Haydee

Released in 2016 by the independent studio Haydee Interactive, *Haydee* is a challenging third-person action-adventure game that blends the exploration and puzzle-solving of the metroidvania genre with the resource management and combat of a survival horror title. The game quickly garnered attention for its demanding gameplay and, most notably, for the hyper-sexualized design of its titular protagonist, a half-human, half-robot being navigating a treacherous artificial complex. This combination of punishing mechanics and provocative aesthetics has made *Haydee* a subject of both praise and controversy within the gaming community. *Haydee* casts players in the role of the eponymous character as she seeks to escape a sprawling, sterile, and deadly facility. The narrative is minimalistic, conveyed primarily through environmental storytelling and the player's own interpretation of the clues found within the game's world. The complex is a labyrinth of interconnected rooms, each presenting a unique set of puzzles, platforming challenges, and hostile robotic enemies. The game's lore is expanded upon in its 2020 prequel, *Haydee 2*, which reveals a grim backstory of a corporation named NSola that kidnaps and transforms women into cyborgs, referred to as "Items." In *Haydee 2*, the protagonist is designated as "Item HD512," also known as Kay Davia, who is spurred to escape by a sympathetic engineer named Strauss. The events of the first *Haydee* are suggested to take place thousands of years after its prequel. The gameplay of *Haydee* is defined by its steep difficulty curve and lack of hand-holding. Players are not guided by tutorials or obvious signposting, forcing them to rely on their wits, observation, and trial-and-error to progress. The game features intricate platforming sections that demand precise timing and control, with falls often resulting in significant damage or death. Puzzles are another core component, often requiring the use of specific items, such as a Wi-Fi remote to activate distant switches, and a keen eye for environmental details. Combat in *Haydee* is equally unforgiving. Ammunition and health kits are scarce, forcing players to be strategic in their engagements with the robotic adversaries that patrol the complex. The game's enemies are relentless and can quickly overwhelm an unprepared player. Furthermore, the save system is restrictive, requiring players to find and use limited "diskettes" at designated save stations, a mechanic reminiscent of classic survival horror titles. The most discussed and controversial aspect of *Haydee* is undoubtedly the design of its protagonist. Haydee is depicted with exaggerated physical proportions, including a large bust and buttocks, which are often emphasized by the game's camera angles and character animations. This overt sexualization has been a focal point of both criticism and defense. Some critics and players have condemned the design as gratuitous and sexist, arguing that it serves as little more than "fan service" and detracts from the game's other merits. Others have defended it as a deliberate artistic choice or a satirical take on the portrayal of female characters in video games. Despite the controversy, or perhaps partly because of it, *Haydee* has cultivated a dedicated community. The game has received a "Very Positive" overall rating on Steam, with many players praising its challenging gameplay and old-school design philosophy. The game's modding community has also been active, creating a wide range of custom content, including new character models, outfits, and even new levels. These mods allow players to customize their experience, with some even offering "safe for work" alternatives to the default character model. The developer, Haydee Interactive, is a small, international team, with the majority of its members based in Russia. In an interview, lead game designer Anton Smirnov and programmer Roman Kladovschhikov revealed that the team works remotely and that the game's design, including its aesthetics, was influenced by budget constraints. In conclusion, *Haydee* is a game that defies easy categorization. On one hand, it is a hardcore and thoughtfully designed metroidvania that offers a substantial challenge to players who relish difficult and rewarding experiences. On the other, its provocative and controversial character design has sparked considerable debate and has undoubtedly been a significant factor in its notoriety. The game's lasting legacy is a testament to the complex and often polarizing nature of artistic expression in the interactive medium, proving that even a small independent title can leave a significant and lasting impression on the gaming landscape.