When it comes to good storytelling, regardless of the medium, Filipino horror is always a hit. Whether in movies, comics, TV series, or even gaming, horror is a genre that transcends formats—how it’s adapted can either enhance or diminish the experience. Enter Hapunan, a Filipino indie game that has recently been trending on social media.
According to its itch.io page, Hapunan is a “story-driven horror game inspired by Filipino culture.” Developed by Filipino indie game dev Yikon, it incorporates familiar Filipino elements such as the humble balut vendor, a rural barangay setting, and the constant need to earn—even at the most inconvenient time, at night. While its graphics may seem simple, the fact that this game has captivated streamers worldwide, including CaseOh (winner of the Content Creator of the Year award at The Game Awards 2024) and Kubz Scouts, proves that Hapunan has something special. But is it really worth the hype?
I’m not really one for horror games, but when it comes to trying out Pinoy indie games, I’m all for it. With games recently streamed on PhilStar Tech, like Jeepney Stories showcasing in-depth storytelling and Jollibae proving that even something “cute” can be terrifying, my interest was piqued.
Hapunan delivers a first-person horror experience reminiscent of classic horror games, where a minimalistic approach is heightened by its chilling atmosphere. Darkness plays a crucial role, making even a simple walk around your barangay feel unsafe. If you’ve ever been in the province at night, you’ll understand the same sense of dread I felt while playing. All that was missing were the sounds of insects buzzing and a cool breeze, and it would’ve felt exactly like a summer night in the province—without the internet!
While I’d love to go into the technical aspects of the game, one minor gripe I have is that it’s short. But considering its price, it’s an absolute steal! I initially assumed there wouldn’t be any voice acting, but not only was it included—it was humorous and well-executed. Another standout feature is the attention to detail. From the condiments and kitchenware to the clothing of the characters, everything felt so authentically Filipino that I couldn’t help but admire it.
Despite its short length, for Yikon’s first game, he has delivered a hit—garnering over 100,000 downloads on itch.io. And with a mobile and Steam release on the horizon, I can’t help but be excited for what’s next.
Interested in trying Hapunan for yourself? You can get it on itch.io for PC users for around $3.99, with a Steam release coming soon!
