Developer: Minority Media inc
Publisher: Minority Media
Rrp: £10.99
Available on Steam, Amazon, and Desura
Papo & Yo, such a hard game to review. Given the gravity of the subject matter I have to applaud it for even attempting to tackle such a thorny issue at all. But is it a good game? That’s the question.
The short answer is; it’s ok. Not amazing but by no means terrible.
In Papo & Yo you play as Quico, a Brazilian child as he explores his way around a surreal favela. On his journey he will meet three companions who will aide (and hinder) him on his adventure. Of course having said all that the entire game centers around the theme of parental violence toward a child. How do I know? It actually tells you right at the beginning of the game.
The platforming is simplistic and easy to understand. The puzzles aren’t what I’d call taxing but are serviceable. I’ve seen many a triple A title that are far worse in both departments so this is by no means me calling this game bad. It isn’t, but it just hasn’t struck a chord with me.
It’s stylised graphics work well to depict what could only be called a mental favela. The graphical styling of the game certainly work well to soften the heavy subject matter, but not trivialise it.
This game doesn’t so much rely on the writing as the musical score and art direction to display emotion. Actual character interaction is few and far between really, but is totally steeped in atmosphere and the world itself feels like it has depth.
All in all, I would recommend this as a game to play if you can get it for the right price. I think the Rrp is a little high as the game only lasts about 5 hours. I do think it is a game everyone should at least play through though.
