Hapunan is an indie horror game built around a short but focused story set in a Filipino village. The player controls Niko, a balut vendor whose ordinary goal of obtaining a business permit turns into something far more dangerous. As the investigation unfolds, hidden connections between the local authorities and past tragedies begin to surface. What appears to be a simple errand gradually develops into a survival challenge that mixes cultural elements with mystery.

Gameplay structure

The game is presented from a first-person perspective, giving players direct control over exploration and interaction. Movement is handled through basic controls, with the ability to examine objects, collect items, and solve simple puzzles. The flashlight becomes a critical tool in darker environments, while the inventory allows tracking of discovered evidence. Each location provides both immediate obstacles and narrative fragments, encouraging careful observation.

Main responsibilities

While playing Hapunan, the player is required to repeat several tasks that form the foundation of progression:

•         Exploring houses, alleys, and interior areas of the village
•         Collecting notes, papers, and small items tied to the backstory
•         Solving puzzles that unlock new paths or reveal hidden rooms
•         Avoiding threats that emerge as the story develops
•         Deciding how deeply to pursue clues that could change the ending

These activities combine investigation with risk management, shaping the pace of the experience.

Narrative delivery

The story develops through documents, environmental changes, and interactions with secondary characters. Each new piece of evidence connects the protagonist to a larger network of corruption and secrecy. The role of the barangay captain and his allies is revealed gradually, with clues pointing toward past crimes and cover-ups. The player chooses whether to continue pushing forward, knowing that curiosity might lead to danger. This branching approach allows multiple perspectives on the same core events.

Replay and outcomes

Hapunan can be completed in a short session, but its design rewards replay. Optional areas, hidden clues, and alternative routes change how the story concludes. Some endings reveal more of Niko’s struggle, while others highlight different aspects of the conspiracy. Because of this structure, players often return to uncover what they missed during earlier attempts. The combination of cultural setting, investigation, and branching narrative gives Hapunan lasting value despite its short length.