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About The Guest
The Guest is a first-person puzzle adventure developed by Team Gotham and released in 2016. Set in a claustrophobic hotel room, the game tasks you with solving a series of cryptic riddles to uncover the mystery of your imprisonment. Blending eerie atmosphere with minimalist design, it plays out like a locked-room mystery where every object feels significant. The story unfolds through environmental storytelling, with fragmented notes and hidden messages hinting at a larger conspiracy. It’s a short but tense experience aimed at players who enjoy piecing together secrets through observation.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around exploring a single hotel room, interacting with objects to trigger puzzles, and deciphering clues. Puzzles range from rearranging symbols to using found items in creative ways, like shining a flashlight through a keyhole to reveal hidden patterns. Controls are straightforward, mouse movement and keyboard interactions, but the lack of hand-holding can lead to guesswork. Sessions often involve backtracking, as solving one puzzle unlocks access to previously unreachable areas. The story is non-linear, with optional secrets rewarding deeper exploration. While the pace is deliberate, some mechanics feel clunky, like a jarring minigame involving a music box.
What Players Think
The Guest holds a 68 on Metacritic and 60.1 on IGDB, reflecting a mixed reception. Community stats show 20 achievements, with an average unlock rate of 20.4%. The rarest, "Waiting for the dose," sits at 5%, suggesting its puzzle is notoriously obscure. Players average 4, 6 hours of playtime, with many noting the game’s slow pacing and reliance on trial-and-error. Some praise its unsettling vibe and clever environmental storytelling; others criticize its lack of direction and repetitive mechanics. A Steam review summarizes the divide: “It’s a moody mystery that either grabs you or grinds you down.” Completion rates are low, with only 12.3% of owners unlocking all achievements.
PlayPile's Take
The Guest is a niche pick for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric puzzles. Priced at $19.99, it’s a low-risk purchase for those who enjoy figuring out secrets through observation. While the minimalist setting and eerie tone are strong, the game’s refusal to guide players can frustrate. Its 20 achievements are sparse, and the low completion rate suggests many will give up before the end. If you’re patient and love figuring out locked-room mysteries, it’s worth a try. Otherwise, its flaws might outweigh its charm.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
60.1
RAWG Rating
3.3
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