Now, this is a singular recreation. Buddy Simulator 1984 for the Nintendo Swap is a retro throwback with a distinction. It’s not about these splendidly pixelated ‘90s graphics; it’s not even in regards to the superb 8-bit period. No, this one harkens to one thing much more primitive: the times of DOS. And it completely works.
Buddy Simulator 1984 acts like a PC recreation from, effectively, 1984. It boots up as if it’s been loaded straight from a floppy disc, full with black-and-white coloration scheme, blinking cursor, and listing of instructions. The eye to element is spot on; the display screen even seems curved across the corners to emulate an old-school CRT monitor. To begin taking part in, it’s a must to truly load the sport utilizing the accessible keyboard instructions, additional offering the texture of a title from that period.
The premise is a software program model of a pal. It’s clear from the start that this AI is keen to please. You start by answering a sequence of easy questions on your self earlier than competing in a couple of rounds of hangman and rock-paper-scissors. Your buddy quickly assumes that is too tedious and creates a particular new recreation only for you. It’s even titled “The Journey of your identify”. That is the place issues get fascinating. And creepy.
From right here, Buddy Simulator 1984 is split into three sequential sections that play like an evolution of gaming. Firstly, you encounter a text-based journey utilizing the identical DOS-like interface. You’re given transient descriptions of an space and easy instructions to enter. You would possibly sort “Go shed” or “Take lantern”, for instance. As you discover this world and uncover its secrets and techniques, you unlock a path to the second part.
This time, your buddy has created a visible illustration of that very same text-based interface you simply traversed. It’s a top-down affair, considerably akin to a easy, black-and-white model of the unique The Legend of Zelda. As I mentioned, the AI is making an attempt exhausting to make you cheerful. Importantly, although, is how a lot enjoyable this sudden change of surroundings is, and the way effectively it performs. You embark on a quest, discovering a city full of strange inhabitants who want your assist. The creepiness additionally dials up a notch, and never simply due to the odd feedback out of your finest AI pal.
Sometimes, the sport glitches on goal, sending you to a distinct space. These moments are sudden and sudden, and truthfully gave me goosebumps of terror. I like a great horror film, however scary video games are one thing else fully; possibly as a result of it feels prefer it’s occurring to me, quite than merely watching it occur. Both method, these abrupt departures present a superb approach to maintain your coronary heart pounding.
The third part of your journey evolves even additional, morphing right into a better-looking 3D affair. You’re additionally launched to turn-based fight at this level, a shock out of your buddy who – you’ll keep in mind – actually, actually hopes you’ve gotten enjoyable. It’s beginning to get paranoid by this level, however the fight itself is fascinating. Though you’re combating, all of it appears to be an enormous in-game mistake; the enemies ultimately understand they really such as you or are sorry for upsetting you, leaving in peace. Your hit factors are referred to as “friendship factors”, and also you praise your teammates to heal them. It’s all about being besties.
The intriguing story options alternate endings, engaging a number of playthroughs that maintain you guessing the end result. It’s enjoyable not understanding what to anticipate subsequent, with unusual characters to work together with, puzzles to unravel, and choices to make. The momentum is spot on, clocking in at round 6 hours of gameplay.
Graphically, whereas it appears as if there’s not a lot to it, the intentionally easy model works effectively. Your “buddy” simply desires to be your pal; it continually improves the expertise to be extra user-friendly and visually interesting. It’s a intelligent use of aesthetics and, coupled with the deliberate glitches, makes for an fascinating journey into this digital world.
General, Buddy Simulator 1984 took me unexpectedly. What started as a text-based journey quickly grew to become much more, intertwining creepiness into an in any other case candy story. There’s quite a bit to get pleasure from with this title and I extremely advocate checking it out should you’re desirous about making an attempt one thing utterly totally different.