Fun and varied co-op mechanics simply can't make up for awful writing, characters and a poor message about divorce.
I had been interested in this for some time as I am always looking for co-op games with friends. Being a fan of the studios two previous titles Brothers and A Way Out I thought this would be an easy slam but having finished it yesterday I was left disappointed with the overall experience.
The story is about an arguing couple whose daughter wanting them to stay together accidently curses them into becoming a small doll and clay figure thanks to a magic book. This book is an animated character itself forcing the couple to overcome obstacles in their way in a toxic view on divorce. This book Dr. Hakim is also the worst character in gaming. He speaks in a way that just comes across as slightly racist in his forced (Spanish?) accent and every. Single. Moment. with him on screen I want to stick hot knitting needles through my eardrums. The problem is every character in it is terrible, the couple May and Cody are both insufferable and while I get that's the point it makes playing a 12 hour game with them just agonizing.
The game is far from all bad though, the visuals and art style are fantastic. I really like the character designs and it runs super smooth on PS5. The split-screen way the game works even playing online is actually really cool in tandem with the way most of the puzzles are designed. The co-op mechanics are really good with the game constantly introducing new abilities for sections of levels and they never outstay their welcome.
The problem is every time I started to have fun there would be some annoying dialogue or cutscene to sabotage it every time. Still if that doesn't bother you like it did my friend and I you'll have a lot of fun here. It looks good, it plays well and has a decent amount of gameplay to it for a dozen hours or so.
+ Good visuals and performance.
+ Varied mechanics that don't out live their welcome.
- Awful characters.
- Terrible writing.
- Toxic view on divorce.
I had been interested in this for some time as I am always looking for co-op games with friends. Being a fan of the studios two previous titles Brothers and A Way Out I thought this would be an easy slam but having finished it yesterday I was left disappointed with the overall experience.
The story is about an arguing couple whose daughter wanting them to stay together accidently curses them into becoming a small doll and clay figure thanks to a magic book. This book is an animated character itself forcing the couple to overcome obstacles in their way in a toxic view on divorce. This book Dr. Hakim is also the worst character in gaming. He speaks in a way that just comes across as slightly racist in his forced (Spanish?) accent and every. Single. Moment. with him on screen I want to stick hot knitting needles through my eardrums. The problem is every character in it is terrible, the couple May and Cody are both insufferable and while I get that's the point it makes playing a 12 hour game with them just agonizing.
The game is far from all bad though, the visuals and art style are fantastic. I really like the character designs and it runs super smooth on PS5. The split-screen way the game works even playing online is actually really cool in tandem with the way most of the puzzles are designed. The co-op mechanics are really good with the game constantly introducing new abilities for sections of levels and they never outstay their welcome.
The problem is every time I started to have fun there would be some annoying dialogue or cutscene to sabotage it every time. Still if that doesn't bother you like it did my friend and I you'll have a lot of fun here. It looks good, it plays well and has a decent amount of gameplay to it for a dozen hours or so.
+ Good visuals and performance.
+ Varied mechanics that don't out live their welcome.
- Awful characters.
- Terrible writing.
- Toxic view on divorce.