WHALIEN - Unexpected Guests (Computer)
User Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): January 24, 2023
- Release Date (EU): January 24, 2023
- Publisher: Forbidden Folds
- Developer: Forbidden Folds
- Genres: 3D Puzzle Platformer
Game Features:
Single player
Local Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Co-operative
Indie game studio Forbidden Folds first game "WHALIEN - Unexpected Guests" is a short but fun and polished experience - if you are into physics based puzzling and like their humor and style.
While many gamers out there are waiting for the (controversy-ridden) release of Hogwarts Legacy to fullfill their childhood dreams of running around in the famous wizarding world, WHALIEN - Unexpected Guests sets off to make the true connoisseur's lifetime dream of running around inside of a gigantic, mechanical and also flying whale fixing up problems caused by pink goo and (of course) giant tentacles come true.
Yes, you heard me right. The game is set to take place in a flying mechanical whale...
You jump in the role of Ernest, a human maintenance worker.
His job is rather simple - taking care of any problems that might arise.
I'm not going into further detail as I don't want to spoil any of the jokes and setups.
For example: Only dirty minded gamers might chuckle at something like "My gut tells me you are nowhere near my Blowhole".
Your main goal is to solve puzzles with a physics-based push and pull mechanic. It works very well in my opinion and all puzzles are fair, but not too obvious to solve. Using a gamepad is highly recommended!
The overall game took me about 4 hours to fully complete (including all achievements) - I'd still recommend getting it for the current price if you are into that type of videogames and want to support aspiring Indie dev studios. It's certainly no masterpiece, but it shows a lot of love and care and personally I'd like to see them keeping up the good work.
Verdict
What I Liked ...
- Style
- Music
- Satisfying, easy to learn gameplay
- Not too long
- Humor
What I Didn't Like ...
- A bit short for the price
- Occasional crashes
- Style and humor are a matter of taste
8
Gameplay
9
Presentation
8
Lasting Appeal
7
out of 10