Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Neighbours from Hell Compilation serves up two classic entries in the slapstick stealth-puzzler genre, offering hours of mischievous fun. Players step into the shoes of Woody, an over-the-top prankster on a mission to torment his grumpy next‐door neighbor in increasingly elaborate ways. Each level unfolds as a self-contained “episode,” complete with a laugh track and tongue‐in‐cheek narration that reinforces the game’s television show motif.

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Core gameplay revolves around exploration and environmental interaction. You’ll scour every nook and cranny of the neighbor’s house, searching for everyday items to transform into booby traps—from banana peels and shaving cream to paint cans and mousetraps. Timing is everything: plant your prank, lure the neighbor into position, and then duck out of sight to watch your trap spring to life in a riotous cartoon animation.

Puzzle design ranges from straightforward setups—like replacing salt with sugar—to multi‐step challenges that require chaining together several gags in perfect sequence. The compilation’s difficulty curve is balanced to welcome newcomers while still delivering a playful challenge for series veterans. The addition of “On Vacation” ramps up the creativity, introducing new locales such as a seaside hotel and a jungle lodge, each with unique interactive props that freshen up familiar mechanics.

Graphics

Visually, the Neighbours from Hell Collection embraces a bold, cartoon-inspired aesthetic that remains charming and functional even years after its original release. Character models are exaggerated caricatures, complete with over‐the‐top facial expressions and slapstick animations that sell each pratfall with gusto. Every trap and reaction is animated in crisp detail, reinforcing the game’s playful tone.

Level backgrounds are richly colored and filled with amusing little touches—family photos that wink at pop culture, fridge magnets arranged in silly patterns, and cabinets stuffed with off‐beat knickknacks. Though the textures are relatively simple by modern standards, the low‐poly style gives the environments a timeless cartoon feel that suits the game’s comedic sensibilities.

The compilation benefits from modern widescreen support and improved aspect ratios, ensuring that the visuals display cleanly on contemporary monitors and TVs. Cutscenes and in‐game transitions have been polished to remove the occasional frame‐rate hiccup found in the originals, resulting in a smoother overall presentation without sacrificing the series’ signature charm.

Story

Neighbours from Hell is framed as a tongue‐in‐cheek reality show, with a satirical narrator guiding viewers through each “episode.” The plot is minimal by design—Woody’s sole motivation is to wreak havoc on his irritable neighbor—yet the connective tissue of the TV show premise adds context and humor to every prank. End‐of‐level recaps mimic television credits, complete with bloopers and outtakes.

In “On Vacation,” the narrative premise expands: Woody follows his foe to various holiday destinations, determined to spoil his neighbor’s getaway. This globetrotting conceit injects fresh narrative energy into the compilation and introduces new thematic props, like sun-cream squirters or tiki bar accessories, which seamlessly tie back to the game’s central hijinks.

Though there is no deep character arc, the games excel at delivering consistent comedic beats. The neighbor’s perpetually frazzled reactions and Woody’s gleeful commentary form a simple but effective comedic duo. The story’s episodic structure makes it easy to pick up and play in short bursts—perfect for players seeking lighthearted, bite-sized entertainment.

Overall Experience

The Neighbours from Hell Compilation offers a terrific value proposition, bundling two full games brimming with inventive puzzles and cartoonish fun. Both titles have been lovingly updated to run smoothly on modern systems, and the generous level count ensures you won’t run out of pranks any time soon. Fans of stealth puzzlers that don’t take themselves too seriously will find a lot to love here.

Replayability is high thanks to the hidden “TV show” collectibles and secret achievements scattered throughout each level. Attempting to perfect a level by triggering every possible gag in a tight time window provides plenty of incentive to revisit your favorite episodes. Cooperative couch-play is absent, but the game’s bite‐sized level structure makes it an excellent party spectator title—watching someone narrowly avoid a mousetrap explosion is endlessly entertaining.

In sum, the Neighbours from Hell Compilation is a delightful throwback that retains its humor and originality. Whether you’re revisiting Woody’s infamous pranks or experiencing the series for the first time, you’ll find a clever blend of challenging puzzles and slapstick comedy. It’s a must-have for any gamer with a taste for mischievous, lighthearted stealth-action.

Retro Replay Score

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