Slow Bros crafted a video game universe by hand

https://wepresent.wetransfer.com/stories/slow-bros-harold-halibut-game

by herbertl • 2 years ago

71 15 2 years ago

wepresent.wetransfer.com

8f2ab37a-ed6c• 2 years ago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Neverhood nostalgia intensifies.

mikpanko• 2 years ago

Here is a trailer: https://youtu.be/EzuI5S-hTc4

jops• 2 years ago

Kickstarter video including the hand crafting process: https://youtu.be/7bkaEAt2afs

audiodude2• 2 years ago

If you look at some of the negative Steam reviews, however, it seems like this game is either 1) too long (12-15 hours), 2) not fun, or 3) both.

In particular, multiple negative reviews mentioned that there are hundreds of meticulously crafted items on screen, but almost none of them are interactive.

teruakohatu• 2 years ago

It has 81% positive reviews, and 86% positive reviews recently.

imiric• 2 years ago

The game still has a very positive score (81%), so I wouldn't judge it based on a few negative reviews.

Most "walking simulators" and story-rich cinematic experiences carry the "boring" stigma. This is no surprise when the average gamer is used to games designed to be as addicting as possible, and doesn't consider an experience as "fun" unless their dopamine receptors are constantly engaged.

There could be issues with the story, though this a very subjective topic, but complaining about boring gameplay shouldn't be a concern in this genre. These are supposed to be relaxing and meditative experiences, and the visuals and voice acting seem top notch from what I've seen.

audiodude2• 2 years ago

Yes but I found the negative reviews to be considerate and informative. It wasn't "Not enough blam blam". In fact, the negative reviews seemed more considerate of the actual gameplay experience, while the positive reviews are more along the lines of "Gorgeous" (which I agree it is).

washadjeffmad• 2 years ago

Bearing in mind that there have been effectively zero major graphic adventure games in the past two decades, exclusive console players, smartphone gacha gamers, and 20 year olds who did not grow up with parents who loved PC adventure games will likely not understand or appreciate something quiet that they can immerse themselves in and explore for days, weeks, months.

I say this as someone who hasn't ever played a game on a smartphone or tablet and bought a PS5 and has barely used it because none of the games are "fun" (also, is local co-op just not a thing anymore?).

Joel_Mckay2• 2 years ago

I was excited it was about the arcade classic Snow Bros. for a second.

That game was hilarious and fun =)

867-5309• 2 years ago

Bonanza Bros, anyone?

Joel_Mckay2• 2 years ago

We never had that bundle on the North American cartridge. =(

There was a legitimate Snow Bros. port to Sega console. Albeit not a very good one, but still less cringe than the modern Nintendo Switch port.

Cheers =3

butz• 2 years ago

It is hard to appreciate hand crafted interactive media, when current generation video cards can produce almost exactly the same visual result, with more interactivity. I am the fan of stop motion movies, like "Wallace and Gromit" or movies made by Laika studios. Yes, Neverhood was amazing at its time too, but today one must go even further to somehow put hand crafted assets into games. Should we go back to "feelies", that were provided in game boxes way back in the day?

nox101• 2 years ago

While I loved the look of Neverhood, I personally never thought it was a good "game". The puzzles were obscure, random, etc. I almost feel like they should have just opted to make a short movie or if it adds up to 80+ mins then a full length movie, instead of a game.

spongeb00b• 2 years ago

Lumino City the puzzle game took this approach too, although their simpler detail perhaps makes it easier to appreciate the physical work that went into it. The “making of” app they released is worth it for anyone into making/crafting.

sedatk• 2 years ago

That reminds me of Neverhood, a stop-motion adventure game released in the 90's.

Slow Bros crafted a video game universe by hand

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