Gamescom Opening Night Live 2023 brought us a delightful surprise with the unveiling of Thank Goodness You’re Here!, an upcoming game developed by Coal Supper. The game creators, Will Todd and James Carbutt, have ventured into uncharted territory with this quirky “slapformer,” which is set to be their first console release following the success of their previous title, The Good Time Garden. Thank Goodness You’re Here! stands out with its surreal and visually captivating art style, reminiscent of a live Beano comic. However, dive deeper into the game, and you’ll discover a world filled with adult humor and grotesque visuals that will certainly leave a lasting impression.
The game takes place in the peculiar Northern English town of Barnsworth, serving as a homage to the developers’ own home. Players will step into the shoes of a traveling salesman who arrives in Barnsworth early for an important meeting with the town’s mayor. However, rather than rushing to the meeting, the protagonist takes the opportunity to explore and interact with the colorful locals. These eccentric residents are more than willing to assign a series of increasingly peculiar tasks to our salesman, leading to a series of comedic and outlandish adventures.
Thank Goodness You’re Here! is not your typical platformer. It falls under the genre of a “slapformer,” combining platforming mechanics with slapstick comedy. As players journey through the game, their exploration and actions will leave a lasting impact on the peculiar town of Barnsworth. Completing odd jobs will unlock new areas to explore and reveal even stranger tasks to tackle. The game’s hand-drawn animation brings the vibrant inhabitants of Barnsworth to life, while fully voiced dialogue adds depth to their quirky personalities. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of laughter and double entendres.
Panic, the publisher behind Thank Goodness You’re Here!, describes the game as “suitably British, then, innit?” Indeed, the game embraces its British roots, infusing authentic regional dialects throughout the dialogue. You can expect to encounter dialects and phrases that are sure to make you chuckle and appreciate the humor that lies within the game. Furthermore, the developers have drawn inspiration from traditional Yorkshire folklore, giving the game an oddly charming and distinct appeal.
One of the standout features of Thank Goodness You’re Here! is its bold and beautiful visual design. Seamlessly blending side-scrolling action vignettes with top-down exploration, the game offers a chock-a-block open world for players to discover. Engaging in progressively more challenging odd jobs, such as grass-cutting, pie-baking, and even traversing the astral plane, will further immerse players in the unique world of Barnsworth. Accompanied by an oddly moving original soundtrack, the game promises an enchanting and unforgettable gaming experience.
If you’re eager to experience the quirkiness of Thank Goodness You’re Here!, you’re in luck! The game will be showcased at Gamescom for the next couple of days, allowing attendees to get a taste of its whimsical charm. Additionally, it will be available for playtesting at PAX West from September 1st to 4th, providing an opportunity for even more players to explore the bizarre town of Barnsworth and embark on their own comedic adventures.
Thank Goodness You’re Here! is shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind gaming experience. It combines slapstick humor, stunning visuals, and an immersive world to create a game that is sure to leave players laughing and wanting more. Whether you’re a fan of platformers, comedy, or simply appreciate unique and creative games, Thank Goodness You’re Here! is worth keeping an eye on. Get ready to step into the eccentric world of Barnsworth and prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, odd jobs, and peculiar characters.
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