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Gone Home


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Gone Home

JohnBGone Home is an unconventional story exploration adventure game created by The Fullbright Company. It's a game that's void of traditional puzzles, flashy cutscenes, and hidden rooms filled with guns and ammo. Somehow, though, it manages to capture your curiosity from the beginning and never, ever let go. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery or the feeling of uncovering a story piece by piece should check out Gone Home right away. Everyone else should read the rest of this article, then go play the game!

Gone HomeGone Home takes place in 1995. You know, the good old days when X-Files was still on the air everyone didn't have their eyes glued to a smartphone (or cell phone, for that matter). You play as Katie Greenbriar, a young woman returning home after spending a year traveling in Europe. As she arrives at her family's house she notices things seem to be a bit... empty. A note on the door from her younger sister Sam says she isn't home and doesn't want Katie poking around the place trying to figure out where she went. Well, since this is a video game, let's poke around the place to try to figure out where she went!

Gone Home takes a very different approach to gameplay than most adventure games. Working with the premise of "if you were there, what could/would you do?", Katie can pick up and examine a wide array of objects, most of which don't directly affect the game. The tissue box on the desk probably isn't important, nor is the doggy birthday card that fell behind the cabinet. They do, however, start to weave a subtle story, filling you in on the lives of the family that is supposed to be there. You're given a full range of motion in this 3D game, so don't be afraid to seek out and search mysteries in every corner of the house.

As you continue to satisfy your urge to explore, Gone Home introduces even more mysteries. The end result is a constant cycle of intrigue drawing you deeper and deeper into the game. It's surprisingly immersive and dodges most tropes you might expect from a dark and creepy adventure game. Gone Home doesn't tell you what to do or where to go. It doesn't put locked door puzzles around every corner or make you fill an inventory with stuff so you can figure out how to fashion a key out of it. It's an atypical adventure game that plays on some deeper aspects of human curiosity, and it's one of the more fascinating gaming experiences we've come across in quite some time!

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Walkthrough Guide


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Gone Home Walkthrough Part 1 - Plot Spoiler-Free Puzzle Guide

Note: There are only a few puzzles in Gone Home, though progress can indeed be impeded by overlooking one of the documents scattered about the house. In this first part of the walkthrough, we will give a basic guide to progressing through each room of the house. Cardinal directions will be given based on the in-game map.

  1. Start by opening the cabinet on the west side of the porch. Inside the cabinet is "Christmas Duck". Pick up "Christmas Duck" and underneath you will find the key to the front door.

  2. When you are in Dad's Office, you may notice that his filing cabinet is locked. The combination can be found in a file folder resting on the bookshelves along the west wall of the library, one room north. The combo is 0451.

  3. In the sewing room on the north side of the second floor is a folder sitting on the table. Inside is a sketch that will reveal the secret passageway/staircase between the library and the closet in Mom and Dad's room. It will be added to your map, and you will now be able to move the panels that open this passage.

  4. Inside the secret passage you will find a map revealing three hidden compartments in the house: one in the library, one in the upstairs hall, and one in the west hallway leading off from the foyer. They will be marked on your map and you can now access them.

  5. In Sam's Room, there is a locked locker. Opening the locker requires finding the three secret panels around the house. Half of the combo will be found in the compartment in the west foyer hallway, and the other half will be found in the compartment in the upstairs hallway (across from the northern door in Sam's room). The combo is 0501.

  6. The basement door is locked. You can find the key inside the locker in Sam's room once you have unlocked it. The door to the basement is at the end of the western hallway leading off from the foyer

  7. Going through the basement, in the southeast corner of the map, you will find the Servant's Quarters. The hallway leading south from there has a locked safe. The combination to the safe can be found by going up the secret passage staircase leading from the basement junk room. Then up another floor to a lever that will open a secret panel in Kate's room. The combination to the safe is 1963.

  8. The east wing of the first floor is initially not accessible. Once you have made your way through the basement junk room and up the stairs to the first floor, you can guide yourself through a secret gray-brick room, and down a hallway that will lead you to a door that opens south to the eastern hallways. From this point you can unlock the door that leads to the foyer for easier navigation.

  9. Once you have navigated to the greenhouse on the far west side of the house, you will find a note on a table at the north side of the room. This will reveal a secret room behind a panel just east of the staircase in the first floor foyer.

  10. The attic is locked. The key is inside the secret room just to the east of the staircase in the first floor foyer. Finding the collected letters to Katie in the attic will end the game.

Gone Home Walkthrough Part 2 - List of Interesting Objects By Room

Note: There are literally hundreds of found letters, notes, and miscellany that contribute to fleshing out the story. I hope this guide will help you find things you missed the first time around... and, of course, if I've missed something, leave a comment and I will update the guide.
Front Porch

  1. Luggage Tag

  2. Christmas Duck - (In Cabinet To The West)

  3. Front Door Under Christmas Duck - (In Cabinet To The West)

  4. Note on Front Door: "Katie, I'm sorry I won't...

Foyer

  1. Wellspring Movers Inc. Shipping Invoice - Sam's Journal - "At the New House"

  2. Directions to work from new house - (Inside Top Drawer of Chest by Front Door)

  3. 17th Birthday Card - (Behind Chest by Front Door)

  4. Family Portrait

  5. Family Portrait Nameplate

  6. Answering Machine Recordings

  7. Note by Answering Machine - "Sam - Daniel from the old neighbourhood..." - Note the use of Canadian spelling

  8. Trip Itinerary - (Inside drawer on lamp stand to the west of stairs)/li>

  9. Katie's Track Trophies - (On Bookshelves)

  10. Cool Skull - (On Bookshelves)

  11. Letter from Carol - (Inside drawer of the chest just east of bookshelves.)

  12. Controlled Burn Article - (On Second Drawer of Lamp Stand at the Top of the Stairs)

Foyer Bathroom

  1. Author Magazine - (In Cabinet)

Foyer Closet

  1. Over the Alps Board Game - (On Top Shelf)

  2. Forestry Service ID - (On Brown Jacket)

  3. Goodfellow High School Jacket

East Wing Hallway

  1. Postcard from Paris

  2. Obituary of Oscar Masan - (Inside drawer below Paris Postcard)

  3. Picture of Lonnie - (Inside drawer below Paris Postcard)

  4. Torn note - (By Trashcan across from TV Room)

  5. US National Forestry Service Manual

  6. Note from Sam - "Katie, Please tell mom and dad...

  7. Sam and Lonnie Note - (Bottom Drawer of Chest with Kleenex, Coupons and Dice on it) - "Hi Lonnie! So if you wanted..." - Sam's Journal - "Best Laid Plans"

  8. Crumpled Paper - (Inside Trash Can By Door to Basement

East Wing Hallway Closet

  1. Backpack Note - Sam's Journal - "First Day of School"

  2. Heavens to Betsy Button

Dad's Office

  1. Bulletin Board Above Desk

  2. Stereo Review - (In Typewriter)

  3. Crumpled Pages - (On floor to left of writing desk)

  4. Note from Oscar - (Inside left drawer of typewriter desk, beneath false bottom)

  5. Terrence Greenbriar Stationery - (Inside Right drawer of typewriter desk)

  6. Copy of I Ching on Bookcase - Looks like it's been read a bit. Perhaps by a man searching for inspiration?

  7. Electrical Inspection Form - Inside drawer of chest with fan on it.

  8. Killing of JFK Book - (On writing chair)

  9. Oscar Hasan's Will - (Inside Locked Filing Cabinet - Combination is 0451

Library

  1. Fresh Magazine

  2. List of Possible Book Titles - (Second Shelf of Lamp Table)

  3. The Accidental Pariah (Terrence's Second Book) - (Inside Box in Bookshelf Cabinet)

  4. Gentleman Magazine - (Inside Box Beneath Book Copies)

  5. "A Stranger Under My Roof" Book - (On Bookshelf)

  6. Letter from Brent Kurtwood - (In File Folder on Shelf) - Note that the combination to the Filing Cabinet is written here on the folder.

TV Room

  1. Message on Television - This explains why the phones seem to be out.

  2. Mom's Old Work Mug - (On Lamp Stand By Couch)

  3. TV Listings - (On Lamp Stand By Couch) - X-Files, Friday at Nine!

  4. Girlscout Tape - Playable in Tape Player

  5. The Accidental Savior (Terrence's First Book) - (In Box on Bottom Shelf of Bookcase)

  6. Note from Mike - (In Box on Bottom Shelf of Bookcase)

  7. Various Video Tapes Around the Room - Sadly, there's no VCRs in the house it seems...

  8. "Making Friends Even When You're Shy" Book - (To Left of TV) - Sam's Journal - "Big Gold Star"

  9. HIFI Shipping Label - (On Box On Table to the Left of TV Stand)

  10. Letter from Dave - (On Table to the Left of TV)

  11. Bratmobile Button - (Inside Small Cabinet In Front of Couch)

  12. Haunting and Poltergeists Book - (Inside Cushion Fort)

  13. Ticket to Pulp Fiction - (In the Cushion Cracks of the couch, under pillows)

TV Room Closet

  1. "The Hevin at the Edge of the world" Story - (Inside Box)

  2. Note from Karen Brown - (On the floor) - "I would like to talk with you..."

Music Room

  1. World History Textbook

  2. Reproductive System Worksheet 6 - (Inside Folder on Lamp Table)

  3. Got a Need For You Record - (Playable Inside Record Player)

  4. Letter from Donald Fripps - (Inside Bar Cabinet, Bottom Shelf)

Music Room Closet

  1. Letter from Mary Schutes - (Inside Coat) - Sam's Journal - "Default Friends"

  2. Boxes of Terrence's Books

Second Floor Hallway

  1. Personal Calendar - (On Lampstand by Second Floor Entry Door

  2. Notice of Temporary Presonnel Transfer - (Inside Lampstand Drawer by Second Floor Entry Door)

  3. Bratmobile Tape Case - In Bookshelf Cabinet - Sam's Journal - "Hanging Out With Girls"

  4. Bulletin Board - (By Sam's Room) - Well, I guess I have been leaving every light on as I walk around...

  5. Sternly Worded Letter - (On Bulletin Board)

  6. Sam and Lonnie Note - (By Backpack By Sam's Room's North Door) - "Hey Sam do you want to see Pulp Fiction..."

  7. Attic Sign - (By Attic Entrance)

Sam's Room

  1. Bratmobile Tape - (Inside Top Drawer of Stereo Drawers) - Playable in Stereo

  2. Chun Li Moves - Under TV Cabinet

  3. Super Spitfire, Journey of Crystal, and Adventurous the Cat Returns SNES Cartridges

  4. Reed Pre-College Program Pamphlet - (On Writing Desk Shelf)

  5. Crumpled Note - (In Trashcan by Door)

  6. Lonnie and Sam Note - (On Floor Under Pillows) -

  7. Metalworking Grade Slip - (Under Bed)

  8. Steggy - (On Bed)

  9. Groove Magazine - (In Nightstand and in Nightstand Drawer)

  10. Brother 150 Motocycle Flyer - Under Bed

  11. Goodfellow Pennant

Sam's Closet

  1. Got Your Number Board Game

  2. King's Labyrinth Chapter 2 - (Inside Boardgame Cabinet)

  3. Frankly Awesome Trapper Keeper

  4. Mitten Collar

  5. SAMANTHA Plaque

Upstairs Bathroom

  1. Red Hair Dye - Sam's Journal - "Dealing With Roots"

Mom and Dad's Room

  1. London Postcard - (On Dad's Nightstand)

  2. Unknown Dimension Literature Business Card - (In Dad's Nightstand)

  3. Earth, Wind, and Fire Poster

  4. Nero Condom - (Bottom Right Drawer of Right Chest of Drawers)

  5. Mitten Picture - (On Left Chest of Drawers)

  6. Family Photo - (On Mom's Nightstand)

  7. Letter From Carol - (Inside Mom's Nightstand)

  8. Copy of Leaves of Grass - (Under Bed)

  9. Bookmark - (Under Bed)

Mom and Dad's Closet

  1. "Watercolor Techniques For Florals and Still Lifes Book"

  2. Ghost Board Game - (On Shelf)

Mom and Dad's Bathroom

  1. "After The Honeymoon" Book

Guest Room

  1. Letter from Sam - (Under Door)

  2. Lonnie Note - (On Lamp Stand)

  3. Composition Book - (On Table)

Sitting Room

  1. "Heavens To Betsy" Tape - (On Chair) - Playable in Tape Player

  2. Performance Evaulation Form - (On Table)

  3. Halloween Show Note - (In Dresser Drawer) - Sam's Journal - "Lie-to-Mom-and-Dad Situation"

  4. Watercolor Painting and Still-Life Set-Up

Sewing Room

  1. "Wildfire" Book - (In Box)

  2. "Healthy Choices" Book - (On Table)

  3. Secret Passageway Note - (In Folder on Table)

  4. "Heavens to Betsy" Tape Case - (Under Table)

  5. Halloween Costume and Costume Drawing - (Inside Armoire)

Secret Passageway from Mom and Dad's Closet to Basement

  1. Panel Opens in Back of Closet

  2. Map of Secret Compartments in House

  3. Crucifix

  4. Panel Opens to Library

Secret Compartment - Library

  1. Loose panel is found in the south-west corner of the room

  2. Miss-fits Flier - Sam's Journal - "Adjusting to the Dark"

Secret Compartment - West Wing Hallway

  1. Loose Panel is found on North wall, just as you walk in from Foyer

  2. Heaven at the Edge of the World Chapter

  3. Half of Combo Scrap - Get both to find Combo to Sam's Locker

Secret Compartment - Across from Sam's Room

  1. Loose Panel is found across the hall from the north door of Sam's Room

  2. Ouija Board

  3. Message from... Oscar?

  4. Half of Combo Scrap - Get Both to find Combo to Sam's Locker

Sam's Locker (In Sam's Room)

  1. Collage on Front of Locker

  2. Locker is opened with Combo from the Secret Compartments - 0501

  3. Morley's Cigarettes

  4. Gentleman Magazine

  5. Picture of Lonnie - Sam's Journal - "There Was Nothing Wrong"

  6. Basement Key

Basement - First Room

  1. Sam and Lonnie Thanksgiving Note - (On Table Under Binder)

  2. S+L Drawing - (On Table By Covered Couch) - Sam's Journal - "It's Different Now"

  3. Science Fair Ribbon

  4. Sex Ed Worksheet - (In Box)

  5. "KAITLIN" Plaque

Basement - Second Room

  1. Letter From Reed College - (Resting on Box) - Sam's Journal - "Ship Date"

  2. "Joyce: A Complete Understanding" - (In Book Box) - Katie mentions it was written by her grandfather

  3. Richard Greenbriar Portrait and Plaque - Face is Cut Out

  4. Catalogue Page - (Inside Trunk)

  5. Newspaper Clipping - (On Floor Covered by Flattened Box)

  6. Copy of Terrence's Book, with Letter from Grandad Attached - (On Table)

  7. Citizenship Form - (Inside Folder Resting on Box)

Basement Servant Quarters

  1. Sennwald Fine Jewelry Form - (In Coat on Floor)

  2. Girl Scout Tape - (Under Table) - Playable in Stereo

  3. Letter from Mexico - (In Nightstand)

  4. X-Ray Spex Button - (On Floor)

  5. Note from Samantha - (Under Nightstand) - Read quickly... Katie isn't that interested in these details, it seems.

  6. Set List - (Hanging on Wall By Door) - Sam's Journal - "I Can Sing"

Hallway from Servant's Quarters to Wood Room

  1. Floor Plan - (Hanging on Wall)

  2. Height Chart of Terry - (Written on Corner Post)

  3. Safe - Openable with Combo "1963"

  4. Letter from Oscar - (Inside Safe)

  5. Morphine, Syringes, Tubing, and other Paraphenalia - (Inside Safe)

Wood Room

  1. Toy Horse

  2. Bootlegging Scrap - (On Floor)

Basement Junk Room

  1. Masan Pharmacy Record Book - (Leaning Against Hatbox)

  2. Postcard from Lonnie - (On Table By Lantern) - Sam's Journal - "Stick with the Group"

  3. Masan Pharmacy Newspaper Clipping - (Inside Drawer of Table by Swinging Bookcase)

Behind the Junk Room Bookcase - Secret Room

  1. Stairs lead to Secret Room on first floor, with an exit to the East Wing Hallway

  2. Another set of stairs leads up to a lever which opens a door in the in Guest Room

  3. Masan Pharmacy Scrap - Under Guest Room Secret Door - Contains Combo for Safe - 1963

  4. Bratmobile Poster - (Secret Room)

  5. Journal Scraps - (Secret Room, on Lamp Table)

  6. Heavens to Betsy Tape - (Secret Room, on bottom shelf of nightstand, under a pillow) - Playable in Tape Player

  7. Letter from Principal - (Secret Room - On Card Table)

  8. GRRRL Justice Label - (Secret Room - On Card Table)

  9. Women Outlaws Comic Book (Secret Room, On Nightstand)

  10. Comic Book Copy Cut-out - (Secret Room, On Nightstand)

  11. GRRRL Justice Zine - (Secret Room, in Box)

  12. Bulleting Board with Notes - (Secret Room, on Wall)

East Wing Hallway

  1. Prayer Sign - (Hanging above Door to Foyer)

  2. Salon Josephine Invoice - (Under Couch)

  3. Offer of Promotion - (On Table By Couch)

  4. Spanish Textbook - (On Table By Couch)

  5. Sam and Lonnie Note - (In Folder On Table By Couch)

  6. Note From Mom - (Stuck to Folder On Table By Couch)

  7. Froth Magazine - (On Bottom Shelf Of Table By Couch)

  8. TV Listing - (Revealed Once The Folder is Closed) - Sam's Journal - "The Nunnery"

  9. Earth Wind and Fire Ticket - (In Floor Vent)

  10. Barcelona Postcard - (On Table By Open Secret Compartment)

  11. Girlscout Show Flier - (In Open Secret Compartment) - Sam's Journal - "Dedication"

East Wing Hallway Closet

  1. Box with Note from Lonnie

Dining Room

  1. Forestry Pamphlet - (On Round Table By Purse)

  2. Letter from Rick - (On Round Table Under Pamphlet)

  3. Vatican City Postcard - (On Dining Room Table)

  4. GRRRL Justice Zine - (On Dining Room Table)

  5. Disciplinary Referral Slip - (Inside Folder on Dining Room Table)

  6. Note from Dad - (Inside Folder on Dining Room Table) - Sam's Journal - "A Very Long Phase"

  7. Letter from Carol - (Inside Drawer of Chest)

  8. The Gits Button - (On Floor by Chest)

  9. Crumpled Manuscript - (On Table in Corner)

Kitchen

  1. Pizza Ad - (On Fridge)

  2. Sam's Schedule - (On Fridge)

  3. Wedding Invitation - (On Fridge)

  4. The Accidental Savior (New Edition) - (In Box Under Table)

  5. Bratmobile Tape - (In Table Drawer) - Playable in Stereo

  6. Samantha and danyal story - (On Kitchen Table) - Sam's Journal - "Daniel"

  7. Forestry Service Acceptance Letter - (On Bulletin Board Above Desk)

  8. Calendar - (On Wall)

  9. Various Food Products - Not plot important, but you can definitely tell the developers had fun coming up with them. :-)

Gardening Room

  1. The Accidental Pariah (New Edition) - (On Table)

  2. Letter from Unknown Dimension - (On Table)

Garage

  1. Note From Dad - (On Wall)

  2. Lonnie's Hat - (On Bike) - Sam's Journal - "Just Gone"

  3. Crown Burger Nametag - (In Trashcan)

  4. Crumpled Note - (In Trashcan)

East Wing Hallway Bathroom

  1. Home Cook Magazine

Laundry Room

  1. Note from Lonnie - (Inside Washing Machine)

  2. The Slits Button - (On Floor By Dryer)

Greenhouse

  1. Strong Pines Brochure - (In Second Drawer of Filing Cabinet)

  2. The Accidental Pariah Copies - (On Filing Cabinet)

  3. The Accidental Human Manuscript - (In Bottom Drawer of Filing Cabinet)

  4. Letter to Kaz - (On Table By Typewriter)

  5. Cover Copy Page - (On Table By Typewriter)

  6. Sam's Map - (On Table by Backdoor) - Note the Secret Room Under the Stairs - Sam's Journal - "Life Moves On"

Room Under the Stairs

  1. Room Under the Stairs can be accessed through panel to the right of the staircase

  2. Photo of Oscar

  3. Oscar Nametag

  4. Exorcism Pentagram

  5. Attick Key - (On Box) - "In The Attic"

  6. Possession and Exorcism Book - "On Floor By Lamp"

Attic

  1. Drawing - (On Sleeping Bag) - Sam's Journal - "I Said Yes"

  2. Pictures of Sam and Lonnie - (Hanging Up on Lines)

  3. Photo Paper - (In Chest of Drawers)

  4. Letters to Katie - (On Table at End of Attic)

Gone Home Walkthrough Part 3 - List of Journals and Where to Find Them (Including Easter Egg Journal)

  1. "At The New House" - Wellspring Movers Inc. Shipping Invoice - Foyer

  2. "First Day of School" - Note Attached to Backpack - West Wing Hallway Closet

  3. "Big Gold Star" - Making Friends When You're Shy Book - TV Room

  4. "Default Friends" - Letter From Mary Schute (Inside Coat) - Music Room Closet

  5. "Best Laid Plans" - Sam and Lonnie Note (Bottom Drawer of Chest of Drawer) - West Wing Hall Closet

  6. "Hanging Out with Girls" - Bratmobile Tape Case (In Cabinet) - Second Floor Hallway

  7. "Dealing with Roots" - Red Hair Dye - Upstairs Bathroom

  8. "Lie-to-Mom-and-Dad Situation" - Halloween Show Note (In Dresser Drawer) - Sitting Room

  9. "Adjusting to the Dark" - Miss-fits Flier - Library Secret Compartment

  10. "There Was Nothing Wrong" - Picture of Lonnie - In Sam's Locker in Sam's Room

  11. "It's Different Now" - S+L Drawing (On Table by Covered Couch) - Basement - First Room

  12. "Ship Date" - Letter from Reed College (Resting on Box) - Basement - Second Room

  13. "I Can Sing" - Set List (Hanging on Wall) - Basement Servant Quarters

  14. "Stick with the Group" - Postcard from Lonnie (On Table By Lantern) - Basement Junk Room

  15. "The Nunnery" - TV Listing (Under Folder on Table By Couch) - East Wing Hallway

  16. "Getting Lonnie" - Response from School - Secret Room

  17. "A Very Long Phase" - Letter from Dad (Inside Folder) - Dining Room

  18. "Daniel" - Story (on Kitchen Table) - Kitchen

  19. "Just Gone" - Hat on Bike - Garage

  20. "Dedication" - Girlscout Show Flier - East Wing Hallway Secret Compartment

  21. "The Last Night - Map Showing Room Under Stairs - Greenhouse

  22. "In the Attic" - Attic Key - Secret Room Under Stairs

  23. "I Said Yes" - Drawing on Sleeping Bag - Attic

  24. "Mitten Journal" - If you look closely in the rafters of the garage, you will see a purple ball. This ball can be knocked down by chucking a soda can at it. Take the ball up to Sam's room, and dunk it in the basketball hoop on the back of her door. Enjoy!

Gone Home Walkthrough Part 4 - Trivia

  1. The birthday card you find behind the dresser in the foyer is signed by Uncle Harvey: The signature was provided by Harvey Smith, Lead Designer for Deus Ex, one of the major inspirations for the game.

  2. The game cartridges in Sam's Room each have artwork from an Indie Gaming friend of the team: "Adventurous The Cat Returns" was designed by Lee Petty of Double Fine Games, Jen Zee of Supergiant games designed "Journey of Crystal" (which may explain why it looks so Bastion-like!), and NYU Game Center Artist Rachel Morris designed "Super Spitfire". Incidentally, Adventurous is the name of the cat owned by Steve Gaynor, Gone Home's lead designer

  3. Take a look at the Levine's Own salad dressing in the back of the kitchen pantry. This is a reference to Ken Levine leader of the Bioshock team. The art on the bottle is also a clear reference to the box cover of Bioshock Infinite. Presumably the inclusion of Delicious Gaynor Peaches is another nod in the Rapture-verse's direction, as well as the Minerva's Den-looking owl on the letter in the basement. Likewise the "Super Spitfire" game cartridge is most likely an updated, glossy, 16-bit version of the Spitfire arcade game found in Minerva's Den.

  4. A couple of references to the Idle Thumbs Podcast are sprinkled throughout, most notably the "Haunted House Game" (a references to a description of Gone Home made on the podcast that became a bit of a development meme) and on the Motorcycle flier found in the garage.

  5. The code to Dad's Filing Cabinet (0451) is a reference to System Shock, where 451 was the code to the first door in the game... or to Bioshock and Bioshock Infinite which made 0451 the code. Or maybe Dad's just a Ray Bradbury fan.

  6. This is not the only game in which dragging a basketball around and making a free throw unlocks an Easter Egg. Originally, the concept appeared in System Shock 2, where schlepping a basketball all the way from Earth to the recreation deck of the Von Braun and making a basket with it will reveal a secret message.

  7. Many of the photographs and portraits in the game are altered versions of photographs of the developer's families. In particular, the "After the Honeymoon" book in the parent's bathroom has the parents of Karla Zimonja, environmental-designer for the game. Which I'm sure led to a great phone conversation.

  8. The refrigerator in the kitchen is a Forbisher brand. Could this be a reference to The Doctor's penguin friend?

  9. Fans of the X-Files will spot a number of references in the game. Obviously, going by the I WANT TO BELIEVE poster in Sam's room, she's a big fan, and the bulletin board in Dad's office suggests that it's just the kind of program that a paranormal-minded daughter and a conspiracy-minded father would attempt to bond over. What's more, in Sam's Locker there's a pack of Morley Cigarettes, which is, of course, the Cigarette Smoking Man's brand of choice. The TV listings in the TV room has it the program circled at its correct Friday night time slot. Kind of odd though that the listings are from February 10th, 1995. Kind of strange that those listings are several months old. For the record, the episode shown on February 10th, 1995 would be the sixteenth episode of second season, "Colony" which deals with the reappearance of a woman claiming to be Mulder's sister... Samantha. Wait a minute. This is either an incredible coincidence, or Steve Gaynor planned this out, proving that we are all just mere pawns in his larger game... (as it turns out, it is indeed a complete coincidence. Still, pretty eerie, huh?)

  10. I e-mailed Steve Gaynor and asked him what he felt the most esoteric reference in Gone Home was: "Probably the most obscure is the law firm of Kubelik & Wise that prepared Oscar's will, which is a very sidelong reference to Billy Wilder's classic film The Apartment. If you re-watch the film with this little nod in mind, you'll probably see what we were going for there." I think I do. Y'know. Kubelik-wise.

12 Comments

This looks cool, but it's pricey. Wish they had a demo.

Reply
kurailord August 17, 2013 9:52 AM

It's really a great game, with a lovely narrative system. I loved every part of it, it's on the short side (about 2 hours) but quite dense.

To me, it's completely worth the money.

Did anyone manage to open the safe in the basement? Where is the combination?

Reply

Solution for kurailord:

I found the safe combination on a piece of paper hidden under the secret door that leads back to the spare room, but I've also seen people say it's written on the wall next to the safe.

Reply

Gone Home Walkthrough Part 1 - Plot Spoiler-Free Puzzle Guide

Note: There are only a few puzzles in Gone Home, though progress can indeed be impeded by overlooking one of the documents scattered about the house. In this first part of the walkthrough, we will give a basic guide to progressing through each room of the house. Cardinal directions will be given based on the in-game map.

  1. Start by opening the cabinet on the west side of the porch. Inside the cabinet is "Christmas Duck". Pick up "Christmas Duck" and underneath you will find the key to the front door.

  2. When you are in Dad's Office, you may notice that his filing cabinet is locked. The combination can be found in a file folder resting on the bookshelves along the west wall of the library, one room north. The combo is 0451.

  3. In the sewing room on the north side of the second floor is a folder sitting on the table. Inside is a sketch that will reveal the secret passageway/staircase between the library and the closet in Mom and Dad's room. It will be added to your map, and you will now be able to move the panels that open this passage.

  4. Inside the secret passage you will find a map revealing three hidden compartments in the house: one in the library, one in the upstairs hall, and one in the west hallway leading off from the foyer. They will be marked on your map and you can now access them.

  5. In Sam's Room, there is a locked locker. Opening the locker requires finding the three secret panels around the house. Half of the combo will be found in the compartment in the west foyer hallway, and the other half will be found in the compartment in the upstairs hallway (across from the northern door in Sam's room). The combo is 0501.

  6. The basement door is locked. You can find the key inside the locker in Sam's room once you have unlocked it. The door to the basement is at the end of the western hallway leading off from the foyer

  7. Going through the basement, in the southeast corner of the map, you will find the Servant's Quarters. The hallway leading south from there has a locked safe. The combination to the safe can be found by going up the secret passage staircase leading from the basement junk room. Then up another floor to a lever that will open a secret panel in Kate's room. The combination to the safe is 1963.

  8. The east wing of the first floor is initially not accessible. Once you have made your way through the basement junk room and up the stairs to the first floor, you can guide yourself through a secret gray-brick room, and down a hallway that will lead you to a door that opens south to the eastern hallways. From this point you can unlock the door that leads to the foyer for easier navigation.

  9. Once you have navigated to the greenhouse on the far west side of the house, you will find a note on a table at the north side of the room. This will reveal a secret room behind a panel just east of the staircase in the first floor foyer.

  10. The attic is locked. The key is inside the secret room just to the east of the staircase in the first floor foyer. Finding the collected letters to Katie in the attic will end the game.

Reply

Gone Home Walkthrough Part 2 - List of Interesting Objects By Room

Note: There are literally hundreds of found letters, notes, and miscellany that contribute to fleshing out the story. I hope this guide will help you find things you missed the first time around... and, of course, if I've missed something, leave a comment and I will update the guide.
Front Porch

  1. Luggage Tag

  2. Christmas Duck - (In Cabinet To The West)

  3. Front Door Under Christmas Duck - (In Cabinet To The West)

  4. Note on Front Door: "Katie, I'm sorry I won't...

Foyer

  1. Wellspring Movers Inc. Shipping Invoice - Sam's Journal - "At the New House"

  2. Directions to work from new house - (Inside Top Drawer of Chest by Front Door)

  3. 17th Birthday Card - (Behind Chest by Front Door)

  4. Family Portrait

  5. Family Portrait Nameplate

  6. Answering Machine Recordings

  7. Note by Answering Machine - "Sam - Daniel from the old neighbourhood..." - Note the use of Canadian spelling

  8. Trip Itinerary - (Inside drawer on lamp stand to the west of stairs)/li>

  9. Katie's Track Trophies - (On Bookshelves)

  10. Cool Skull - (On Bookshelves)

  11. Letter from Carol - (Inside drawer of the chest just east of bookshelves.)

  12. Controlled Burn Article - (On Second Drawer of Lamp Stand at the Top of the Stairs)

Foyer Bathroom

  1. Author Magazine - (In Cabinet)

Foyer Closet

  1. Over the Alps Board Game - (On Top Shelf)

  2. Forestry Service ID - (On Brown Jacket)

  3. Goodfellow High School Jacket

East Wing Hallway

  1. Postcard from Paris

  2. Obituary of Oscar Masan - (Inside drawer below Paris Postcard)

  3. Picture of Lonnie - (Inside drawer below Paris Postcard)

  4. Torn note - (By Trashcan across from TV Room)

  5. US National Forestry Service Manual

  6. Note from Sam - "Katie, Please tell mom and dad...

  7. Sam and Lonnie Note - (Bottom Drawer of Chest with Kleenex, Coupons and Dice on it) - "Hi Lonnie! So if you wanted..." - Sam's Journal - "Best Laid Plans"

  8. Crumpled Paper - (Inside Trash Can By Door to Basement

East Wing Hallway Closet

  1. Backpack Note - Sam's Journal - "First Day of School"

  2. Heavens to Betsy Button

Dad's Office

  1. Bulletin Board Above Desk

  2. Stereo Review - (In Typewriter)

  3. Crumpled Pages - (On floor to left of writing desk)

  4. Note from Oscar - (Inside left drawer of typewriter desk, beneath false bottom)

  5. Terrence Greenbriar Stationery - (Inside Right drawer of typewriter desk)

  6. Copy of I Ching on Bookcase - Looks like it's been read a bit. Perhaps by a man searching for inspiration?

  7. Electrical Inspection Form - Inside drawer of chest with fan on it.

  8. Killing of JFK Book - (On writing chair)

  9. Oscar Hasan's Will - (Inside Locked Filing Cabinet - Combination is 0451

Library

  1. Fresh Magazine

  2. List of Possible Book Titles - (Second Shelf of Lamp Table)

  3. The Accidental Pariah (Terrence's Second Book) - (Inside Box in Bookshelf Cabinet)

  4. Gentleman Magazine - (Inside Box Beneath Book Copies)

  5. "A Stranger Under My Roof" Book - (On Bookshelf)

  6. Letter from Brent Kurtwood - (In File Folder on Shelf) - Note that the combination to the Filing Cabinet is written here on the folder.

TV Room

  1. Message on Television - This explains why the phones seem to be out.

  2. Mom's Old Work Mug - (On Lamp Stand By Couch)

  3. TV Listings - (On Lamp Stand By Couch) - X-Files, Friday at Nine!

  4. Girlscout Tape - Playable in Tape Player

  5. The Accidental Savior (Terrence's First Book) - (In Box on Bottom Shelf of Bookcase)

  6. Note from Mike - (In Box on Bottom Shelf of Bookcase)

  7. Various Video Tapes Around the Room - Sadly, there's no VCRs in the house it seems...

  8. "Making Friends Even When You're Shy" Book - (To Left of TV) - Sam's Journal - "Big Gold Star"

  9. HIFI Shipping Label - (On Box On Table to the Left of TV Stand)

  10. Letter from Dave - (On Table to the Left of TV)

  11. Bratmobile Button - (Inside Small Cabinet In Front of Couch)

  12. Haunting and Poltergeists Book - (Inside Cushion Fort)

  13. Ticket to Pulp Fiction - (In the Cushion Cracks of the couch, under pillows)

TV Room Closet

  1. "The Hevin at the Edge of the world" Story - (Inside Box)

  2. Note from Karen Brown - (On the floor) - "I would like to talk with you..."

Music Room

  1. World History Textbook

  2. Reproductive System Worksheet 6 - (Inside Folder on Lamp Table)

  3. Got a Need For You Record - (Playable Inside Record Player)

  4. Letter from Donald Fripps - (Inside Bar Cabinet, Bottom Shelf)

Music Room Closet

  1. Letter from Mary Schutes - (Inside Coat) - Sam's Journal - "Default Friends"

  2. Boxes of Terrence's Books

Second Floor Hallway

  1. Personal Calendar - (On Lampstand by Second Floor Entry Door

  2. Notice of Temporary Presonnel Transfer - (Inside Lampstand Drawer by Second Floor Entry Door)

  3. Bratmobile Tape Case - In Bookshelf Cabinet - Sam's Journal - "Hanging Out With Girls"

  4. Bulletin Board - (By Sam's Room) - Well, I guess I have been leaving every light on as I walk around...

  5. Sternly Worded Letter - (On Bulletin Board)

  6. Sam and Lonnie Note - (By Backpack By Sam's Room's North Door) - "Hey Sam do you want to see Pulp Fiction..."

  7. Attic Sign - (By Attic Entrance)

Sam's Room

  1. Bratmobile Tape - (Inside Top Drawer of Stereo Drawers) - Playable in Stereo

  2. Chun Li Moves - Under TV Cabinet

  3. Super Spitfire, Journey of Crystal, and Adventurous the Cat Returns SNES Cartridges

  4. Reed Pre-College Program Pamphlet - (On Writing Desk Shelf)

  5. Crumpled Note - (In Trashcan by Door)

  6. Lonnie and Sam Note - (On Floor Under Pillows) -

  7. Metalworking Grade Slip - (Under Bed)

  8. Steggy - (On Bed)

  9. Groove Magazine - (In Nightstand and in Nightstand Drawer)

  10. Brother 150 Motocycle Flyer - Under Bed

  11. Goodfellow Pennant

Sam's Closet

  1. Got Your Number Board Game

  2. King's Labyrinth Chapter 2 - (Inside Boardgame Cabinet)

  3. Frankly Awesome Trapper Keeper

  4. Mitten Collar

  5. SAMANTHA Plaque

Upstairs Bathroom

  1. Red Hair Dye - Sam's Journal - "Dealing With Roots"

Mom and Dad's Room

  1. London Postcard - (On Dad's Nightstand)

  2. Unknown Dimension Literature Business Card - (In Dad's Nightstand)

  3. Earth, Wind, and Fire Poster

  4. Nero Condom - (Bottom Right Drawer of Right Chest of Drawers)

  5. Mitten Picture - (On Left Chest of Drawers)

  6. Family Photo - (On Mom's Nightstand)

  7. Letter From Carol - (Inside Mom's Nightstand)

  8. Copy of Leaves of Grass - (Under Bed)

  9. Bookmark - (Under Bed)

Mom and Dad's Closet

  1. "Watercolor Techniques For Florals and Still Lifes Book"

  2. Ghost Board Game - (On Shelf)

Mom and Dad's Bathroom

  1. "After The Honeymoon" Book

Guest Room

  1. Letter from Sam - (Under Door)

  2. Lonnie Note - (On Lamp Stand)

  3. Composition Book - (On Table)

Sitting Room

  1. "Heavens To Betsy" Tape - (On Chair) - Playable in Tape Player

  2. Performance Evaulation Form - (On Table)

  3. Halloween Show Note - (In Dresser Drawer) - Sam's Journal - "Lie-to-Mom-and-Dad Situation"

  4. Watercolor Painting and Still-Life Set-Up

Sewing Room

  1. "Wildfire" Book - (In Box)

  2. "Healthy Choices" Book - (On Table)

  3. Secret Passageway Note - (In Folder on Table)

  4. "Heavens to Betsy" Tape Case - (Under Table)

  5. Halloween Costume and Costume Drawing - (Inside Armoire)

Secret Passageway from Mom and Dad's Closet to Basement

  1. Panel Opens in Back of Closet

  2. Map of Secret Compartments in House

  3. Crucifix

  4. Panel Opens to Library

Secret Compartment - Library

  1. Loose panel is found in the south-west corner of the room

  2. Miss-fits Flier - Sam's Journal - "Adjusting to the Dark"

Secret Compartment - West Wing Hallway

  1. Loose Panel is found on North wall, just as you walk in from Foyer

  2. Heaven at the Edge of the World Chapter

  3. Half of Combo Scrap - Get both to find Combo to Sam's Locker

Secret Compartment - Across from Sam's Room

  1. Loose Panel is found across the hall from the north door of Sam's Room

  2. Ouija Board

  3. Message from... Oscar?

  4. Half of Combo Scrap - Get Both to find Combo to Sam's Locker

Sam's Locker (In Sam's Room)

  1. Collage on Front of Locker

  2. Locker is opened with Combo from the Secret Compartments - 0501

  3. Morley's Cigarettes

  4. Gentleman Magazine

  5. Picture of Lonnie - Sam's Journal - "There Was Nothing Wrong"

  6. Basement Key

Basement - First Room

  1. Sam and Lonnie Thanksgiving Note - (On Table Under Binder)

  2. S+L Drawing - (On Table By Covered Couch) - Sam's Journal - "It's Different Now"

  3. Science Fair Ribbon

  4. Sex Ed Worksheet - (In Box)

  5. "KAITLIN" Plaque

Basement - Second Room

  1. Letter From Reed College - (Resting on Box) - Sam's Journal - "Ship Date"

  2. "Joyce: A Complete Understanding" - (In Book Box) - Katie mentions it was written by her grandfather

  3. Richard Greenbriar Portrait and Plaque - Face is Cut Out

  4. Catalogue Page - (Inside Trunk)

  5. Newspaper Clipping - (On Floor Covered by Flattened Box)

  6. Copy of Terrence's Book, with Letter from Grandad Attached - (On Table)

  7. Citizenship Form - (Inside Folder Resting on Box)

Basement Servant Quarters

  1. Sennwald Fine Jewelry Form - (In Coat on Floor)

  2. Girl Scout Tape - (Under Table) - Playable in Stereo

  3. Letter from Mexico - (In Nightstand)

  4. X-Ray Spex Button - (On Floor)

  5. Note from Samantha - (Under Nightstand) - Read quickly... Katie isn't that interested in these details, it seems.

  6. Set List - (Hanging on Wall By Door) - Sam's Journal - "I Can Sing"

Hallway from Servant's Quarters to Wood Room

  1. Floor Plan - (Hanging on Wall)

  2. Height Chart of Terry - (Written on Corner Post)

  3. Safe - Openable with Combo "1963"

  4. Letter from Oscar - (Inside Safe)

  5. Morphine, Syringes, Tubing, and other Paraphenalia - (Inside Safe)

Wood Room

  1. Toy Horse

  2. Bootlegging Scrap - (On Floor)

Basement Junk Room

  1. Masan Pharmacy Record Book - (Leaning Against Hatbox)

  2. Postcard from Lonnie - (On Table By Lantern) - Sam's Journal - "Stick with the Group"

  3. Masan Pharmacy Newspaper Clipping - (Inside Drawer of Table by Swinging Bookcase)

Behind the Junk Room Bookcase - Secret Room

  1. Stairs lead to Secret Room on first floor, with an exit to the East Wing Hallway

  2. Another set of stairs leads up to a lever which opens a door in the in Guest Room

  3. Masan Pharmacy Scrap - Under Guest Room Secret Door - Contains Combo for Safe - 1963

  4. Bratmobile Poster - (Secret Room)

  5. Journal Scraps - (Secret Room, on Lamp Table)

  6. Heavens to Betsy Tape - (Secret Room, on bottom shelf of nightstand, under a pillow) - Playable in Tape Player

  7. Letter from Principal - (Secret Room - On Card Table)

  8. GRRRL Justice Label - (Secret Room - On Card Table)

  9. Women Outlaws Comic Book (Secret Room, On Nightstand)

  10. Comic Book Copy Cut-out - (Secret Room, On Nightstand)

  11. GRRRL Justice Zine - (Secret Room, in Box)

  12. Bulleting Board with Notes - (Secret Room, on Wall)

East Wing Hallway

  1. Prayer Sign - (Hanging above Door to Foyer)

  2. Salon Josephine Invoice - (Under Couch)

  3. Offer of Promotion - (On Table By Couch)

  4. Spanish Textbook - (On Table By Couch)

  5. Sam and Lonnie Note - (In Folder On Table By Couch)

  6. Note From Mom - (Stuck to Folder On Table By Couch)

  7. Froth Magazine - (On Bottom Shelf Of Table By Couch)

  8. TV Listing - (Revealed Once The Folder is Closed) - Sam's Journal - "The Nunnery"

  9. Earth Wind and Fire Ticket - (In Floor Vent)

  10. Barcelona Postcard - (On Table By Open Secret Compartment)

  11. Girlscout Show Flier - (In Open Secret Compartment) - Sam's Journal - "Dedication"

East Wing Hallway Closet

  1. Box with Note from Lonnie

Dining Room

  1. Forestry Pamphlet - (On Round Table By Purse)

  2. Letter from Rick - (On Round Table Under Pamphlet)

  3. Vatican City Postcard - (On Dining Room Table)

  4. GRRRL Justice Zine - (On Dining Room Table)

  5. Disciplinary Referral Slip - (Inside Folder on Dining Room Table)

  6. Note from Dad - (Inside Folder on Dining Room Table) - Sam's Journal - "A Very Long Phase"

  7. Letter from Carol - (Inside Drawer of Chest)

  8. The Gits Button - (On Floor by Chest)

  9. Crumpled Manuscript - (On Table in Corner)

Kitchen

  1. Pizza Ad - (On Fridge)

  2. Sam's Schedule - (On Fridge)

  3. Wedding Invitation - (On Fridge)

  4. The Accidental Savior (New Edition) - (In Box Under Table)

  5. Bratmobile Tape - (In Table Drawer) - Playable in Stereo

  6. Samantha and danyal story - (On Kitchen Table) - Sam's Journal - "Daniel"

  7. Forestry Service Acceptance Letter - (On Bulletin Board Above Desk)

  8. Calendar - (On Wall)

  9. Various Food Products - Not plot important, but you can definitely tell the developers had fun coming up with them. :-)

Gardening Room

  1. The Accidental Pariah (New Edition) - (On Table)

  2. Letter from Unknown Dimension - (On Table)

Garage

  1. Note From Dad - (On Wall)

  2. Lonnie's Hat - (On Bike) - Sam's Journal - "Just Gone"

  3. Crown Burger Nametag - (In Trashcan)

  4. Crumpled Note - (In Trashcan)

East Wing Hallway Bathroom

  1. Home Cook Magazine

Laundry Room

  1. Note from Lonnie - (Inside Washing Machine)

  2. The Slits Button - (On Floor By Dryer)

Greenhouse

  1. Strong Pines Brochure - (In Second Drawer of Filing Cabinet)

  2. The Accidental Pariah Copies - (On Filing Cabinet)

  3. The Accidental Human Manuscript - (In Bottom Drawer of Filing Cabinet)

  4. Letter to Kaz - (On Table By Typewriter)

  5. Cover Copy Page - (On Table By Typewriter)

  6. Sam's Map - (On Table by Backdoor) - Note the Secret Room Under the Stairs - Sam's Journal - "Life Moves On"

Room Under the Stairs

  1. Room Under the Stairs can be accessed through panel to the right of the staircase

  2. Photo of Oscar

  3. Oscar Nametag

  4. Exorcism Pentagram

  5. Attick Key - (On Box) - "In The Attic"

  6. Possession and Exorcism Book - "On Floor By Lamp"

Attic

  1. Drawing - (On Sleeping Bag) - Sam's Journal - "I Said Yes"

  2. Pictures of Sam and Lonnie - (Hanging Up on Lines)

  3. Photo Paper - (In Chest of Drawers)

  4. Letters to Katie - (On Table at End of Attic)

Reply

Gone Home Walkthrough Part 3 - List of Journals and Where to Find Them (Including Easter Egg Journal)

  1. "At The New House" - Wellspring Movers Inc. Shipping Invoice - Foyer

  2. "First Day of School" - Note Attached to Backpack - West Wing Hallway Closet

  3. "Big Gold Star" - Making Friends When You're Shy Book - TV Room

  4. "Default Friends" - Letter From Mary Schute (Inside Coat) - Music Room Closet

  5. "Best Laid Plans" - Sam and Lonnie Note (Bottom Drawer of Chest of Drawer) - West Wing Hall Closet

  6. "Hanging Out with Girls" - Bratmobile Tape Case (In Cabinet) - Second Floor Hallway

  7. "Dealing with Roots" - Red Hair Dye - Upstairs Bathroom

  8. "Lie-to-Mom-and-Dad Situation" - Halloween Show Note (In Dresser Drawer) - Sitting Room

  9. "Adjusting to the Dark" - Miss-fits Flier - Library Secret Compartment

  10. "There Was Nothing Wrong" - Picture of Lonnie - In Sam's Locker in Sam's Room

  11. "It's Different Now" - S+L Drawing (On Table by Covered Couch) - Basement - First Room

  12. "Ship Date" - Letter from Reed College (Resting on Box) - Basement - Second Room

  13. "I Can Sing" - Set List (Hanging on Wall) - Basement Servant Quarters

  14. "Stick with the Group" - Postcard from Lonnie (On Table By Lantern) - Basement Junk Room

  15. "The Nunnery" - TV Listing (Under Folder on Table By Couch) - East Wing Hallway

  16. "Getting Lonnie" - Response from School - Secret Room

  17. "A Very Long Phase" - Letter from Dad (Inside Folder) - Dining Room

  18. "Daniel" - Story (on Kitchen Table) - Kitchen

  19. "Just Gone" - Hat on Bike - Garage

  20. "Dedication" - Girlscout Show Flier - East Wing Hallway Secret Compartment

  21. "The Last Night - Map Showing Room Under Stairs - Greenhouse

  22. "In the Attic" - Attic Key - Secret Room Under Stairs

  23. "I Said Yes" - Drawing on Sleeping Bag - Attic

  24. "Mitten Journal" - If you look closely in the rafters of the garage, you will see a purple ball. This ball can be knocked down by chucking a soda can at it. Take the ball up to Sam's room, and dunk it in the basketball hoop on the back of her door. Enjoy!

Reply

I just found another item in the basement second room - Book titled "A Course in Practical Pharmacy" from 1943, belonging to the late Uncle Oscar. It's behind the wood beside the furnace.

Reply

Have you found all the backpack items? We start with Katie's passport and boarding pass, and add the front door key, basement key, locker combo, and attic key. Beyond that, I get nothing added, and have three blank spots in my backpack. What am I missing?

Reply

Found another item! Matchbook in mom & dad's closet. (Behind boxes.)

Reply

Gone Home Walkthrough Part 4 - Trivia

  1. The birthday card you find behind the dresser in the foyer is signed by Uncle Harvey: The signature was provided by Harvey Smith, Lead Designer for Deus Ex, one of the major inspirations for the game.

  2. The game cartridges in Sam's Room each have artwork from an Indie Gaming friend of the team: "Adventurous The Cat Returns" was designed by Lee Petty of Double Fine Games, Jen Zee of Supergiant games designed "Journey of Crystal" (which may explain why it looks so Bastion-like!), and NYU Game Center Artist Rachel Morris designed "Super Spitfire". Incidentally, Adventurous is the name of the cat owned by Steve Gaynor, Gone Home's lead designer

  3. Take a look at the Levine's Own salad dressing in the back of the kitchen pantry. This is a reference to Ken Levine leader of the Bioshock team. The art on the bottle is also a clear reference to the box cover of Bioshock Infinite. Presumably the inclusion of Delicious Gaynor Peaches is another nod in the Rapture-verse's direction, as well as the Minerva's Den-looking owl on the letter in the basement. Likewise the "Super Spitfire" game cartridge is most likely an updated, glossy, 16-bit version of the Spitfire arcade game found in Minerva's Den.

  4. A couple of references to the Idle Thumbs Podcast are sprinkled throughout, most notably the "Haunted House Game" (a references to a description of Gone Home made on the podcast that became a bit of a development meme) and on the Motorcycle flier found in the garage.

  5. The code to Dad's Filing Cabinet (0451) is a reference to System Shock, where 451 was the code to the first door in the game... or to Bioshock and Bioshock Infinite which made 0451 the code. Or maybe Dad's just a Ray Bradbury fan.

  6. This is not the only game in which dragging a basketball around and making a free throw unlocks an Easter Egg. Originally, the concept appeared in System Shock 2, where schlepping a basketball all the way from Earth to the recreation deck of the Von Braun and making a basket with it will reveal a secret message.

  7. Many of the photographs and portraits in the game are altered versions of photographs of the developer's families. In particular, the "After the Honeymoon" book in the parent's bathroom has the parents of Karla Zimonja, environmental-designer for the game. Which I'm sure led to a great phone conversation.

  8. The refrigerator in the kitchen is a Forbisher brand. Could this be a reference to The Doctor's penguin friend?

  9. Fans of the X-Files will spot a number of references in the game. Obviously, going by the I WANT TO BELIEVE poster in Sam's room, she's a big fan, and the bulletin board in Dad's office suggests that it's just the kind of program that a paranormal-minded daughter and a conspiracy-minded father would attempt to bond over. What's more, in Sam's Locker there's a pack of Morley Cigarettes, which is, of course, the Cigarette Smoking Man's brand of choice. The TV listings in the TV room has it the program circled at its correct Friday night time slot. Kind of odd though that the listings are from February 10th, 1995. Kind of strange that those listings are several months old. For the record, the episode shown on February 10th, 1995 would be the sixteenth episode of second season, "Colony" which deals with the reappearance of a woman claiming to be Mulder's sister... Samantha. Wait a minute. This is either an incredible coincidence, or Steve Gaynor planned this out, proving that we are all just mere pawns in his larger game... (as it turns out, it is indeed a complete coincidence. Still, pretty eerie, huh?)

  10. I e-mailed Steve Gaynor and asked him what he felt the most esoteric reference in Gone Home was: "Probably the most obscure is the law firm of Kubelik & Wise that prepared Oscar's will, which is a very sidelong reference to Billy Wilder's classic film The Apartment. If you re-watch the film with this little nod in mind, you'll probably see what we were going for there." I think I do. Y'know. Kubelik-wise.

Reply
Liveurlifeloudly November 14, 2013 11:06 PM

In one of the hidden passageways, there is a corkboard with a few drawing on it. I believe this is a reference to the anime, Full Metal Alchemist. The characters being the main character, Edward and the other being Roy Mustang, I believe judging from the sketched faint drawing in the upper right hand corner.

Reply
bairdlinde July 23, 2014 6:02 PM

Journal 5 should just say west wing hallway, not hall closet.

Reply

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