Happy Game
Release Date: October 28, 2021
Adventure, horror, puzzle elements, 2D, indie games, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
2D adventure game with puzzle elements made in the horror convention. The main character of Happy Game is a little boy trapped in an endless nightmare. The game was developed by the authors of the hit Machinarium from the Czech studio Amanita Design.
Happy Game is a 2D adventure game with horror elements, which takes place in a surreal world of little boy's nightmares. The game has been created by the Czech studio Amanita Design, which is known mainly for Machinarium and Botanicula.
Plot
Players take on the role of a little boy. He has been trapped in a nightmare from which he will try to wake up at all costs. The world he explores combines extremely colourful and joyful elements, taken straight from the illustrated children's fairy tales, with disturbing and sometimes violent visions.
Mechanics
Happy Game was made in the style similar to previous games of the developer. This is a classic 3D adventure game, without any spoken dialogues or complicated interactions with the explored locations. The game is linear. A number of puzzles of different levels of complexity are waiting for players.
Technical aspects
Happy Game graphic design was made in a graphic style characteristic for developers, using hand-painted backgrounds and animated characters. Game is accompanied by music of Czech freakfolk band DVA.
Videos and Screens
[0:15] Happy Game mobile trailer
[0:32] Happy Game trailer #1
ZTGD: 6.5 / 10 by Anthony Mann
I’m not sure whether to recommend Happy Game or not. I think most people will be disappointed with its short play time and easier puzzles. Any fan of Amanita will definitely find joy in this new direction for the studio but will maybe be let down in comparison to past titles’ puzzles. In short, Happy Game is good, people should play it, but wait for a sale.
NintendoWorldReport: 7.5 / 10 by Joe Devader
Well… as positive as a game about waking nightmares can be, at least. Even with the sometimes overly simplified minute to minute gameplay, the art direction and sound design are masterful to a point that pulls this game up to a higher level than it would likely be if it had been in the hands of a less noteworthy developer. Those looking for a short, simple game that will work hard to creep you out and disturb you over the course of about two hours will likely come out of Happy Game happy, but those hoping for something more in line with a game like Machinarium have a chance of walking away at least slightly disappointed.
Shacknews: 7 / 10 by Ozzie Mejia
Those looking for a short, unsettling stroll can find one with Happy Game. One thing to note about it is that it's a short romp, able to be completed in just a few hours. There's nothing that would make me want to revisit it, but I certainly can't fault it for what it is: a seasonal treat filled with tricks.
Happy Game Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows October 28, 2021
Android February 2, 2023
Apple iOS February 2, 2023
Nintendo Switch October 28, 2021
Developer: Amanita Design
Publisher: Amanita Design
Age restrictions: 12+
Happy Game System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5 2.0 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 460 or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 7
Machinarium Devs Announced New Game
The Czech studio Amanita Design, known for Machinarium, Botanicula and Chuchel, presented its next project. It is Happy Game, an adventure game with elements of horror, which will appear in the first half of 2021.
video games
Michael Kulakowski
December 15, 2020