Haunting Ground

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: May 10, 2005
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 70 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 82
  3. Negative: 4 out of 82
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  1. Benley
    Apr 19, 2020
    10
    Still the best horror game to this day and so sought after. They really need to re release it to lower the price and generate profits, otherwise people are paying 300+ dollars for a USED COPY. This and Clock Tower 3 are my go-to PS2 games!
  2. LuciusMcGibbon
    Jan 4, 2020
    8
    This game should really be more well-known in survival horror circles. It looks great, sounds great, it's hella atmospheric and has some legit heart-pounding moments. And unlike many other games, it has its own personality... the only reason people are calling it a clone of anything is the fixed camera presentation, the "girl being stalked" protagonist and the map grinding. But this gameThis game should really be more well-known in survival horror circles. It looks great, sounds great, it's hella atmospheric and has some legit heart-pounding moments. And unlike many other games, it has its own personality... the only reason people are calling it a clone of anything is the fixed camera presentation, the "girl being stalked" protagonist and the map grinding. But this game stays in its own pocket at all times, and that makes you want to keep at it even the action slows down some.

    Really very well done.    … Expand
  3. Razzee
    May 24, 2019
    10
    Having played it a few days ago, what impressed me more about Haunting Ground is that it never received a sequel or a remastered version till this day. I played it on a 4K televisor with component video cable and it looked pretty good graphically, since it supports progressive scan. With its engaging story, game-play, clever level design and bizarre cast of enemies trying to hunt down theHaving played it a few days ago, what impressed me more about Haunting Ground is that it never received a sequel or a remastered version till this day. I played it on a 4K televisor with component video cable and it looked pretty good graphically, since it supports progressive scan. With its engaging story, game-play, clever level design and bizarre cast of enemies trying to hunt down the poor waifu material throughout the game, it hooked me from start to end. It could just explain things a bit better and be a lot longer (I took only 10 hours to finish my first playthrough), but it probably ended that way because the developers were not so confident to spend too much money on a new IP right off the bat. Although a very short journey, Haunting Ground is a masterpiece of a game I will never forget.… Expand
  4. caiogome
    Feb 6, 2019
    10
    eu eu joguei esse game pela primeira vez é muito bom jogar habilidade é muito boa EA trilha sonora e Marcante
  5. Xenobeagle
    Jun 6, 2016
    10
    Oh Haunting Ground, what can I say! I went into this game thinking, "Oh reviews say this is a resident evil clone, I'll give it a shot". What I got from Haunting Ground was one of the greatest horror's ever made.

    A spiritual successor to the Clock Tower franchise, Haunting Ground features the protagonist Fiona Belli and a killer (actually multiple killers the further you get) constantly    Oh Haunting Ground, what can I say! I went into this game thinking, "Oh reviews say this is a resident evil clone, I'll give it a shot". What I got from Haunting Ground was one of the greatest horror's ever made.

    A spiritual successor to the Clock Tower franchise, Haunting Ground features the protagonist Fiona Belli and a killer (actually multiple killers the further you get) constantly running after her, and with little to nothing to defend herself with. Fiona must hide and solve puzzles to progress through the Belli Castle. There are virtually no load times and you can leave every room open to form a trail (a trail which tells you where you have and have not been yet). The creators were intelligent enough to realize by doing this a whole new dynamic could be added as the killer will go through rooms and close the door behind him/her to prevent your escape and search the room. My favorite killer was the Maid who one minute will be intent on killing you then suddenly appear in the next room and be cleaning and completely proper with you.

    Sounds fairly innovative already right? Well there is this dog names "Hewie" which changes everything. The dog's AI is insanely well done with him playing differently depending on how you interact with him and do pre-set commands such as "Go, Stay, Praise, and Scold". Hewie is needed to solve certain puzzles, and can assist you in combat as well. You can get Hewie to obey you efficiently by communicating with him often and occasionally throwing a ball around for him (once you receive it) and giving him praise whenever he performs tasks correctly. Also upon beating the game you can select from different breeds of dog which will change the personality as well as the dogs health, and speed.

    Some interesting survival skills Fiona has are her intuitions (thoughts which occur when Fiona interacts with a potentially useful item) and "Alchemy". The intuitions would be displayed when pausing and give subtle hints which never broke immersion (and in fact added to the immersion of the overall experience). Alchemy allowed you to make weapons out of different ingredients to assist in your survival. When bringing down a killer they will drop an item similar to the way Nemesis does in RE3.

    The game has an awesome amount of content, from unlockable costumes, movie gallery, art gallery, multiple endings and even the ability to play as the dog. Upon beating the game two times, Hewie's intuitions will be displayed instead of Fiona's. The intuition change caught me completely by surprise and had me amazed at just how much content was fit into Haunting Ground.

    The game is fairly expensive now, but regardless, if you ever get the chance or have the funds (and an insatiable love for horror and macabre) buy this game, there is absolutely no way you could be left disappointed.    … Expand
  6. Rox22
    May 24, 2015
    7
    If anything, I truly feel sorry for this game. Being released just after Resident Evil 4. While it does try really hard to show some innovation being something of a spiritual successor to the Clock Tower series, it just came too late and was almost instantly forgotten in RE4's shadow.

    Visuals are great, sound and music top notch. But, script/plot are just cliche and forgettable. It's    If anything, I truly feel sorry for this game. Being released just after Resident Evil 4. While it does try really hard to show some innovation being something of a spiritual successor to the Clock Tower series, it just came too late and was almost instantly forgotten in RE4's shadow.

    Visuals are great, sound and music top notch. But, script/plot are just cliche and forgettable. It's kind of sad as you can see allot of effort and care went into designing the game. A shame better writers weren't involve.

    Overall:
    Haunting Ground is an old school survival horror game that just arrived to late. Not to mention a lackluster plot, sealed this game's fate from day 1. Otherwise it still is a fun game worth getting, especially if you are a fan of old school survival horror.    … Expand
  7. DatBagel
    Aug 28, 2013
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The best way to describe this game is; Have you played Clock Tower 3? If yes, then you're all good. However, this game is what Clock Tower 3 should have been in the first place. With the A.I programmed to never stop looking for you, a dog companion to assist you and a larger variety of hiding spots Haunting Ground could might as well be called Clock Tower 4. The stalkers are so much more threatening since even after they leave the room you're hiding in, they keep on looking for you which raises the fear factor and the music that accompanies them is truly adds to the game. That being said, they can get annoying at times, appearing at times where you're doing a puzzle or trying to get from point A to point B. Other mechanics such as panic mode, your dog companion which can go to out-of-reach areas, find items which will assist you, growling when a stalker is near and attack the stalkers when they're chasing you. This game has also has very detailed art and the facial expressions of the characters are very vivid (unlike many other games at the time). Even though this game has many ups to it, one thing that can be said is that it has mediocre replay value. There aren't that many things for you to do in this game. I guess you could look for rare items. You could also try to get all the endings and beat the game in hard mode but other than that, the replay value is ok. It isn't the type of game i'd take out and play a week after I completed it for the first time. Hard mode is, well, just a harder version of the game with the only difference (other than the difficulty) being the color of the clothes the stalkers wear. You could also try and get the unlockable costumes for both Fiona and Hewie. This game isn't perfect but it comes somewhat close to it.… Expand
  8. gameBUSTA
    Oct 19, 2012
    8
    This game is SCARY AS HELL and has some improvements than clock tower 3 except it is confusing sometimes but it's disturbing atmosphere and gameplay is still great.
  9. Stealthgear
    Mar 1, 2012
    7
    This is a decent game with good atmosphere and a strong character. Gameplay consists of puzzles, object collecting, and training your dog. It is sort of like old Resident Evil in style and that might be a little bit bland in the modern era of gaming. Some elements are extremely fun and new, but I don't think there is enough to call this game addictive. Sometimes it is too confusing as toThis is a decent game with good atmosphere and a strong character. Gameplay consists of puzzles, object collecting, and training your dog. It is sort of like old Resident Evil in style and that might be a little bit bland in the modern era of gaming. Some elements are extremely fun and new, but I don't think there is enough to call this game addictive. Sometimes it is too confusing as to where you are supposed to go next. The anxiety and confusion factor is actually part of the gameplay as you stumble through while trying not to get attacked. I felt this game was solid, but not addictive for me personally. This game will keep value because its premise is so bizarre and the dog training very fun. Get this if you love old Resident Evil style games.… Collapse
  10. JoanaS
    Sep 9, 2008
    9
    Very good game, really. I think i was actually unrated because it was launched at the same time as resident evil 4, by the same company also, and it want well accepted by the public. I think is as good as resident evil 4, or even better. This is a different game, different style. You dont have to just kill enemies, you have to take decisions that could change the ending of the story, both Very good game, really. I think i was actually unrated because it was launched at the same time as resident evil 4, by the same company also, and it want well accepted by the public. I think is as good as resident evil 4, or even better. This is a different game, different style. You dont have to just kill enemies, you have to take decisions that could change the ending of the story, both if you are killed (in many different ways) or you survive till the end. I also lked the panic state that Fiona can suffer. Very nice, really.… Expand
  11. LisaM.
    Sep 8, 2007
    9
    My fav game. Love the graphics, the caracters and puzzles. Could have been a bit more scarier and longer gameplay.
  12. SeanM.
    Jun 16, 2006
    10
    Glad to see there are others really into this game. I love the Clock Tower series, including 3. Yeah 3 had a lot of magic mumbo jumbo, but I thought it was a good story for what it was. And so is Haunting Ground. But Haunting Ground is scarier in that it's actually much harder to predict when you're going to run into trouble. The graphics were actually excellent for the PS2 Glad to see there are others really into this game. I love the Clock Tower series, including 3. Yeah 3 had a lot of magic mumbo jumbo, but I thought it was a good story for what it was. And so is Haunting Ground. But Haunting Ground is scarier in that it's actually much harder to predict when you're going to run into trouble. The graphics were actually excellent for the PS2 which helps the atmosphere a lot. This game does everything right and nothing wrong, a horror masterpiece.… Expand
  13. KellyH.
    Jun 1, 2006
    10
    this was a fun game...the first time i started playing it...i was freaking out and screaming....but when i saw my sister play, it wasnt that bad....so i do LUV this awsome game, and recomend others to play it as well.
  14. JoelH.
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    A great game that rewards patience. Cerebral and gripping. The puzzles are interesting, the interaction between the heroine Fiona and her canine ally Hewie makes for a unique control system, avoiding the four enemies can be panic-inducing, and the cut-scenes are very well done. A marvellous game!
  15. KevinV.
    Jul 12, 2005
    10
    This is my favorite game of all time. It is so orginal, you may think not but it is. Although it does have the whole creepy mansion theme the gameplay and enemies are original. You don't know whats helpful or harmful. And the fighting system is awesome not only do you use physical or weapon attacks you can use your dog compain to help you. There are so many interesting puzzles that This is my favorite game of all time. It is so orginal, you may think not but it is. Although it does have the whole creepy mansion theme the gameplay and enemies are original. You don't know whats helpful or harmful. And the fighting system is awesome not only do you use physical or weapon attacks you can use your dog compain to help you. There are so many interesting puzzles that invole both of you. The voice overs are amazing done, the visuals are fantastic, and the gameplay is more original than resident evil 4. I just can't stand how people don't look at this game and realize how wonder it is. They always compare it to Resident Evil 4. Although that is a great game it doesn't have much orginality to it. Your in a abandon village getting attacked by monsters to help someone. It has great gameplay but is not as compelling or scary as Haunting Ground. Haunting Ground blends the survival horror terror, with the hide-and-seek gameplay. I give it the my highest recomendation.… Expand
  16. JillW.
    Jun 16, 2005
    10
    I love this game it is one of my favorites.
  17. HaleyH.
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    It is great.
  18. DezoR.
    Jun 9, 2005
    8
    I really cannot understand why the big gamesites are condemning it in such a harsh way. Like Julian said it is what ClockTower3 should have been all along. No hypergalactic magic and stuff, just reality (alright, a bit alchemy too) that's what scares you most. Just plain reality in a way where no actual magic is involved. Just some fantasy elements like in clocktower1-2. Yeah, i love I really cannot understand why the big gamesites are condemning it in such a harsh way. Like Julian said it is what ClockTower3 should have been all along. No hypergalactic magic and stuff, just reality (alright, a bit alchemy too) that's what scares you most. Just plain reality in a way where no actual magic is involved. Just some fantasy elements like in clocktower1-2. Yeah, i love Clocktower, but not Clocktowe3. Though "Haunting Ground" feels a bit like CT3 the plot itself leans rather on the first 2 parts of the CT serie, that's good. It is a good game, i dreamed about it, gave me thrillin nightmares...that means its approved for me. ^_^ RUN FIONA RUN!!… Expand
  19. MickaP.
    May 17, 2005
    9
    I REALLY liked this game a lot. Great graphics and music... I found myself lost inside the game world and I loved every second of it!
  20. Julian
    May 16, 2005
    8
    This game is pretty much what Clock Tower 3 should have been. The enemy is much smarter and there's more scare factor.
  21. Stealthgear
    Mar 1, 2012
    7
    This is a decent game with good atmosphere and a strong character. Gameplay consists of puzzles, object collecting, and training your dog. It is sort of like old Resident Evil in style and that might be a little bit bland in the modern era of gaming. Some elements are extremely fun and new, but I don't think there is enough to call this game addictive. Sometimes it is too confusing as toThis is a decent game with good atmosphere and a strong character. Gameplay consists of puzzles, object collecting, and training your dog. It is sort of like old Resident Evil in style and that might be a little bit bland in the modern era of gaming. Some elements are extremely fun and new, but I don't think there is enough to call this game addictive. Sometimes it is too confusing as to where you are supposed to go next. The anxiety and confusion factor is actually part of the gameplay as you stumble through while trying not to get attacked. I felt this game was solid, but not addictive for me personally. This game will keep value because its premise is so bizarre and the dog training very fun. Get this if you love old Resident Evil style games.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
34
#34 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 33
  3. Negative: 3 out of 33
  1. Pelaaja (Finland)
    70
    Even if Haunting Ground is visually great and is in many ways a refreshingly different representative of its genre, but does have its own set of problems. [May 2005, p.68]
  2. Edge Magazine
    70
    Some elements of story and gameplay are left disappointingly underdeveloped, and the grand environmental puzzles of the opening section become all but absent in the later locations - but when Belli's running for her life, you won't stop to notice.
    Read full review
  3. Game Informer
    48
    An experience that is unquestionably less fun than doing one's taxes. [May 2005, p.116]
See all critic reviews »