I nabbed Bugsnax because it looked like a fun game to play with my kids. They quickly lost interest, but I found an amazing game under the veneer of a Pokélike game.
Let’s start controls: they’re great. I had no issues with my DualShock 4, Switch Pro Controller, Steam controller or Steam Deck. The default set up is playable and easy to pick up with any of these devices, and the biggest issue you may run into is not paying enough attention to what tool you select. (10/10)
The soundscape is great. The voice acting is surprisingly superb! I especially liked the Australian actor for Liz, and all VAs adeptly pulled off the emotions of the various characters quite well. The background music was nice, light and unobtrusive, and the sound effects were perfect. (10/10)
Graphics were tailored to suit a game of this style perfectly. The bright, fun colors eventually give way—as the story becomes more sinister—to a bleaker palette. A fully transformed Filbo following me on the peak was the only splash of color after Daddy Cakelegs, and the dimness of Undersnax conveyed the tone of the quest perfectly. (10/10)
All in all, the story of Bugsnax caught me off guard. I won’t spoil it here, but resembling Snaxburg revealed each character’s charms and flaws, Broken Tooth Island saw several unlikable characters become more lovable, and the final hour of the game—especially once the point of no return has been reached—was simply amazing. Even the shift in genre felt perfectly placed, despite happening at the very end. (10/10)
Overall, completing Bugsnax was 20 hours well-spent. I haven’t ranked a game this highly in a long time, but this one was one I simply couldn’t put down. (10/10)
5.0