Hapunan

Hapunan is a short first-person horror game that takes place in a quiet Filipino neighborhood at night. The player takes on the role of a balut vendor named Niko, who is trying to complete a simple errand—delivering food and obtaining a permit. What begins as a normal task quickly turns strange as the environment shifts, and the people around Niko begin acting in unsettling ways. The game blends local culture with psychological horror, using everyday details to create a setting that feels familiar before it becomes distorted.

Cultural Setting and Story Progression

The game’s environment is based on a typical barangay, filled with recognizable objects such as street food stands, metal-roofed homes, and handwritten posters. Dialogue is presented in Tagalog, grounding the narrative in a specific cultural context. As the story continues, small hints of something darker appear: locked doors, strange noises, and characters who seem to hide something. The narrative structure relies on observation and interaction rather than direct storytelling, allowing players to slowly uncover what’s happening.

Exploration and Game Mechanics

Hapunan does not use combat or action-based gameplay. Instead, players walk through narrow alleys, small houses, and empty roads, interacting with objects and speaking with non-playable characters. Tension is created through atmosphere, sound design, and the increasing sense that the player is being watched or followed. The pace is slow, encouraging attention to detail and exploration of the environment to move the story forward.

Notable Features of Hapunan:

·         First-person perspective focused on exploration

·         Authentic setting with Filipino language and elements

·         No combat, only dialogue and object interaction

·         Environmental storytelling through subtle details

·         Short duration with multiple narrative paths

Community Reaction and Design Choices

Despite its simple graphics and modest production, Hapunan gained attention for its tone and cultural relevance. The game was developed using basic tools and hardware, yet its unique setting and unpredictable progression helped it stand out. Many players appreciated its use of familiar spaces twisted into something uncomfortable. Online reactions, including fan-made videos and community discussions, contributed to its rapid spread outside of its country of origin.