Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location

Developer: Scott Cawthon
Release: Oct 7th 2016
Platforms:
Action
Indie
Simulation
Innovative
Atmospheric
Narrative-driven
Uneven-difficulty
Repetitive
Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location Poster

Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location Review

Five Nights at Freddy's: Sister Location represents a significant evolution in the FNAF franchise, shifting from the series' traditional static, camera-based gameplay to a more dynamic, level-based experience with unique objectives and environments. Players praised its deep narrative focus on the Afton family, which adds emotional weight and expands the lore considerably. The game is lauded for its atmospheric sound design, voice acting, and the introduction of new animatronics like Circus Baby and Ballora, which bring fresh mechanics and tension.

However, some players found the difficulty uneven, with certain sections being frustratingly hard or overly simplistic. The gameplay pacing drew mixed reactions, with critiques pointing to segments feeling like a walking simulator or relying on unpredictable RNG elements. Despite these issues, the custom night and hidden endings provide replay value, and the game’s artistic direction and story depth remain highlights for fans and newcomers alike.

Highlights

Players especially praise the that break away from the traditional FNAF formula, offering a more varied and engaging experience. The are consistently described as beautiful and immersive, enhancing the horror element. The is a standout, providing rich lore centered around the Afton family, which deepens the franchise’s mythos. Voice acting and sound design also receive strong commendations for elevating the cinematic feel and tension throughout the game.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include spikes, with some sections being frustratingly hard and others too easy, disrupting game flow. Some players find parts of the gameplay , describing certain segments as slow or akin to a walking simulator. The reliance on RNG in some mechanics is seen as unfair and detracts from player control. A few reviews mention and lack of clear direction, which can hinder progress. Replay value outside of the custom night is considered limited by some.

Pros

  • Innovative level-based gameplay breaks traditional FNAF routine and adds variety.
  • Deep and engaging storyline focusing on the Afton family lore.
  • High-quality voice acting enhances character development and immersion.
  • Atmospheric sound design builds tension and complements horror elements.
  • Beautiful and detailed graphics create an immersive horror environment.
  • New animatronics introduce fresh mechanics and challenges.
  • Custom night mode offers significant replay value and challenge.

Cons

  • Uneven difficulty spikes cause frustration and disrupt pacing.
  • Some gameplay sections feel slow or like a walking simulator.
  • Random number generation elements reduce player control and fairness.
  • Occasional unclear objectives make progression confusing.
  • Limited replay value beyond custom night mode for some players.
  • Certain mechanics are unintuitive and hard to master.
  • Lack of checkpoints frustrates players during difficult sections.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Welcome to Circus Baby's Pizza World, where family fun and interactivity go beyond anything you've seen at those *other* pizza places! Now hiring: Late night technician. Must enjoy cramped spaces and be comfortable around active machinery. Not responsible for death or dismemberment.

Release Date Oct 7th 2016
Publisher Scott Cawthon
Developer Scott Cawthon
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (7,166)
92% Positive 8% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
62