A Review from Lottie:
A Dreamcast game that was billed as an action adventure game (Source: Wikipedia) but with some puzzles along the way. I don’t really know that I would describe it in those words, but I can’t think of a snappier category, so let’s stick with it.
The general idea of the game is you are playing as one of two brothers (Hoigle) in order to collect parts for the ‘surprise’ you brother is creating. Interacting with the other brother (Moigle) earns you points to teach him games or skills and also affects his mood, but he is not a playable character.
I found the game to be sweet. I enjoyed the element of needing to use interactions with the other character in order to complete tasks and games. The process of earning points by playing games with your brother in order to teach a key skill (worth 50 points) became quickly frustrating, causing some rage, (because, well I’m me), but it just felt like a repetitive situation to be stuck in and you just had to grind through it, which was a shame because the game is actually a very short play, so more engaging content would have been great. (Completed in less than 4 hours over two streams.)
It felt like a game that would have been very at home on the PlayStation, in fact my hands were naturally trying to use a dual analog type of control during game play. However it was a special game fit for the console when released back in 2001 due to it being a game with downloadable content (DLC) on disc. Something quite remarkable for the era. (Source: VGfacts) however with the Dreamcast ending production a short amount of time afterwards, it’s probably reasonably argued that it didn’t quite meet it’s full potential.
Would I play it again? Probably not, it didn’t leave me pining for a sequel.
Would I recommend it? If you fancy a short game with an interesting element, sure!
It filled the brief I needed of a short game to stream while I am looking for my next long play. I’m glad I gave it a go.
