Don't get me wrong, I love this game, but the plot....

[LordofTheCookies]

....doesn't make a lot of sense.
There are seveal aspects. So Maya and her friends wanted to go to a music festival and planned on camping when a storm appeared. And Maya's friends just left? How? Was Maya not with them? Did they just pack up and leave? Was Maya at the festival, returned and saw them gone?
Next they check in that hotel and it turns out it is inhabitated by a crazy person. Okay, that can happen. And when Maya witnesses Jimmy take out one of her friends, she actually does the sensible thing. She tries the front door and the phone. So far, so good.
And then she decides to talk to ghosts. What? Why? Maya's priority should be to get out and get help or to save her friends. Couldn't she try to brute force the door or find a window or anything? Pretty sure if she found a heavy object to smash against the glass, she could break out. Her taking a sudden interest to investigate ghosts seems weird when she should have more pressing matters on her mind. Especially since she doesn't know that this will get her the keys to her friends and to get out.
Also, why is the ghost receiver just lying there? Even if we accept that in this universe, ghosts exist and there are devices that allow you to communicate with them, why would one just lay around at the front desk. Jimmy is suffering enough from the Hugo personality, so why would he bear the screams of his victims? Why not just get rid of that damn thing. And as the game states, Hugo is not so amused over people discovering his secret, so he would smash that thing too.
Now I know that Jimmy not killing Maya and her surviving several blows to the head is video game logic, but him not even restraining or locking her seems also weird.
The game also mentions that Maya just has this gift to scry in the mirror. Why? Does she just have this without further explanation?
Also, when you talk to Rose, Jimmy's mom, on the ghost receiver, she insists that Jimmy was innocent in all those other ghost's demises, that Amy was just careless, Dr Bose was a molester and that Harvey was crazy. And yet, she later admits that Hugo had taken over Jimmy and even burns herself. Why does she insist that all those other claims were lies even when she at this point knows that Jimmy has a violent and homocidal side to him

Again, I do enjoy this game very much. But these are some plot contrivances that I did notice. You could have helped this by making a backstory that Maya is a psychic and that she brought the ghost receiver with her, Rose admitting that she was wrong when she assumed that Dr Bose was bad or something.

[PhantomX]

My question would be where are Amy Bells parents? no mention of them at all. a 10 year old in a big hotel by herself? i don't think so.

[LordofTheCookies]

Originally posted by PhantomX:

My question would be where are Amy Bells parents? no mention of them at all. a 10 year old in a big hotel by herself? i don't think so.

If you ask Rose or Harvey about Amy, they say that she was the daughter of a hotel guest. Still strange that Amy did not go to her parents about all the things Jimmy did to her.

[Baggy Cat Entertainment]

So I’m going to have a go at explaining what I was thinking (what was I thinking?!), but before I do I’d like to say glad you liked it and yes I know it’s not exactly the most comprehensible plot! My reasoning is… it’s a game, first and foremost; let’s face it, Maya could have just kicked in a window, got out and flagged down a passing car, or got to somewhere with a signal, and that’d be game over! But anyway, here’s what was supposed to be going on.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

And then she decides to talk to ghosts. What? Why?

So Maya is psychic - apart from being able to use the scrying mirror, there are a couple of sightings she has which end with her on the floor having blacked out, staring at the ceiling; the implication was meant to be that every supernatural event she witnesses is actually going on in her mind, but supernaturally influenced, so to all intents and purposes the same thing as her seeing ghosts. This is an idea in Kubrick's version of The Shining too; when Jack first sees a ghost (the bartender in the ballroom) it's portrayed as Jack daydreaming, knowing he's imagining the conversation, yet as the story progresses and he daydreams more ghosts, the ghosts become more and more autonomous and Jack becomes less and less in control, a bit like how thoughts become increasingly independent and out of your control as you fall asleep. It's one of the ideas I loved most about the movie. So when Maya hears voices on the spirit receiver, she isn't just hearing strange voices - she's experiencing the hotel's supernatural power and so can see the plot ahead of her and understands what she should do.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Also, why is the ghost receiver just lying there?

If you go back to the prologue and listen to the voices, they start off coming from the walls of the hotel, as if they're actually there. It's only when we zoom into the spirit receiver that they change to sound like they're coming out of it. The idea of all Jimmy's paraphernalia in the store room (the one you always find the receiver in) is that he's been trying every method he can think of to banish the ghosts of his past, but can't do it. He's using the box to try to contact them himself, but it's never worked. It's on the reception desk because just before he succumbed to Hugo's spirit again, he had another attempt, which obviously failed.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Jimmy is suffering enough from the Hugo personality, so why would he bear the screams of his victims? Why not just get rid of that damn thing.

He's trying to banish them, but he needs the receiver to do it.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Now I know that Jimmy not killing Maya and her surviving several blows to the head is video game logic, but him not even restraining or locking her seems also weird.

Well apart from the fact that the game would come to a dead stop if he did restrain her, this is really a game Jimmy is playing, with Maya. The question is... does he actually hit her? Maya's obviously prone to fainting, she does it several times throughout the game after major visions. The shock of seeing Jimmy right in front of you swinging a bat would be enough to frighten anyone into unconsciousness, especially Maya. Given she exits the hotel with no visible bruises and the fact that just one blow from Jimmy's bat would put her in hospital...

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Also, when you talk to Rose, Jimmy's mom, on the ghost receiver, she insists that Jimmy was innocent in all those other ghost's demises… And yet, she later admits that Hugo had taken over Jimmy and even burns herself.

Rose is in denial. She wants to protect her son at all costs, she's his mother, but deep down she knows Jimmy is possessed by something evil. She's split, because we're all spit, between what we want to be true and what actually is true.

Just another hint - if you've completed the game and seen the final sequence, what does Jimmy turn into and what bedside item do we hear?

To explain Amy's story a bit more, basically the idea was that she and her parents were staying in the hotel while on holiday, so Amy spent much of the time in the games room, her parents were happy to let her go there on her own. That's where she met Jimmy, who then showed her the basement and other free rooms. Her parents thought she'd made a friend...

[PhantomX]

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Originally posted by PhantomX:

My question would be where are Amy Bells parents? no mention of them at all. a 10 year old in a big hotel by herself? i don't think so.

If you ask Rose or Harvey about Amy, they say that she was the daughter of a hotel guest. Still strange that Amy did not go to her parents about all the things Jimmy did to her.

I know if I were in that situation I would have gone and been that tattle tail lol. but seriously, why didn't she? yes he threatened her but even still wouldn't her parents seen her hand and asked questions. I kinda wish they would have said a little more about her parents then just being vague.

[Gibble]

I imagine the "why does Jimmy knock her out" is more of a gameplay contrivance. Maybe, canonically, Jimmy never caught her. It's like getting bitten in Dead Rising or asking why Cloud didn't use a Phoenix down on Aerith.

[SerPenguin]

Originally posted by Baggy Cat Entertainment:

So I’m going to have a go at explaining what I was thinking (what was I thinking?!), but before I do I’d like to say glad you liked it and yes I know it’s not exactly the most comprehensible plot! My reasoning is… it’s a game, first and foremost; let’s face it, Maya could have just kicked in a window, got out and flagged down a passing car, or got to somewhere with a signal, and that’d be game over! But anyway, here’s what was supposed to be going on.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

And then she decides to talk to ghosts. What? Why?

So Maya is psychic - apart from being able to use the scrying mirror, there are a couple of sightings she has which end with her on the floor having blacked out, staring at the ceiling; the implication was meant to be that every supernatural event she witnesses is actually going on in her mind, but supernaturally influenced, so to all intents and purposes the same thing as her seeing ghosts. This is an idea in Kubrick's version of The Shining too; when Jack first sees a ghost (the bartender in the ballroom) it's portrayed as Jack daydreaming, knowing he's imagining the conversation, yet as the story progresses and he daydreams more ghosts, the ghosts become more and more autonomous and Jack becomes less and less in control, a bit like how thoughts become increasingly independent and out of your control as you fall asleep. It's one of the ideas I loved most about the movie. So when Maya hears voices on the spirit receiver, she isn't just hearing strange voices - she's experiencing the hotel's supernatural power and so can see the plot ahead of her and understands what she should do.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Also, why is the ghost receiver just lying there?

If you go back to the prologue and listen to the voices, they start off coming from the walls of the hotel, as if they're actually there. It's only when we zoom into the spirit receiver that they change to sound like they're coming out of it. The idea of all Jimmy's paraphernalia in the store room (the one you always find the receiver in) is that he's been trying every method he can think of to banish the ghosts of his past, but can't do it. He's using the box to try to contact them himself, but it's never worked. It's on the reception desk because just before he succumbed to Hugo's spirit again, he had another attempt, which obviously failed.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Jimmy is suffering enough from the Hugo personality, so why would he bear the screams of his victims? Why not just get rid of that damn thing.

He's trying to banish them, but he needs the receiver to do it.

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Now I know that Jimmy not killing Maya and her surviving several blows to the head is video game logic, but him not even restraining or locking her seems also weird.

Well apart from the fact that the game would come to a dead stop if he did restrain her, this is really a game Jimmy is playing, with Maya. The question is... does he actually hit her? Maya's obviously prone to fainting, she does it several times throughout the game after major visions. The shock of seeing Jimmy right in front of you swinging a bat would be enough to frighten anyone into unconsciousness, especially Maya. Given she exits the hotel with no visible bruises and the fact that just one blow from Jimmy's bat would put her in hospital...

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

Also, when you talk to Rose, Jimmy's mom, on the ghost receiver, she insists that Jimmy was innocent in all those other ghost's demises… And yet, she later admits that Hugo had taken over Jimmy and even burns herself.

Rose is in denial. She wants to protect her son at all costs, she's his mother, but deep down she knows Jimmy is possessed by something evil. She's split, because we're all spit, between what we want to be true and what actually is true.

Just another hint - if you've completed the game and seen the final sequence, what does Jimmy turn into and what bedside item do we hear?

To explain Amy's story a bit more, basically the idea was that she and her parents were staying in the hotel while on holiday, so Amy spent much of the time in the games room, her parents were happy to let her go there on her own. That's where she met Jimmy, who then showed her the basement and other free rooms. Her parents thought she'd made a friend...

I hope you are thinking of a prequel and sequel people loved this. Don't stop.

[seamsungg]

Maya decides to talk to ghosts because thats just what the gameplay is and what the developer decided to make a feature, its something to just accept just like why you dont die when jimmy finds you. Though, the fact that Maya has supernatural powers I wish was more shown and understood in the game. That would help make it less random to start talking to ghosts instead of escaping. But then again, its a video game. Why ask why your protagonist isnt just leaving? If she left there would be no game lol

For the Rose spoiler thing: I think its very silly to wonder why someone would be two faced about their loved one being evil. This happens everywhere all the time. No one wants to believe the person they love is bad, even if they already know it to be true. Its not a weird thing at all and I wasnt confused by the fact that a mother was in denial towards other adults yet in the end knew the truth.

[Baggy Cat Entertainment]

Originally posted by seamsungg:

For the Rose spoiler thing: I think its very silly to wonder why someone would be two faced about their loved one being evil. This happens everywhere all the time. No one wants to believe the person they love is bad, even if they already know it to be true. Its not a weird thing at all and I wasnt confused by the fact that a mother was in denial towards other adults yet in the end knew the truth.

[LordofTheCookies]

Thanks for your explanations. It offered a lot of insight, especially with Jimmy having tried to contact the ghosts to banish them.
And please to you and all others, I am well aware that a game has to do some strechtes to work. Me questioning the story does not equate dislike but is simply a room for discussion what COULD be the story. Its often fun to discuss a plot and where it doesn't quite make sense and what in-universe implication and explanation there could be. This is not snobbery.
Most Star Trek episodes wouldn't work if the transporter was functioning consistently. Star Wars would have no plot if the gunners in the first movie did the sensible thing and shoot the escape pod.
Sometimes people talk about plot-holes when they really hate something to tear it down but in cases like these, this are mere brain-exercises where it is fun to talk about something we enjoyed.
Please consider this when I write the following thing:

So, most answers of you made sense to me. Except this one:

Originally posted by Baggy Cat Entertainment:

The question is... does he actually hit her? Maya's obviously prone to fainting, she does it several times throughout the game after major visions. The shock of seeing Jimmy right in front of you swinging a bat would be enough to frighten anyone into unconsciousness, especially Maya. Given she exits the hotel with no visible bruises and the fact that just one blow from Jimmy's bat would put her in hospital...

Maya faints when she experiences a strong vision from a ghost. I assumed it was just the massive load of psychic energy that overwhelmed her. But to faint when Jimmy appears...that doesn't make a lot of sense.

First, hate to tell you, but Jimmy isn't particularly scary. The horror of the game comes from being hunted, from the creepy setting of the hotel and when you learn what truly f***** up stuff Jimmy did in the past and how manipulative and vile he is. But he himself is a middle aged man with Bozo-hair and a small club. Especially the last scene where he appears, where he just angrily shouts for Maya in the hallway, shows how riddiculous he actually is. And even when he attacks it looks a little bit funny. Since you obviously were inspired by The Shining, I have to tell you that this is not even close to a mad-eyed Jack Nicholson with an axe (but admittedly, what really is :-))
Now I assume that you couldn't make Jimmy too scary since he is supposed to come of as friendly and nice in the opening scene so I guess this was a comprimise you had to take.

Second, if Maya so easily faints when spooked, shouldn't she also faint when Jimmy makes a jumpscare through the looking hole (where he suddenly stands up), when Jimmy gives an onimous look into the bathroom or cupboard or when she sees him lurking behind a corner? Not to mention when she faces him in Hugo's tomb?. Or when visions of Harvey with a gun or a burning Rose appear out of nowhere right in her face?

Third, Maya appears to be incredible brave, pushing through the hallways when there is a threat (I would probably just have bunkered down in a room and cried) and taking the time to save her friends instead of just making a run for it, even when she has the key to leave. Part of why I like this game. She is a strong heroine without being a typical badass. Not exactly the type I imagine to faint easily.

So, sorry but the explanation of "video game logic: obvious wounds just disappear and people just survive blows to the head that should kill them" makes more sense in that regard.
But that's just my opinion. If you are more comfortable with Maya faints whenever Jimmy attacks, so be it. And I reiterate that me discussing these plot holes does by no means mean that I think less of this game and I highly enjoy that you are willing to engage with the players in open discussions.
I am looking forward to a sequel and wish you all the best :-)

[Baggy Cat Entertainment]

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

So, sorry but the explanation of "video game logic: obvious wounds just disappear and people just survive blows to the head that should kill them" makes more sense in that regard.

OK - I admit it!

[SheDragon]

I haven't finished yet but after reading this (less spoilers) had a couple thoughts on the early game/prologue plot contrivances. Perhaps more indication of Maya's esp/psychic abilities before she arrives at the hotel would be good. Also, if her friends had been on their way to the campsite rather than already there when the storm hits would make the move to the hotel more plausible. I don't recall what explanation of Maya being delayed was given, if any, but had she been held back by say, attending a loved ones funeral/wake, then she could conceivably be in a mindset primed to latch onto the ghost receiver once at the hotel. As for Jimmy's attacks & resulting blackouts, what if it isn't so much fear of Jimmy himself (even if you allowed for a hyper-sensitivity to clowns LOL) but perhaps her sensitivity to Hugo's overtaking psychic presence within him?

[Onemario]

Originally posted by LordofTheCookies:

First, hate to tell you, but Jimmy isn't particularly scary.

I know it's just a matter of opinion, but I find Jimmy appropriately scary given the context. By himself, he's not so bad, but when the context is that you're thrust into a hotel and are forced to pass him (or make him pass you) without him getting you, he's terrifying. I love it.

[PhantomX]

In the several times I played and the more I played he eventually became just annoying and not scary. It is the not knowing where he is that is creepy. I love the game and in the future play another game or 2 of it.

[Hecatomb]

When Jimmy clobbers Maya and drags her off to one of the rooms, as she wakes up you can faintly here Jimmy (the real Jimmy) saying things like, "Why do you keep making me do these things?" It could be that after knocking out Maya, Jimmy is able to re-assert control over Hugo, which is why he doesn't restrain her, or lock her in the room. It seems that even Hugo doesn't want to actually kill her.

As for why Jimmy is stalking Maya with a potentially lethal weapon like a bat, and how she can suffer repeated blows to the head without crippling injuries or being knocked out for hours--well, sometimes certain sacrifices in realism must be made to ensure fun gameplay. For instance, first-person shooters would be much less fun if bullet wounds were treated realistically.