much more complicated from when he nearly died to when he was turned into a giant gas-dispensing plush toy...

[@QuickSilverKitsune]

Which 100% wouldnt make sense, since its hinted at from the Prototype's info 'page' that the procedure isnt supposed to alter the intelligence level of whoever is undergoing it in a positive way if it all(which is also why imo the Prototype cant be the founder, since they were stunned by how intelligent the Prototype was: he was smart enough to discover the potential of the Poppy flower, so why would his intelligence suprise them?)

[@tessfabled4115]

I mean presumably his brain would continue to mature (as it's the whole brain transplanted by the looks of it, not just consciousness transfer), depending on the time passed since then he could be in his late teens or early 20s by now.

[@Konani_the_unicorn_queen]

@@tessfabled4115 -if a child's or adult's brain is transferred into a toy; consider the size of any human head, and that of the different toys in the game. an entire human brain wouldn't fit into one of those, only parts of one, at best. -especially if you remember the video about the transplant into the Bron toy, it's barely big enough to fit anything into the head, even less so an adult's brain, in the "bigger bodies", it would make more sense, since their heads are large enough to fit an actual brain,

[@QuickSilverKitsune]

@@Konani_the_unicorn_queen you're assuming they'd hardline follow the same anatomy rules, when everything Mommy Long-Legs can do with her limbs and Huggy/Kissy are both proof they don't

[@Konani_the_unicorn_queen]

@@QuickSilverKitsune i'm saying is that they couldn't fit a human brain into a small toy, unless they have a shrinking ray. both mommy's and huggy/kissy's heads are large enough to fit a brain, the bodies' special functions doesn't matter if what's being argued is if the brain is transferred into the toy or not.

[@yazurt29]

At the start of the cartoon show they said "S-M-I-L-E everyday"twice. I think that's some sort of code that smiling critters send orphans to remember some rules that starts with these letters

[@gearedburger6373]

That big mechanical creature gives me a feeling of the rest of the smiling critters all combined together. If u look at the top middle those ears look like the pig ears. I’m thinking this giant thing is gonna be a combination of the rest of the critters we saw in the video

[@autismwithnyaharty]

The VHS tape with the crying girl and the red smoke gave me the chills and scared me and it scared me in night time.7:19

[@divinelevana]

I got scared when Catnap knocked the door. I thought someone was knocking my door at 1:30AM 😭

[@PowerPlay-the-SussyStickgirl]

Same 🥲

[@JoeTTno7]

3:43 , bruh nah the entry to that is disturbing as hell,after alll they smiled,my soul almost left my body

[@pugtrees]

Definitely appreciate the ARG summary! It's nice to get the important details all in one place

[@alanmartinez2122]

the shot at the end of the VHS with the other critters sleeping looks more like they were hollowed out than anything, they look as if their skin was all that was left of them

[@eliottdeletraz97]

I'm not a smile person. So seeing them making such a big cartoony smile like that, it makes them a little dumb looking, almost terrifying. For the scene where catnap is "helping" his friends my making them go to sleep, the way they scream before "sleeping" is just too disturbing. It's like they are dying because of their madness. Despite all of that, i kinda like those characters. They looks very cute.

[@jerryunderdog5912]

Remember when Mike thought that the main threat of chapter three was gonna be a dragon?

[@Aro_Ace]

I was waiting for your analysis of this. I really enjoy your breakdown of all things poppy playtime. 😊

[@Ghostmeow297]

Love watching your videos :D

[@kdkdkdkkddkkdkd]

Here's everything i noticed: in the logo of the smiling critters, we can see the moon and a horn for replacement for some symbols, possibly reffering to catnap and the unicorn. Unicorn is the only one with a grin-like smile, while all of the others are open-mouthed. Unicorn's eyes are also closed unlike the others. Maybe unicorn could help us fight the antagonist, Catnap?

[@Shidyk]

Kind of makes me wonder if Kissy is still our ally here in this chapter. If so, we at least will have someone to help against CatNap

[@Jasobroc87]

Good to see ya SHB we missed you!! You totally missed these news when they came out a few days ago!!

[@Z3r0_g]

I’m going to admit that I didn’t find Huggy Wuggy or Mommy Long Legs very scary at all, but these little guys are perfectly scary and I like that!

[@HannaJakubowski]

Really enjoyed this video, thanks for uploading daily!

[@muffinlove6133]

The smiling critters remind me of my scented plush lamb who also has a zipper on it to put in these scented beads inside her. My plush is quite old from when I was a child so I don't remember her original name but I wonder if that's where the creators got the inspiration from.

[@neoclayman0302]

Great video SuperHorrorBro! The Smiling Critters video was disturbing, especially how it ended! To quote Buster Bunny; "Even I don't dig that creepy ending!" At least now we know that the enemy's name is "Catnap!" His face made me think of the Cheshire Cat the first time I saw him in the second Chapter 3 Trailer! And I agree with the notion that the red smoke he's breathing must be made of Poppy Flowers! As Poppy Flowers symbolize many things, Including rebirth and sleep! And sleep is definitely the main theme of Chapter 3! Not to mention that Poppy's are part of the game's lore!

[@LunaMoon303]

if/when you have the time would you be willing to go over the ARG in more detail? Your videos are always so informative and easy to digest

[@cl0wn_g0ds]

I also love how the intro immediately shows the character’s personality traits, the bunny’s energetic, the pig’s hunger, the chick’s chill and cool, the bear’s lovableness, the unicorn’s creativity and the elephant’s smart

[@EvilTeddiBear]

based on the reaction that the critters had to the gas, it's possible the gas was kinda like a reverse sour patch kids with a deadly kick. At first it's a nice experience and then it slowly escalates until the kids drop dead. It could also be that they choose Catnap specifically because he fit with this themeing and whatever scent he was supposed to have would have been fruity, making the color of gas not seem too suspicious. But that's just what I think.

[@Littleeblue2010]

Its fun hearing theories about it before it comes out and then actually being able to see what is really going on. A lot of the theories are SUPER OFF but they are still very interesting.

[@yanderefangirl8317]

I cannot wait for the next chapter. Also, the new toys give me ‘My Little Pony’ and ‘Care Bears’ vibes.

[@Zorma146]

I love the designs of the critters! And I just love the vibe from the dog!

[@somedudewhodraws9377]

I hope Catnap has a personality like Mommy Long Legs did. :) Elsie Luvlock did fantastic as her too btw :)

[@1597B]

Pause at 2:32. Bubbaphant pulls off the painting to show a formula of some kind, whether it being mathematical or chemistry I do not yet know, but it seems like an interesting thing to have in the intro. Perhaps that formula is the math for this "golden path" that they came up with. It seems that the experiments were small and unsuccessful for a period of time, as stated by the doctor in VHS tapes. But after something, experiments were more successful and came in far greater quantity. Soon, it seems they were able to put anyone into anything upon discovery of the path, having so mamy toys they lock them in storage closets.

[@allin1channelbyminuka736]

4:40 Now i know why we need a gas mask

[@KoboldPip]

I love these videos because reading the comment section is absolute gold! Look at all the most far fetched, stretched borderline fanfic theories there are! And most of them get the most thumbs. These videos are pure magnets for those on the spectrum who have episodes while using the keyboard.

[@dragonslayersworkshop8598]

Ah, seen others do their own videos on these guys and been waiting for you to get to it as well! Also, the Smiling critters remind me a lot of Bernie babies, anyone else get that vibe from them?

[@celjetahoxhallihoxhalli9273]

Supperhorrorbro mike im happy that u still make content thank you for all the chilling info in horror games

[@piercelindenberg6842]

The Smiling Critters are an Expy of the Care Bears. Like Mommy Longlegs and Betty Spaghetti.

[@mrmissingno10]

I’m glad I’m not the only one who thought that, after all they both have the chest charms showing their personality

[@christianparrish3292]

And bronty could be based on Barney. If we get to see him in Deep Sleep.

[@thisisjade4226]

Poppy playtime and the lore just keep getting better and better as we go on, i absolutely love the smiling critters

[@GinRyuKaza]

Oh their symbols look like a play on the old Cartoon Care Bears!

[@SerialDesignationaN]

I’m glad you finally covered this

[@tadastudiosartdevelopment5462]

I think the red smoke (Possibly the Poppy mist) has something to do with the process of converting them into toys. Putting them in such a state of sleep that it works in a different way than anesthesia, its possibly a way to get a large group of people to get to sleep with less resources and money spent on the process instead of individually giving them sleeping medicine

[@tajanih0]

my theory is that, yes Catnap is the main antagonist but i think the other Smiling Critters will be helping Catnap kill you, but one will be helping you, the dog(cuz they're the sun they're happy and not negative)will still be alive and not possessed by Catnap therefore helping you by leading you around home sweet home and helping you defeat Catnap. Thank you. :) (BUT ITS JUST A THEORY)

[@dudewithtude4476]

is it weird I fall asleep listening to shb Mike almost every night? ...it's not right? 😂

[@mrmissingno10]

He does have a very calming voice

[@dudewithtude4476]

@@mrmissingno10 ikr . like someone telling a story to go to sleep with. even if it's a horror story 😂

[@HorrorFan567]

I do that too.

[@fluffyarcanine8489]

I have a bit of a theory. I suspect that the area where Catnap and the Critters reside, Sweet Home, is the same as the house from the episode. But I think it’s going to be a broken down area where loud noises like wind from the outside or gas leaking from pipes could be tormenting the critters, just like in the episode. Following the theory that Theodore is Catnap, I think he would tell the critters to sacrifice body parts, or, tell them to look for any toys or humans in the building to bring to him. In return, Catnap would grant them sleep. But, with the body parts and pieces that Catnap would acquire, I think he would bring them to 1006 to keep adding to its body.

[@morrismusic7331]

So hype for chapter 3 this is insane

[@thedraftingax5963]

Me too!

[@spoookley]

i’m thinking we’ve got a 7 deadly sins situation here. - catnap is sloth - pig is gluttony - bear is lust - chica is pride - bnuy is envy - elephant is greed - dog is wrath & unicorn is prolly a sacrifice or vessel or something, the quirky different one that has teeth

[@zoewong7891]

I just realized something. If Ch.3 officially comes out, there’s gonna be bootleggers manufacturing knockoff merch based on the Smiling Critters.

[@Xhepyxopila]

if they DON'T shoot out toxic gas that can kill me I ain't buying 😡

[@rookcinder4475]

I was excited to see this video uploaded! I can't wait to see what this next chapter and enemy will entail!

[@kaidthewolf1118]

Based on my recollection of the ARG, CatNap (Exp. 1188) is the third Smiling Critter brought to life by Playtime Co. so it may be possible we’ll get to see Exp. 1186 and 1187 in this chapter or in a future chapter. Assuming both are still alive of course.

[@bludeuce3855]

but i doubt we'll see Huggy Wuggy alive in the 3rd chapter cause in the trailer i saw his head on a pike in one of the trailers which means Huggy is dead

[@dandys-worldaddict]

When you press the Catnap plushies tummy, he sprays out some kind of white mist. Its not like the red smoke, but that’s probably how the kids “fall asleep”.