If nothing else, JoWood's recently released strategy game, Neighbors From Hell, has an attention-grabbing title. The game has a lot more to offer than just a catchy name, though. Neighbors From Hell's simple gameplay mechanics and quirky theme make it a fun, albeit easy and short, strategy game reminiscent of the classic '80s computer game Spy vs. Spy.
The premise of Neighbors From Hell centers on Woody, who is the star of a reality-based television show. As Woody, you must sneak into the house of your oafish-looking neighbor and play as many practical jokes on him as possible, all while remaining undetected. With each successful joke, the television ratings for that particular show will climb--you'll need to reach a minimum ratings threshold before the mission is considered complete.
With 2D graphics that remain fixed at a resolution of 800x600, Neighbors From Hell isn't the most technically impressive game, but it doesn't need to be. The art style is appropriately quirky and comical for a game based on practical jokes. Fans of the Wallace & Gromit short films will certainly appreciate the look and feel of Neighbors From Hell and its characters, who appear cartoonish, almost claymation-like. The game's sound also gets the job done without too much flashiness; the characters talk in a Sims-style gibberish, while the music tracks and laugh tracks remind you that you're playing a television show.