Title: Octodad: Dadliest Catch
Format: PS4(reviewed), PC
Release Date: April 25, 2014
Publisher: Young Horses
Developer: Young Horses
Price: $14.99
ESRB Rating: E
Octodad: Dadliest Catch has been the poster child for Sony's indie movement ever since they revealed that it would be coming to the new system, but does it live up to the hype of one of the premier indie titles?
Story and Presentation:The premise in Octodad is one of the best and most unique around. You play as an octopus, who has a family, but they don't know he's one. How they don't know makes for some humorous thoughts, and the characters in the game often make fun at the fact that everyone is oblivious that there's an octopus hiding in plain sight. You go about living for everyday life doing normal tasks, all the while trying to conceal your true identity. The story is pretty simple, and it won't last you very long. The story does two things very well, keeping your interest, and making you laugh throughout. Octodad is a very funny game, most of the humor coming from the NPCs around you. I would actually stop and listen to many of the NPCs dialog around me, that's how much I enjoyed the tongue and cheek humor. The writing is top notch, and it never take itself to seriously. That's where the true charm comes out, the game constantly pokes fun at it's own premise, which makes for some hilarious moments. The game's visuals are no showpiece for the PS4, but the game looks clean and sharp. The visual style made me feel like I was watching an old cartoon, the overall effect really added to the game, making it visually unique. The physics in the game appear realistic, since you're controlling an octopus on land, every limb on his body moves accordingly. The soundtrack is okay, it's subtle and it doesn't get in the way even though it will repeat from time to time.
Core Gameplay and Multiplayer:The main focus is Octodad is the controls, the controls will either make or break the game for you. As you may or may had not known, but Octopi are not meant to stand up and walk around like humans, which justifies the reasoning behind the tough controls. The goal of the game is to not attract too much attention while doing everyday routines like shopping for groceries or mowing the lawn. If you attract too much attention, your ink meter will fill up and you'll have to restart. Luckily, the game's checkpoint system is pretty forgiving, so you won't be pulling your hair out or throwing controllers in rage. The controls are purposely imprecise and wonky, and this can create some pretty hilarious moments if you're playing with a group of people. Each trigger controls a respective leg, while the analog sticks control the arm limbs. When you play the game cooperatively, this control scheme becomes even more absorb, with two people trying to control one character. I thought these mechanics would prove to be headache inducing, but it made for some challenging and engaging moments. The game started out great, but towards the end, the game started focusing more on stealth which really took away from the humor. The main campaign won't last you very long, but playing it two player offers up enough incentive for you to play through it again. Trophies are there for the taking as well, with you having to try and collect collectables scattered throughout the levels.
Final Thoughts:I came away pleasantly surprised by Octodad: Dadliest Catch. The game exudes an excessive amount of humor, and the core mechanics are fair but challenging. I would easily recommend anyone to check out Octodad.
+Challenging Controls
+Hilarious Story
+Great Writing
-Campaign Tampers off towards ending
S&S Rating:7.5/10 @whatsPlay
