Botanicula Review

By UnderBreex

If you know anything about this title, you may wonder why I’m reviewing a game from May 2012. Is the game that good? You guys, knowing me, it is mini-story time!

One of my very good college friends is always recommending me Indie games. Because of her, I'm in love with Indie games lately. The first game she introduced me to was Machinarium (Amanita Design). I also recommend this game. So, I went head over heels for it. The game is very challenging, has beautiful artwork, and a surreal story line. After a while, she introduced me to Botanicula (same developer). She just went and installed it into my computer (no permission asked) and I said that I would play it later that same day. I swear on everything that is holy in the gaming industry, the second I opened that game I couldn't/wouldn't put it down.

This game is about a five friends, tiny tree creatures, who set out for a journey to save the last seed from their home tree that is infested by evil spider-looking parasites. You'll have to use each one of them throughout the game-play according to each puzzle or interaction. Botanicula is a wonderful experience that will please us, combining nature and video games, creating a beautiful and captivating atmosphere that we want to see in more games.  

Puzzles range in challenge from: "Omg this is so cute" to "Where in the *bleep* is that chicken?" No spoilers.  However, this is a point-and-click, delightful, stunning, grabbing hold-of-the-imagination adventure that you will never regret playing. Many games strive to be fun, and Botanicula not only accomplishes this, but also manages to use sound and visuals to stir up emotions; especially in the ending. This is one of the most interactive titles that I've ever laid hands on, even though sometimes puzzles are so easy that they may not even count as a puzzle; just a random interaction. You can also collect some portrait cards that represent some of the surrounding characters that may help or challenge your game-play adventures. You can collect both allies and enemy characters and they are hidden in very random places. You can interact with them as a slideshow from the pause menu.

Just as if the game by itself wasn't enough, Amanita Design delivered an amazing, interactive soundtrack in the mix. The music is vivid, vibrant, and plainly fun, chartering the listener to all and the imaginative. This is one of the most amazing Indie developers and games out in the industry. One of the main reasons of this recommendation and review is because Amanita Design is re-releasing this PC Game on all iOS mobile platforms for $4.99 (out now). The price is a bit unusual for such a small game. However, it is worth every penny. 

            I give it an unusual 10/10.

A Plus Sized Cosplayer’s Story

 

By. Marjorie Morningstar of Cosplay +Sz

  This is the story of Kawaii Princess, a plus sized girl who loves manga, anime and video games.  She has been a loyal attendee to the local comic book and anime convention for a few years now, but this is the first time she will be attending in cosplay.  She has spent so many hours re-watching that anime, and re-playing that game, researching online for references to make the costume as close to the original as possible.  She selected that character because of the clumsy and shy traits they have in common.  She is so proud of her costume and she is satisfied with all the practice she has done to resemble that character.

  At last the day has come.  As soon as she enters the convention hall she feels like that character, without even noticing it she is walking and talking like that character.  She is so excited when people start noticing her.  As she walks around, people look at her and start to whisper and point. Suddenly one girl ask for a picture and after taking it says: “Your fat version of that character is real cute”.  Then she realizes that the people weren’t praising her; they were mocking her, saying mean things about her weight.  She realizes that the whispers and remarks were not positive. People were not smiling at her, but rather they were laughing and making fun of her.

  Feeling terrible Princess ended up crying in the bathroom.  Suddenly she heard a sweet voice asking if she was ok.  The sweet voice introduces herself as Night Kitty and she had witnessed the whole situation.  Night Kitty was a cosplayer with some experience and awards under her belt.  They talked for a while and Night Kitty gave her the best advice anyone can give: “Be yourself, respect yourself, and embrace yourself.  Once you have accepted you for who you are, you will be free from the chains of discrimination.”

  The cosplay world is precious, but at the same time it’s real tough.  Most of the people in our community have being victims of bullying and discrimination, just for our hobbies or interests.  I, as a full grown woman, have being criticized for this hobby at work many times, but I do it because I love it and they have learned to accept me as I am.  I believe in myself and only I can set my limits on what I can or cannot do.

  I know that all of us put so much effort and tears into every costume we make.  The cosplay world is filled with wonderful things and many unique, creative and talented people.  We cosplay because we love the process, the characters and we are honored to portray that character in real life.  Let’s work together to break free from unrealistic beauty standards and enjoy what truly matters: YOU!