Here is the game awaited by fans of Poppy Playtime and also horror lovers, in this blog I will describe what delights in this game and what can spoil the gameplay for us. Personally for me, the game is great, full of twists and turns, a gripping story that you go into to get to know the story of the characters and the factory workers.
In my earlier blog I described Poppy playtime theory chapter 3
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And if you want to keep up to date:
Poppy Playtime Chapter 4 Review: Safe Haven
🎭 Building Upon a Strong Foundation 🎭
The episodic nature of the Poppy Playtime series means that each new installment is inevitably compared to its predecessors. While this can provide a solid foundation for development, it can also set expectations so high that surpassing them becomes a challenge. The first chapter was a hit—free, short, and a sweet indie horror experience. The second chapter expanded upon this with a longer and more immersive gameplay experience. Chapter 3: Hour of Joy took the horror elements to another level, creating an unforgettable and terrifying experience.
With the release of Chapter 4: Safe Haven, expectations are at an all-time high. The trailers have fueled excitement with glimpses of formidable new toy-based antagonists and intense encounters. But does this new chapter surpass its predecessors? Let’s find out in our review. 🎮
Picking Up Where We Left Off
Poppy Playtime Chapter 4: Safe Haven begins exactly where Chapter 3 ended. Having just defeated CatNap, a mysterious scream from Kissy Missy echoes in the background. Poppy calls out to her, and the screen fades to black. Before players can take control, a VHS tape advertisement for Doey the Doughman, one of Playtime Company’s older toys, appears. This is followed by a home video of a child exploring Playtime Company’s headquarters before tragedy strikes, and the child falls into an abyss. This unsettling sequence, with its retro aesthetic, adds layers of mystery and dread to Chapter 4.
As gameplay begins, the protagonist finds themselves descending in an elevator with Poppy. As they reach the lower levels of Playtime Company, where gruesome toy experiments have been conducted, Poppy warns that they are about to enter a true nightmare. However, she also hints that allies may be found along the way before returning to help Kissy Missy. The protagonist then embarks on their journey to bring down Playtime Company once and for all.
A Darker and More Disturbing Atmosphere
Right from the start, it’s clear that Chapter 4 has a different atmosphere. The environment is even more eerie, with dim lighting and a sense of overwhelming dread. The setting—a prison-like area where toy experiments were conducted—features chilling remnants of past horrors. Piles of lifeless toys and ominous movements in the shadows create a constant feeling of being watched. 👁️
Technical Hiccups and Performance Issues
As expected, Chapter 4 has its fair share of bugs and performance issues. Since this is the initial release, updates are likely to follow. Unfortunately, some glitches interfere with puzzle-solving and exploration. Time-sensitive puzzles may break, leading to frustrating deaths, and players might find themselves stuck in certain sections, requiring restarts. Additionally, some expected encounters—such as with the terrifying Yarnaby—are delayed until the final chase sequence.
Other common issues include texture pop-ins, occasional lag, and slow movement. While these problems don’t ruin the experience entirely, they can be disruptive. Hopefully, future patches will address these issues, as the core gameplay beneath them remains solid.
Challenging Puzzles and Constant Threats
Despite the technical setbacks, Chapter 4 delivers a thrilling balance between puzzle-solving and enemy encounters. The protagonist is constantly pursued by nightmarish creatures, forcing players to stay on their toes. Alongside the terrifying new bosses, players also receive assistance from Doey and Poppy, who offer guidance and support.
A Manageable Learning Curve
When it comes to difficulty, Chapter 4 strikes a fair balance. Longtime fans of the series will find the puzzles and combat familiar and manageable, while newcomers might take some time to adjust to the mechanics. Fortunately, the game provides a gentle introduction before throwing players into the deep end.
Similarly, the storytelling remains accessible. Veterans will appreciate how Chapter 4 builds upon previous lore, while new players might need time to piece things together. The slower start allows for some breathing room before the intensity ramps up.
Missed Opportunities and Underutilized Characters
One of the biggest disappointments of Chapter 4 is the underuse of certain characters. Pianosaurus, heavily featured in marketing materials, barely gets enough screen time to establish himself as a memorable antagonist. Given the game’s focus on fleshing out villain backgrounds, this feels like a missed opportunity. 🤔
Yarnaby, one of the chapter’s scariest enemies, also has an anticlimactic demise. After all the build-up, his final moments lack the impact expected from such a terrifying character.
That said, the main antagonist, the Doctor, makes up for it. His robotic minions provide an engaging battle that requires players to activate three terminals while avoiding their attacks.
A Story Worth Experiencing
The greatest strength of Poppy Playtime Chapter 4 is its story. While longtime fans may have an idea of the series’ overarching plot, the game still manages to deliver unexpected twists. The introduction of Doey the Doughman adds an emotional depth that leaves a lasting impression. His tragic backstory is genuinely moving, making his fate even more heartbreaking.
However, the biggest revelation in Chapter 4 is the long-awaited identity of the Prototype. Without giving too much away, it’s safe to say that this twist is both surprising and game-changing.
As the story unfolds, players are left with more surprises and an ending that delivers a shocking cliffhanger. Just when you think you have things figured out, Chapter 4 throws another curveball, leaving players eager for Chapter 5.
Final Verdict
Poppy Playtime Chapter 4: Safe Haven is an exciting and chilling horror experience. While it may be short, every moment is packed with tension and intrigue. However, players should be prepared to encounter performance issues and bugs that may require occasional restarts.
Despite its technical flaws, Chapter 4 does a fantastic job expanding Playtime Company’s dark lore, introducing new horrors, and setting up an engaging continuation of the story. With a cliffh
anger ending and thrilling revelations, it leaves players hungry for what’s next. Hopefully, Chapter 5 will build on this momentum and deliver an even more terrifying and polished experience.
Rating 8/10
