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 concerning the wonderful 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, properly, 1984. It boots up as if it’s been loaded straight from a floppy disc, full with black-and-white shade scheme, blinking cursor, and checklist 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 start out enjoying, it’s a must to truly load the sport utilizing the obtainable 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 raring to please. You start by answering a collection of easy questions on your self earlier than competing in a number 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 attention-grabbing. 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 kind “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 stated, the AI is making an attempt arduous to make you cheerful. Importantly, although, is how a lot enjoyable this sudden change of surroundings is, and the way properly it performs. You embark on a quest, discovering a city full of wierd 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 function, sending you to a distinct space. These moments are sudden and sudden, and truthfully gave me goosebumps of terror. I like a very good horror film, however scary video games are one thing else solely; possibly as a result of it feels prefer it’s occurring to me, somewhat than merely watching it occur. Both means, these abrupt departures present a superb option to preserve 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 bear in mind – actually, actually hopes you will have enjoyable. It’s beginning to get paranoid by this level, however the fight itself is attention-grabbing. Though you’re combating, all of it appears to be an enormous in-game mistake; the enemies ultimately notice 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 preserve you guessing the end result. It’s enjoyable not figuring out what to anticipate subsequent, with unusual characters to work together with, puzzles to unravel, and selections 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 type works properly. Your “buddy” simply needs to be your pal; it always 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 attention-grabbing journey into this digital world.
General, Buddy Simulator 1984 took me abruptly. What started as a text-based journey quickly turned much more, intertwining creepiness into an in any other case candy story. There’s so much to take pleasure in with this title and I extremely advocate checking it out in the event you’re all in favour of making an attempt one thing utterly completely different.
