PAX South Spotlight: Bill Hates Videogames
While checking out PAX Rising, I came across Bill Hates Videogames, a comedic puzzle game.
You play as the titular Bill. After being sucked into a video game, it seems the only way out is to play through the experience. There is a whole "save the world" plot going on, but Bill is uninterested. Being the lackadaisical sort, Bill will complain and try to take the easy approach to every situation.
I was able to play through a demo of the game. The demo was designed to be a Zelda-style dungeon, although the developer stated the full game will instead play out in a more open world style. With Bill being a reluctant protagonist, there's ample opportunity for comedy as he begrudgingly progresses through each room. Everyone except Bill is buying into the larger narrative, while Bill curmudgeonly complies only because he wants out.
During the demo, I was presented with a series of "trials" that I needed to solve to progress. Each trail was a fairly simplistic puzzle or dialog of some sort. The game is easy to jump into as Bill can only pickup objects, throw said objects, fart (dedicated button for this), and swing a weapon.
The demo was simple, but shallow waters run deep. I came across a rock golem boss, with eyes on the palms of its hands. I also noticed switches on either side of the room. Pulling a switch would launch an arrow. Thane hands were positioned right along the path of the arrows, so beating the fight was easy enough.
It turns out I missed a lot. Instead, you can end the fight be waiting it out. The boss will get if you take long enough, and just gives up. Providing an option to pass the encounter without having to beat the boss. In speaking with one of the developers after the demo, he informed me of some other things I missed: secret rooms, hidden puzzles, etc.
The developers wants to make the game approachable for all parties, providing easy ways to progress for those newer to games, and alternate options for those more inquisitive or experienced players. Finding out there was more made me want to go back and try again.
My time with Bill Hates Videogames was pleasant, providing some exploration along with some lowbrow chuckles. The game is still fairly early in development, but you can follow along on the game's website or Bill's Twitter account.