Welcome to the first installment of my latest series! Press ‘A’ to Continue is a series about video games I’ve recently completed and my review of them. The term “completed” is a moving target and means different things to different people, so I will attempt to establish how I determine completion based on each game in this series. For this game, I considered my journey over when the credits rolled. Enjoy!
It’s common to say something is your “spirit animal,” regardless of whether the object is an accurate representation of you or if it is an animal at all. Grumpy Cat, Winnie the Pooh, and Andy Samberg have all been referred to as someone’s “spirit animal” at one point or another, but I have never felt more personified in an animal or character than when I played Untitled Goose Game.
Untitled Goose Game was released in 2019 as a puzzle/stealth game where players took on the role of, undoubtedly, the worst-behaved goose of all time. It was developed by indie game studio House House and published by Panic. The player’s goal as the goose is to complete a list of stealth objectives, similar in a way to the Hitman series, but instead of assassinations, the goose completes tasks like stealing an old man’s stool and buying groceries.
The game was originally released for play on macOS, Windows, and the Nintendo Switch, and was later released on Xbox One and Playstation 4. It was during this later release that the game was updated so two players could revel in goose mayhem together. By the end of 2019, the game had sold over 1 million copies and won game of the year at the 23rd annual D.I.C.E. Awards.
This game is also one of my wife’s favorite games on the Nintendo Switch, so at the beginning of this year we set out (in 2-player mode) to become the worst geese in history. By the time the credits rolled, we had spent hours hollering, laughing, and smiling together as we ruined the lives of anyone who dared to put out “no geese” signs.
Pros
While the mechanics of the game are fairly simple, they make it relatively easy to mimic a troublesome goose’s movements. There’s no extra flair, just one button to duck, one to run, one to flap your wings, and one to – of course – honk. This uncomplicated system allows players to fully immerse themselves in the chaotic fun without having to worry about which button does what.
I also have to give props to the composer, Dan Golding, on an excellent music score. While mostly comprised of beautiful piano pieces, the score rises in volume during dramatic moments, adding tension to chase scenes and narrow escapes. I physically felt my heartbeat quicken when the score picked up because I know that it means I’ve been caught in the act by a nearby NPC.
Cons
While not exactly a drawback to the game experience, I was disappointed the game was so short. One playthrough takes roughly 2-3 hours, which is frustratingly short for a game which sells for $20. Gameplay can be extended by completing all items on the goose’s list and completing secret objectives, but not by much.
Conclusion
Untitled Goose Game provides an enjoyable experience terrorizing a quiet village as the local trickster goose (or geese). Playing alongside a friend of loved one makes the game even more fun, as you both get the opportunity to release your inner destructive goose. You can find Untitled Goose Game on Steam, Itch, Epic, or the online store for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. However, if you’re looking to pinch pennies, I recommend waiting until the game goes on sale, since the $20 price tag can be tricky for only a couple hours of fun.
Now it’s your turn: Have you ever played Untitled Goose Game before? If so, what was your favorite part? What would you consider your spirit animal to be (it doesn’t have to be an actual animal)? Let me know in the comments below! Cheers!
RPGaming 