REVIEW / The Baby in Yellow (PC)

Horror is one of those videogame genres where ghosts, demons, zombies, and giant spiders are no strangers to making an appearance. They’re creatures that instill fear in a lot of people and add to the spooky ambiance, though they’re common characters and have become a bit redundant over time. I can probably name half a dozen zombie-themed games, shows, or films that have been released in the last five years, and that’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on a PC title called The Baby in Yellow. There’s something creepy about characters that we generally view as innocent when they appear in a horror game. Team Terrible brings a one-of-a-kind experience that gets more bizarre, more fun, and creepier as the nights progress.

Unlike most babies, the titular character of The Baby in Yellow isn’t cute. In fact, he’s got an uncanny appearance that would make any seasoned babysitter feel uncomfortable at best if left alone looking after this little one for an evening. Babysitting is very much the name of the game here, so being totally unsettled is completely in the job description. Upon starting the game, I heard the soft tinkle of a piano playing a lullaby, an eerie soundtrack to accompany the creepy vibes. In the corner of the screen are the objectives for each chapter, such as feeding the baby his bottle or reading the child a bedtime story. As you complete a task, the next one appears. The tasks were simple and straightforward, or at least should have been until I noticed strange behaviors in this bug-eyed infant. There are also strange happenings within the house that feel like a fever dream at times. I would turn my back and the next thing I’d discover that the baby had vanished from his high chair. It didn’t take long for me to notice that something fishy, maybe even demonic, was going on. 

Of course, because I’ve got a wicked streak in me, I had to test a theory. I wasn’t pleased that the baby was teleporting and acting weird so I quickly brought him to the bathroom, placed him in the toilet, and flushed him, watching as he spun around and around into the depths of the pan. I was pleasantly surprised that I could dispose of him so easily and hoped that my role as a babysitter was over for the evening. This would have been great if the little demon hadn’t appeared in the next room, looking a bit angrier than before. I decided not to flush him again.   

As The Baby in Yellow progresses, a mystery begins to unfold as the puzzles begin to get a little more challenging and the baby starts to act less like a child and more like a supernatural creature. Without spoiling too much, there are secrets to uncover that reveal the truth about the little minion and the role of babysitter soon becomes obsolete. This game is full of surprises and going into it with little knowledge of its background made it even better. 

The graphics are basic but fitting for the 70s vibe of the home you’re in. It’s a little nostalgic, like walking into your great-grandparents’ house with those musty, stale odors and home-cooked food wafting in the air but that nostalgia lasts for a very short time and is replaced with an alternative dimension that makes you question reality. One thing that could be improved is the camera control. I was able to adjust the sensitivity but I still felt like the movements were choppy and headache-inducing. I’m a huge fan of all things horror and for those looking for something a little tame to ease them into this genre, this is the game for you. The Baby in Yellow has some humorous elements, simple gameplay, and an interesting storyline that will capture your attention from the beginning. 

Team Terrible, I applaud you for this wild ride and the evil spawn that I had to deal with. While The Baby in Yellow has a fairly short playtime, it’s worth the price and is available on Steam. There’s even a recent update that introduced a limited-time Christmas chapter that’s available now and sure to get you in the mood for the holidays. It might not bring you good tidings and joy but it’s sure to make your heart go “ra pum pum pum.”