HIKEBACK

About HIKEBACK APK

HIKEBACK is an immersive visual novel crafted with passion and dedication. Born out of the SCREAMORTALITY game jam, this 10-day creation delves into themes of trust, self-sabotage, and the cyclical nature of existence.

Storyline

You assume the role of a late-night driver on a mountain road when you encounter a mysterious hitchhiker flagging you down. How you react to this encounter will significantly influence not only your fate but also the fate of the enigmatic stranger you meet. As you navigate through a labyrinth of choices, you confront an eternal cycle that tests your resolve and sanity.

Gameplay and Features

HIKEBACK boasts a rich narrative inspired by campfire ghost stories, found footage horror films, and modern day fables. With over 15,000 words of intricate storytelling, players are treated to a dark and surreal experience. The game offers branching story paths that change with every ending, resulting in 18 distinct conclusions (including variants). The soundtrack, crafted by Sam Tudor, echoes the eerie atmospheres found in games like Silent Hill and Oxenfree.

Technical Details

HIKEBACK is free to play, though donations are always appreciated. Due to its nature, there are limited opportunities for ‘saving’ your progress. Instead, every time you return to the title screen, your progress is effectively ‘saved.’ The web version might experience lower audio/visual quality and minor bugs due to software limitations; however, it remains stable and playable. For a superior experience, you can download the desktop version at any time.

Special Features and Endings

One of the game’s most compelling aspects is its ‘true’ ending. Once the credits roll, you’ll know that you’ve reached the climax of HIKEBACK. If you ever feel stuck or want to understand how to achieve a specific ending, you can refer to our comprehensive endings guide.

Content Warnings

HIKEBACK contains several content warnings. The game includes instances of death, violence, unreality, self-harm, gore, physical and mental abuse, flashing images and sudden loud sounds, disturbing visuals and audio, and strong language. Additionally, it touches upon religious themes. It’s important to note that all characters, events, and elements are entirely fictional with no basis in reality.

Credits and Acknowledgments

The game’s soundtrack, sound effects, and audio design were crafted by Sam Tudor. The game engine used is Ren’Py 7.3.5. The original character design for “The Hiker” was done by BloodstainedSpotlight. Additional assets were provided by GGBot, vinizinho, and Kenney. Special thanks go out to neon nuisance, insertdisc5, and the SCREAM ZONE Discord server for their support.