Escape from Bug Island • Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Complete Trash
I begged for this game when I was a young teenager. I don’t know why. It was very clearly not an A-grade title of any sort, evidenced by its thirty dollar discounted sale price. Luckily, my mother knew better and told me to save up for it if I wanted it. And, I did just that, excited for what seemingly was just Resident Evil with giant bugs in lieu of zombies. I think too, I wanted to jump onto a new horror series and claim it as my own in that sort of annoying nerd-type way. Well, the day finally came when I was able to afford it… and my expectations were… well…
Upon closer insection, nothing makes sense
I think perhaps, it’s best to start with the story that drives the experience of Escape from Bug Island. If the game manual is the source of exposition for your game, I think that you may need to reconsider your story firstly. You are dropped onto the island by boat because the girl character (that is the extent of her personality) you are with needs to complete a book report for college on the insects of the island (despite it being common knowledge that the island is infested with huge, man-eating insects), and you and the other guy you’re with are in love with her. A few moments later, you lose the guy and girl and you’re forced out into the jungles and caves of Bug Island where you progress past hordes of bugs (mostly crickets and praying mantis’) until you suddenly run into some survivors who are running from a giant, blood-thirsty gorilla (King Kong?). Anyway, you keep going and then there’s more enemies (Amazonian lizard women?), a bug researcher, and then a giant fly boss who happens to live in a ‘Time Cave’ guarding a black hole. Turns out to finish the game, you have to finish it twice because the black hole restarts the game (spoilers) and sends you back in time to save all the people who died your first time through.
Fighting bugs, and fighting buggy controls
This was a launch title of the Nintendo Wii, way back in 2006 and 2007 for Westerners. That said, expect motion controls to be heavily and needlessly implemented throughout the duration of your time with the game. Not only are you required to attack enemies by flapping your arms about to use exciting weapons such as ‘branch’ and ‘rock’, you are also required to balance yourself on tree stumps with the ill-calibrated Wii controller, and are required to aim in first-person using the notoriously annoying sensor of the controller to throw objects. Between all this, the game is plagued with shoddy hitboxes, painfully slow enemies that can all be ran around to avoid, and generally unfun gameplay. Not even your healing items produce intrigue as your main source of vitality restoration is ‘fruit’ and ‘can of food’. I remember the most fun part of the game being the final, final boss and that’s about it.
Creepy crawly atmosphere
I’ll give it this, Escape from Bug Island had a fun premise. Escaping from bugs on an island? Sounds like fun! And that’s what really carries the game, I think. The game is foggy, dark, and uncolourful (although, whether that’s to cover up the vomit-worthy graphics I am unsure) which does provide a mysterious atmosphere. The game definitely provides mystery and tension as you always feel like something interesting is finally about to happen, but it never really does. That takes talent. To keep up that sense of illusion the whole time while you plod around in an effortlessly unsettling environment is something to be commended. Oh, and good choice to constantly have the soundscape buzzing with flies, really clever, since we’re on Bug Island and all. I get it.
Gnat a complete waste
For as much as I’ve shot this game down, I really do love it. It’s trash, B-grade horror that has no place in popular culture. And that’s why I like it. It’s not even a cult classic, no, it’s barely something that should be remembered. This game revels (although, I’m certain it’s not purposeful) in its campy and low-budget origins that are akin to the real gems of horror cinema. If you’re keen for a laugh and a half, and are keen to instill your own imagination onto a game clearly lacking it, I say go for it – the second half of the game once you fall into the black hole guarded by the giant fly is when things really start to pick up. One Cthulhu out of five. More to be read here.
(1 / 5)
Gaming
Lovecraft Meets Junji Ito in WORLD OF HORROR
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games.
WORLD OF HORROR is a cosmic horror roguelite game developed by Paweł Koźmiński and published by Ysbryd Games. The game is available on macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This review will cover the Steam (Windows) version of the game.
You must explore the strange goings on around Shiokawa, Japan. It appears that eldritch forces have influenced the town in incomprehensible ways. So, attempt to comprehend these forces and maintain your sanity to save the town. Plan your investigations, choose between cases, and fight for your life.
There are a few game modes but three difficulty spikes. The easiest is a specific case with some random events. This mode teaches you the basic mechanics of the game. The harder difficulties give you access to an apartment and choices on which case you investigate. Completing objectives earns you customization options for the customized mode.
What I Like About WORLD OF HORROR
Running on GameMaker Studios, the pixelated aesthetic shows influences from Lovecraft and Junji Ito, though the latter more so than the former. WORLD OF HORROR haunts its viewers with its aesthetic, allowing the pixels to evoke those horror legends.
Random generation remains a key feature of the game, with various options and choices giving a massive variety. Your character also has some limited customization to access perks and further development. I will bring up some weaknesses later, but it is surprisingly vast. Adding to this variety, WORLD OF HORROR provides mod accessibility.
The combat allows for a great deal of thought and planning. You select your character’s actions within an action bar and perform the tasks (or combos) to beat an opponent. This JRPG style provides variety in action that makes it engaging and unique.
- Hardcover Book
- Ito, Junji (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2025-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The random generation and variety make each playthrough different. You might acquire a devastating katana in one playthrough only to bleed out unceremoniously in another.
While not a terrifying gaming experience, WORLD OF HORROR strives to provide an eerie and intense experience. At this, the game is a success. The weird and unnerving collide to invest the player in this strange world.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Body horror deserves a mention, but the aesthetic and pixels doesn’t particularly evoke realism. Regardless, many designs evoke body horror.
Aside from this, here are some points of consideration. First, WORLD OF HORROR uses JRPG turn-based combat, which seems a point of division among some gamers. However, there are enough interesting mechanics and complexities beyond clicking an action and waiting your turn.
- Hardcover Book
- Ito, Junji (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Last update on 2025-01-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Second, WORLD OF HORROR isn’t a cult detective. You’re experiencing events and choosing how your character responds. Some sage wisdom I heard for WORLD OF HORROR is to focus on the whole campaign instead of a single case. Failing a case isn’t a game over, so prioritize your character’s longevity.
What I Dislike About WORLD OF HORROR
Only a few issues hindered my experience. Some scenarios replay on a single case, let alone a playthrough, which becomes repetitive. Some scenarios have multiple solutions to add variety or require perks to access new options, but that’s not always true. This issue makes the randomization taxing at times.
This next issue is likely a bug or an oversight. After losing my reason (sanity), I found myself still able to investigate despite the game claiming that means death. An unrelated event finished me off, but I can’t help but assume this is a bug.
Final Thoughts
WORLD OF HORROR has its quirks but earns massive replay value and surprising depth. It’s a unique and ambitious indie title worth the price. If Junji Ito’s style or cosmic horror is your particular brand of horror, WORLD OF HORROR delivers an experience you’ll likely enjoy. Though this combination synergizes well, few games combine these elements successfully.
(4.5 / 5)
Step into the mind-bending world of Eldritch Automata as we sit down with Game Designer Nick Francia at GenCon 2024!
Uncover the secrets behind this Lovecraftian mecha-masterpiece and get a glimpse of what’s to come.
In this exclusive interview, Nick Francia shares:
• The intricate game development process • Inspirations behind the eerie Lovecraftian elements
• Unique mecha-infused gameplay mechanics Calling all Lovecraft fans! Dive into a world where eldritch horrors meet steam-powered marvels.
Eldritch Automata promises an unforgettable gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
👉 Ready to embrace the madness? Check out our playable demo at a con near you! #EldritchAutomata #GenCon2024 #LovecraftianGaming #IndieGameDev
Prepare for a spine-chilling experience as Jim Phoenix delves into the shadows with Trick or Treat Studios at GenCon 2024!
In this exclusive interview, we uncover the terrifying secrets behind their latest bone-chilling creations: “House of 1000 Corpses” and “Halloween II” board games.
These games aren’t just about rolling dice – they’re about immersing yourself in the blood-curdling atmosphere of beloved horror films. With unique survival (and kill!) horror mechanics and cooperative gameplay, you’ll feel the terror coursing through your veins with every move!
But wait, there’s more! With the Kickstarter to House of 1000 Corpses shipping soon, we have an in-depth review coming up for that game, Halloween II–AND…Chucky. BOOMMM!!!
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