House of Hazards
🏠 House of Hazards: Asymmetrical Griefing Simulator
House of Hazards is a multiplayer platformer that gamifies Murphy's Law: "Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong." It is a study in Asymmetrical Gameplay and Environmental Sabotage. At Watch Documentaries Games, we analyze this title as a "Griefing Simulator," where the primary objective is to weaponize everyday domestic objects against your opponents.
The game loop divides players into two roles: the Runner (trying to complete tasks like making coffee) and the Hazard Manager (trying to kill the Runner). The Hazard Manager activates traps (falling lamps, flying toast, slippery floors) based on timing windows.
⚙️ Trap Mechanics & Prediction
Success relies on Predictive Timing rather than reaction:
- The Telegraph: Most traps have a visual "tell" before activation (e.g., the toaster shakes). The Runner must recognize these telegraphs and bait the Hazard Manager into firing prematurely.
- The Cooldown Economy: Traps cannot be spammed. Once a cabinet door is opened to hit a player, it has a cooldown. The Runner's strategy is to force the activation of the trap, dodge it, and then safely pass during the cooldown window.
- RNG vs. Skill: While the traps are static, the Hazard Manager decides which trap activates. This creates a psychological mind game ("Yomi")—will they activate the faucet or the soap?
🎮 Controls & Multiplayer Dynamics
The game supports local multiplayer, creating a chaotic social environment:
- Player 1: WASD (Move/Jump), G (Activate Trap).
- Player 2: Arrow Keys (Move/Jump), L (Activate Trap).
The "Stun State" is critical. Getting hit doesn't always kill; it stuns. A stunned player is vulnerable to being picked up and thrown by other Runners, adding a layer of direct Player-vs-Player combat on top of the environmental hazards.
🏆 Strategy: The Bait and Switch
Feinting: As a Runner, never walk in a straight rhythm. Move forward, stop, move back. This erratic movement makes it difficult for the Hazard Manager to time projectile traps like the swinging light fixture. Force them to miss, then run.
❓ FAQ
How do I win?
The winner is the player who completes the most objectives (leaves the house) across multiple rounds. Points are deducted for getting hit.
Can I play solo?
Yes, you play against AI bots who control the traps. It serves as excellent practice for learning the timing of each hazard.
