HOB: The Definitive Edition Review for Nintendo Switch

HOB: The Definitive Edition is a puzzle-platformer from Panic Button Games. In it, you play as a resident of an artificial island that is beset with a plague of some sort.

This game attempts to tell its story without any spoken dialogue. While I think it does this rather well, it does constantly leave you guessing as to what your character’s goals and motivations are for at least half of the game (although this is probably intentional).

HOB: The Definitive Edition’s main focus appears to be exploration. Any upgrade not required to advance the story is most likely hidden off the beaten path. While it is possible to beat the game without collecting any of these upgrades, things are much easier if you take the time to collect them. Luckily, the game comes with a map that marks any upgrades you accidentally passed by, so you should be able to find all of them through simple exploration of the game’s world rather than needing to vigorously search every nook and cranny to find even one of them.

Most of the game consists of platforming sections, puzzles, or combat. I found with most of them they could be cleared just by focusing on them enough. The puzzles, while sometimes hard, were usually straightforward. The platforming system wasn’t overly complex. The game’s combat system appears to be something of a mix between Legend of Zelda and Dark Souls. You fight enemies with a sword from an over-the-head perspective and your main means of defense is to roll out of the way of an attack—although you can buy a shield from the upgrades menu.

Overall, I enjoyed my time with HOB: The Definitive Edition, as such, I think a fair rating for it would be 8.5/10.

Check Out the HOB: Definitive Edition Nintendo Switch Trailer:

For more information, visit https://www.arcgames.com/en/games/HoB.