Happy Game

Those looking for a short, unsettling stroll can find one with Happy Game. One thing to note about it is that it's a short romp, able to be completed in just a few hours. There's nothing that would make me want to revisit it, but I certainly can't fault it for what it is: a seasonal treat filled with tricks.

Well… as positive as a game about waking nightmares can be, at least. Even with the sometimes overly simplified minute to minute gameplay, the art direction and sound design are masterful to a point that pulls this game up to a higher level than it would likely be if it had been in the hands of a less noteworthy developer. Those looking for a short, simple game that will work hard to creep you out and disturb you over the course of about two hours will likely come out of Happy Game happy, but those hoping for something more in line with a game like Machinarium have a chance of walking away at least slightly disappointed.

If you don't mind that Happy Game is not a traditional adventure game, but something akin to a short interactive surrealist exhibit, you'll find it to your liking. However for some, even the creativity at display will not outweigh the primitive gameplay and structure and short length.

I’m not sure whether to recommend Happy Game or not. I think most people will be disappointed with its short play time and easier puzzles. Any fan of Amanita will definitely find joy in this new direction for the studio but will maybe be let down in comparison to past titles’ puzzles. In short, Happy Game is good, people should play it, but wait for a sale.

No one else could make a game like Happy Game but Amanita. Although it fails in terms of story, no one can pour water on creativity, atmosphere, uniqueness and abstraction.

Happy Game will leave you wanting more yet still be satisfied with its creativity and pure manic sense of being.

Happy Game is a point and click adventure certainly effective in terrifying the player, less in his playful.

The game is a crazy psycho ride that is unparalleled at Amanity Design. For Halloween, it's the perfect title to induce fear and a disjointed mental state. Happy Game is definitely not that happy and together with the simple gameplay, eerie atmosphere and properly tuned graphics, it's a hilarious adventure game for lonely dark evenings.

Despite the alluring and violent art, Happy Game is dragged down by simple and random puzzles, annoying screen flashes, and awkward interactions.

Like a moth to a flame I tend to be easily drawn to the oddball titles on Switch, and there’s no doubt that Happy Game qualifies for that distinction in spades...