Five Nights at Freddy's, often abbreviated as FNAF, is a survival horror video game developed and published by Scott Cawthon. Released in 2014, the game quickly gained a massive following due to its unique gameplay mechanics, eerie atmosphere, and unexpected jump scares. The game is set in a fictional pizza restaurant called Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, reminiscent of Chuck E. Cheese's, where players must survive five nights while being hunted by haunted animatronic characters.
In FNAF, players assume the role of a night watchman named Mike Schmidt, who takes a job at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. The seemingly straightforward task of monitoring the restaurant overnight soon turns into a nightmare. The animatronics, programmed to entertain children during the day, become evil at night, roaming the halls and attempting to reach the security office. The player aims to survive from midnight to 6 AM for five consecutive nights without being caught by these sinister machines.
FNAF features a cast of creepy animatronic characters, each with its own distinct personality and behavior patterns:
Freddy Fazbear: The titular character and lead animatronic. Freddy is a brown bear that becomes more active as the night progresses, making him a formidable threat.
Bonnie the Bunny: A purple animatronic rabbit who frequently moves around the building. Bonnie often appears at the left door, trying to catch the player off guard.
Chica the Chicken: A yellow animatronic chicken is known for its erratic movements. Chica tends to approach the right side of the security office.
Foxy the Pirate Fox: Unlike the other animatronics, Foxy hides in Pirate Cove and occasionally sprints towards the office, requiring quick reflexes to stop him.
The gameplay of FNAF is a blend of strategy, resource management, and nerve-wracking suspense. As the night watchman, players have access to several tools to help them survive:
Security Cameras: Players can monitor the various rooms and hallways of the restaurant through security cameras. This is essential for tracking the animatronics' movements and planning defensive actions.
Doors and Lights: The security office has two doors, each with a corresponding light. Players can close the doors to block the animatronics' entry and use the lights to check the hallways for lurking threats.
Power Management: One of the core challenges in FNAF is managing the limited power supply. Using cameras, lights, and doors consumes power, and if it runs out, the player is left defenseless, almost guaranteeing a jumpscare.