The terrifying and uniquely-immersive world of Poppy Playtime has been melded into a multiplayer experience with Project: Playtime, but it may be lacking in scares compared to the original. In this asymmetrical horror title, six survivors, or "Resource Extraction Specialists," are tasked with collecting parts and assembling a giant toy together - all while being hunted by one of the franchise's trademark monsters. While this may sound objectively scary in concept, some of the game's elements cause it to struggle next to Poppy: Playtime's Chapter 1 and 2.
After Project: Playtime's initial release date was delayed by almost a week with little to no communication, many fans were frustrated with MOB Games. The developer wasn't let off the hook when the game was finally made available, either. Overloaded servers, UI and gameplay bugs, and overall performance issues have made it so that many players couldn't actually play Project: Playtime on release day. But even those who are able to make it in, against all odds, may still find themselves disappointed in the below-par scares and atmosphere.
Project: Playtime's Scariest Moments Are Lackluster Compared To Poppy Playtime
The jump scares in Project: Playtime are worlds away from those in Chapter 1 and 2 of Poppy Playtime. This could be due to the game's unfinished state, as many other elements are notably lackluster for the time being - but they can feel more like a nuisance than anything else. Not only are the animations and audio clunky, but knowing that the monster is controlled by a player gives them some level of predictability and humanity, melting away potential tension. After a while, some survivors may not even flinch at jump scares (or, with enough skill, avoid them entirely), turning a visceral survival experience into a mere competition.
Project: Playtime's Multiplayer Format Weakens Poppy Playtime's Atmosphere
Although one-of-a-kind monsters and immersive storytelling (as seen in Poppy Playtime's ARG, which is full of secrets) have played major roles in the game's success, it also greatly benefits from its isolated atmosphere. The liminal environment of the Playtime Co. factory can induce feelings of both nostalgia and abandonment, making for a fever-dream-esque experience that naturally excels in the single-player format. Players are living out what can only be described as a childhood nightmare, and there's nobody there to save them (other than themselves).
In Project: Playtime, however, players have a sizable support system. Five other survivors can assist in completing puzzles, assembling the toy, and even reviving them if they've been downed. The sheer prospect of having others around is enough to bring about some degree of comfort, as players are no longer alone, but it also undermines any sense of urgency by providing them with a reliable safety net. By no means is the game a lighthearted experience, but it is generally much less tense than Poppy Playtime, which even received warnings due to its terrifying nature.
Project: Playtime, apart from its current bugs and server issues, can be an entertaining game to play with friends, especially for those who are fans of Poppy Playtime's Chapters 1 and 2. However, the experience it offers is far from what players have seen in the franchise's previous works. The game is still in early access, and so there's ample opportunity for MOB Games to improve on their newest release - but for now, Project: Playtime's true potential remains to be seen.
Source: MOB Entertainment/YouTube