Hello!
Many players have already tried their hand at restoring home after the mysterious events in the first version of the game. And now it’s time to share what awaits you in the Steam version!
Foundation. How did the Regular Home Renovation Simulator start?
One of the inspirations behind the original concept for the game was a recurring dream. It was about a weird house with endless doors leading to endless new rooms. And each room contained a set of its own doors. Sort of like a fractal.
The other source of inspiration was my home renovation project for a new apartment. The work felt almost endless with new things to do and fix appearing seemingly out of nowhere every day. Those who have ever started a home renovation project should be familiar with this feeling.
Bricks and Boards. References.
It’s no surprise, but House Flipper was the biggest inspiration for the core mechanics of house renovation in RHRS. Some ideas I’ve borrowed include: the core loop of renovating old houses, picking the right tools for the job and the ability to customize some design elements for the renovated house. The hero of Regular Home Renovation Simulator also takes on the restoration of abandoned places as a part-time job, but the significant difference is the story behind all these dwellings.
Infra also inspired much of the game's atmosphere and story. In Infra, you explore places that existed long before you and don't want to tell you their stories so easily. You are just a random guest.
Its puzzles, by solving which, the heroes reveal the dark secrets of their city. Safe, albeit difficult city research is gradually painted in increasingly gloomy colors. And at some point it becomes dangerous for the researcher himself.
Concrete and nails. Story Inspiration.
As for the plot, one of the sources of the idea was the book by Howard Lovecraft “The Shadow Over Innsmouth”. In it, the main character, returning to his hometown to explore his family tree, is faced with the incomprehensible and frightening flip side of small town life.
The atmosphere of “Shadows over Innsmouth” is imbued with mystery, threat and hopelessness. Central to the creation of the Regular Home Renovation Simulator story was the sense of a border between worlds in a place where strange traditions and dark secrets thrive.
“House of Leaves”, a novel written by Mark Daniels, was also a major influence on the plot and world of Regular Home Renovation Simulator.
The plot of “House of Leaves” begins with the protagonist finding a manuscript describing the events in the mysterious house of the Navidson family. In addition to how the hero is immersed in the solution of these events, ancient horror increasingly comes into his life, blurring the line between past and present, reality and fiction. But even at the end there are still many unanswered questions about what really happened. And what is happening right now.
The whole atmosphere was also heavily influenced by Finnish mythology. In Finnish mythology, nature and the environment play a key role. Dark dense forests, cold rivers, rocky slopes — all this was a home for spirits and mythical creatures. And their attitude towards people cannot be called friendly.
- The Defense of the Sampo, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, 1896
The northern climate is a dangerous and unfriendly environment for humans. Harsh conditions, long cold weather and nights become rich soil for beliefs and dark superstitions. It also makes people closer. The atmosphere of such a small and close-knit community, in which secrets become common, and the dark past touches every house, has found its place in the history of Regular Home Renovation Simulator.
House frame. Prototype and first version.
The first prototype was made as part of a game jam and time was limited. The team had a month, but the work was completed within two weeks. The main part was the game design and the implementation of the invented mechanics; at that time, the story was just a hint that invited the player to figure out what was happening for himself. Nobody set out to create something more.
The prototype followed the initial design closely. It didn't go through that many changes during the few weeks of development. Everything was ready, we presented the game at the jam, but it turned out that the story did not end there.
By the way, you can still find and play the prototype on itch.io:
Play the Itch.io Demo
Walls and ceiling. Why not go further?
When creating the first version of the game, there were no plans for any additions or even continued work on it. Just a fun jam game. What could go wrong?
But after its completion, many ideas appeared on how the gameplay could be expanded. This idea aligned perfectly with the concept of a deep and mysterious horror story, which will gradually be revealed as various objects are restored.
Then the concept evolved to set the story in a small Finnish town. The plot blossomed, drawing on books and mythology, as well as our own sense of this atmosphere of a close community keeping terrible secrets.
Decorating works. What's new in the Steam version?
In addition to the improved visuals, the Steam version introduces numerous new levels, each unveiling a unique storyline.
Each level is a separate location, filled not only with objects for repair and restoration, but also with pieces of the overall puzzle. With the environment, notes, photographs, as well as bones, bloody stains and ancient symbols, you will be able to uncover the ancient secret that shrouds the town.
Many new tools will be available for use. Furthermore, a task journal, money, a hub location that can be improved to your liking, and even more ancient horror in the family stories.
Stay tuned to upcoming devlogs where we'll tell you about each feature, levels and reveal the secret of what you will have to face in the small rural town. Or with whom.
Have you ever found yourself longing to discuss the effectiveness of border posts? Play Russian roulette with a shotgun? Explore the mysterious Great Well, unwanted by the world above? Or maybe join the Tulpar Crew? Talk horror and post quality memes? If an answer to any of these questions is yes, consider joining the state-approved CR Channel Discord!
And if you like Critical Reflexe's selection of horror games — definitely follow their Publisher page on Steam to see their new additions!
See you in the Renovation Crew!