Uh… Hm. This could be a damning strategy to open a overview, however not each video games must set your loins alight. I believe a sport business the place each title is tripping over one another in an try to be probably the most significant expertise you have got had could be fairly depressing. Builders ought to have enjoyable with the inventive course of. It ought to be fulfilling to them. In any other case, we’d simply be getting our leisure from staff on an meeting line. That’s not how artwork works.

This could be apparent, however I say that as a result of Orbo’s Odyssey didn’t combust my crotch. I performed it as a result of I just like the lower of the developer’s jib. Feverdream Johnny might be greatest identified for his or her work on Nowhere, MI. They’ve partnered with Ben Drury for this type of spin-off or sequel to Peeb Adventures. So, I assume I’m right here to spectate the inventive course of somewhat than have my genitals gelatinized. With that mentioned, it’s nonetheless a enjoyable time.

Orbo’s Odyssey (PC)
Developer: Feverdream Softworks
Writer: Feverdream Softworks
Launched: August 21, 2023
MSRP: $6.99

Orbo’s Odyssey opens with the eponymous meeple getting locked of their boss’s workplace together with Peeb. The door isn’t locked, however neither of them has arms, to allow them to’t work the doorknob. I can suppose of some methods round this difficulty, however they determine the one two choices are to both await the boss to come back to the workplace (which he by no means does, typical supervisor) or use a tool to craft a prosthetic arm able to manipulating a door. I assume they don’t have buttcheeks, both.

They should acquire little Gear Elements which are conveniently situated in product portals discovered within the boss’s workplace. So, you’ve obtained slightly drawback, slightly hubworld, and Orbo’s Odyssey is slightly platformer. It’s a micro-collect-a-thon. There are 5 gears in every world, and it takes slightly over an hour to finish.

Or possibly I’m simply wonderful. I used to be informed the controls are straightforward to study and onerous to grasp, however I had it down from the phrase “go.” Really, possibly I used to be simply informed that so I’d be ok with myself. In that case, it labored.

Journey vs. Odyssey

Past operating and leaping, you’ll be able to launch your self by way of the air like a rocket. That is the large idea to wrap your head round, as whereas there’s extra to Orbo’s Odyssey than simply going ballistic, it’s all centered round your jet pace. There are time trials, puzzles, and battles, however they’re largely all solved by ramming your head into them.

The actual attraction is within the dreamlike visuals. Nicely, I say “dreamlike,” however my goals normally contain much more noodles. Feverdream Softworks appears to dream about Draculas and businessmen. Their dreamworld is an terrible little place the place an unconvincing façade and terrible company tradition combine into one thing inhuman and alienating. Particularly if you think about all the home music that performs overtop.

There’s lots of screwing round available. Scouring environments reveals lots of unusual shows, making it really feel nearly like a wax museum or an I Spy e-book.

In the event you look onerous sufficient, you’ll be able to see a few of Feverdream Johnny’s trademark nightmarish existentialism. This presumably ties into the greeted Feverdream universe, however I can’t declare to be intimately acquainted sufficient to know for certain. Standing aside, it’s largely simply affirmation that your discomfort is warranted. It reminds you that it won’t be raining, however you’re standing thigh-deep in a leech-filled swamp. It’s the great things.

Field quote

Due to its brevity and eccentric apathy, it’s onerous to essentially give lots of suggestions on Orbo’s Odyssey. It neither disillusioned nor exceeded expectations. I doubt I’ll be doing an annual playthrough, however I’ll nonetheless be there for Feverdream Softworks’ subsequent sport. It’s not that costly, and it’s possibly more healthy for you than consuming a complete bucket of ice cream by your self. Maintain on, I can do higher. Right here’s a great field quote:

“Orbo’s Odyssey is an ample cause to place your fingers throughout your mouse and keyboard.”

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}