Sticky Situations
Octodad: Dadliest Catch is a hilariously unique experience, one that is so out there it’s hard to give it a genre. It’s a Dad-Simulator of sorts, where players take control of a seemingly normal man with a very fishy secret...he is literally an octopus. With a concept like that, some fun times were bound to happen. The game is full of fun, humor, and heart all wrapped in a short story.
The object is simple: blend in. Players use the analog sticks in unison with the left and right triggers to control Octodad's movements. The sticks alone control his right arms height and depth with (A) being to grab. The triggers do the leg work with the left trigger and analog working the left leg, and the right set controlling the leg. There is an apparent learning curve as soon as you start, but getting the hang of it all comes with time. If you have played QWOP then you'll have somewhat an idea of what to expect.
The game takes you through a day in the life of Octodad, opening first with his marriage to start things off. We come to find out that he has been very secretive in his relationship, and is quick to avoid his deep sea past. His wife and two kids love him for him however, and suspect nothing. His dialogue with them is great, as he speaks in blurbs that are translated in the subtitles. The banter and awkwardness is lighthearted, coming off naturally funny. As you live the life of a Dad, you must pull off day to day actions with grace and poise. This does not come easy for an Octopus. Each level has progression goals that follow a natural order of actions like "Make Coffee" or "Mow the Lawn". We even see a grocery store level that sees Octodad slipping around a store for cereal, soda, and other family food necessities. While out in public though, Dad-beware: you are being watched.
The object is simple: blend in. Players use the analog sticks in unison with the left and right triggers to control Octodad's movements. The sticks alone control his right arms height and depth with (A) being to grab. The triggers do the leg work with the left trigger and analog working the left leg, and the right set controlling the leg. There is an apparent learning curve as soon as you start, but getting the hang of it all comes with time. If you have played QWOP then you'll have somewhat an idea of what to expect.
The game takes you through a day in the life of Octodad, opening first with his marriage to start things off. We come to find out that he has been very secretive in his relationship, and is quick to avoid his deep sea past. His wife and two kids love him for him however, and suspect nothing. His dialogue with them is great, as he speaks in blurbs that are translated in the subtitles. The banter and awkwardness is lighthearted, coming off naturally funny. As you live the life of a Dad, you must pull off day to day actions with grace and poise. This does not come easy for an Octopus. Each level has progression goals that follow a natural order of actions like "Make Coffee" or "Mow the Lawn". We even see a grocery store level that sees Octodad slipping around a store for cereal, soda, and other family food necessities. While out in public though, Dad-beware: you are being watched.
There are two antagonists in the game, with the obvious one being yourself. Octodad is being watched, and if you slip up whether literally or just by making messes, people will take notice. This adds to the already challenging gameplay by creating tense moments, like ones where you have to avoid contact with marine biologists who know a fish when they see one or avoiding patches of banana peels. The other antagonist is a chef with a vendetta, whose history with Octodad further adds to the mystery. The chef knows of Octodad's secrets and is constantly on his heels (does an octopus have heels??) trying to out him. He serves as a boss fight in many instances, and is just another topic Octodad has to dance around.
Octodad presents a nice challenge, but in an oddly easy going way. It can be tedious and even frustrating at times, but more often than not it’s a giggle fest that is plenty enjoyable. It’s not very long, with only about 13 levels. Most of these are short, but the aquarium level serves as a multi-tiered structure with the most length and activities. This includes a section where you have to when your wife prizes in the game room by physically playing the games there like basketball, air hockey, and claw machines. There are many other sections that are interactive like this one, and they truly shine as some of the most enjoyable bits. Included in the Xbox One release is the DLC from previous releases titled "Octodad Shorts", which adds two levels. So there is a decent amount to do, as well as beating the developer times and going after the great list of achievements.
I loved the overall concept of Octodad. Its cartoon-esque visuals fit the mood perfectly, and paired great with the score and fully voiced cast. It has a surprising amount of heart and gives you a family to love and be loved by. It is full of puns, humor, and references that can be enjoyed by anyone. I can't fail to mention that there are collectible ties that you can equip and be the dadliest dad you want to be. What it lacks in conventional gameplay it more than makes up for in good old fashioned fun and humor. Octodad: Dadliest Catch stands on its multiple feet and walks proudly as a uniquely great game, one that I very much enjoyed for the short time it allowed.
*Note: A copy of the game was provided by the developer for reviewing
Octodad presents a nice challenge, but in an oddly easy going way. It can be tedious and even frustrating at times, but more often than not it’s a giggle fest that is plenty enjoyable. It’s not very long, with only about 13 levels. Most of these are short, but the aquarium level serves as a multi-tiered structure with the most length and activities. This includes a section where you have to when your wife prizes in the game room by physically playing the games there like basketball, air hockey, and claw machines. There are many other sections that are interactive like this one, and they truly shine as some of the most enjoyable bits. Included in the Xbox One release is the DLC from previous releases titled "Octodad Shorts", which adds two levels. So there is a decent amount to do, as well as beating the developer times and going after the great list of achievements.
I loved the overall concept of Octodad. Its cartoon-esque visuals fit the mood perfectly, and paired great with the score and fully voiced cast. It has a surprising amount of heart and gives you a family to love and be loved by. It is full of puns, humor, and references that can be enjoyed by anyone. I can't fail to mention that there are collectible ties that you can equip and be the dadliest dad you want to be. What it lacks in conventional gameplay it more than makes up for in good old fashioned fun and humor. Octodad: Dadliest Catch stands on its multiple feet and walks proudly as a uniquely great game, one that I very much enjoyed for the short time it allowed.
*Note: A copy of the game was provided by the developer for reviewing
FINAL SCORE: 8/10
|
+Humorous
+Unique Game Play +Challenging |
-Not For Everyone
-Can Be Tedious |
Developer: Young Horses, Inc.
Release date: January 30th, 2014 (PC/Mac/Linux), April 22nd, 2014 (PS4), May 26th, 2015 (PS Vita/ PS TV), August 26th, 2015 (Xbox One), Summer 2015 (Wii U)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, WiiU
Website: octodadgame.com/dadliest-catch
Regular Price: $14.99
Release date: January 30th, 2014 (PC/Mac/Linux), April 22nd, 2014 (PS4), May 26th, 2015 (PS Vita/ PS TV), August 26th, 2015 (Xbox One), Summer 2015 (Wii U)
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, WiiU
Website: octodadgame.com/dadliest-catch
Regular Price: $14.99