I remember the day I won a board game from Nickelodeon, or rather, the day I stumbled into receiving it. It all started with a disconnected call to a competition line, followed by a series of events that led to me being handed a copy of The Game of Life. It was not the most thrilling prize, to say the least. In fact, it was quite underwhelming, and there may be a lesson buried in this experience about the effectiveness of complaining until you get what you want. However, let’s set that aside for now and delve into a different game altogether.
Instead of dwelling on the lackluster board game I received, I want to shift the focus to Floops Big House Adventure. This game offers a grungy, slimy, and slightly grotesque experience reminiscent of Aaahh!!! Real Monsters meets Ren and Stimpy. Despite the initial revulsion some may feel towards this game based on its appearance, I was immediately drawn in by its art style.
The gameplay of Floops Big House Adventure is relatively simple – you encounter various grotesque creatures and must shoot them with an array of weapons. The protagonist, Floop, reacts to getting hit by emitting a fart noise, while his life is measured in tacos. The game progresses as you eliminate smaller enemies until a larger boss creature appears. The variety of enemies ranges from hopping, pained creatures to tentacle blobs straight out of a sci-fi nightmare.
I opted to play Floops Big House Adventure using a mouse and keyboard, but found the controls to be somewhat rigid. The game is better suited for a controller, especially as the difficulty increases and it takes on a more bullet-hell style of gameplay.
According to the Steam page, the game boasts various features such as fast runs that can be completed in under 20 minutes, retro Saturday morning cartoon action, nostalgic Nickelodeon art style, and an abundance of 90’s references. The random waves of enemies keep players on their toes, requiring them to learn and adapt to different attack patterns. Additionally, there are item synergies, boosters, and even a Hardcore Mode with healing restrictions for those seeking a challenge.
As I reflect on my childhood experiences with disappointing board game prizes and engaging yet eccentric video games, I realize that nostalgia for the 90’s is not something I particularly miss. However, there is a certain charm in revisiting the retro art style and quirky references that games like Floops Big House Adventure offer. It serves as a reminder of the whimsical and sometimes bizarre entertainment we enjoyed as children.
While my encounter with The Game of Life may have been lackluster, the unexpected journey into the world of Floops Big House Adventure brought a renewed sense of childhood wonder and amusement. The contrast between the mundane and the fantastical serves as a reminder of the diverse experiences we encounter in life and the memories we carry with us.
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