A new day-one Xbox Game Pass title is taking the horror community by storm. My Friendly Neighborhood, a twisted puppet-filled horror game from indie developers John and Evan Szymanski and publisher DreadXP, debuted on Xbox Series X|S consoles on July 17 — and it’s already claimed the #1 spot on the Xbox Game Pass for Console chart.
Thanks to its day-one inclusion on Game Pass, subscribers saved $29.99 and gained immediate access to what’s becoming a surprise horror hit. The question now is: how long will it stay on Game Pass?
A Cult Indie Horror Darling Comes to Consoles
While new to Xbox players, My Friendly Neighborhood first launched on PC in 2023 to strong critical and fan acclaim. It earned an 81 Metacritic score, backed by a 96% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam based on over 2,100 user reviews. The console debut marks the game’s first appearance beyond PC, and the positive reception appears to be carrying over seamlessly.
Its success is a testament to both strong word-of-mouth and Game Pass’s powerful discoverability platform.
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A Disturbing Puppet Show Reimagined
The game’s official synopsis offers a glimpse into its bizarre yet nostalgic horror setting:
“Something is amiss with everyone’s favorite Saturday morning puppet show…”
Years after being canceled, the once-wholesome cast of The Friendly Neighborhood inexplicably returns to TV screens — only this time, they’re far from friendly. Think Sesame Street meets Resident Evil in this twisted, first-person survival horror experience.
With its mix of retro broadcast aesthetics, eerie puppet combat, and creative storytelling, My Friendly Neighborhood manages to balance humor and tension in ways few horror games attempt.
Game Pass Exclusive Discount and Playtime
As with many Game Pass titles, subscribers not only get access to My Friendly Neighborhood at no extra cost but can also purchase it at a discounted $24 price. The game is estimated to offer 4 to 7 hours of gameplay, though completionists could spend up to 12 hours uncovering every secret.
Whether you’re in for the frights or the nostalgic satire, there’s a unique charm to this puppet apocalypse.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
