Hairy Tales
Gameplay - 9
Presentation - 8.6
Story/Creativity - 7
Lifespan - 7
7.9
Despite a few issues here and there, they prove to not affect the game play and experience in a critical way. Hairy Tales is still a fun puzzle game where you have to use your wits to get to the destination. I thoroughly enjoyed my playthrough of this, and cannot get over how I really enjoyed this being a non-hardcore puzzle gamer. Anybody can pick this up and give it a try. Who knows? You may be as surprised as I was.
When it comes to some, but not all video games, I tend to sometimes let the game play itself, while I watch the action happen before me. However, when I played my hand of Hairy Tales from Arges Systems, it turns out that I am playing the game rather than letting it play itself. Being a non-hardcore puzzle gamer (or just not that interested in puzzle games), I was in for a welcome surprise. Hairy Tales approves to being different with its own take, and it is very original and enjoyable while at it. With challenging puzzles, plenty of levels, and the humorous theme overall, Hairy Tales proved to be a surprise, in a good way that is. I really enjoyed it.
Hairy Tales is an IOS and PC game created by Arges Systems using the Unity engine. It is currently available on IOS systems and smartphones, alongside being on PC through Desura or even Steam Greenlight (Vote this game!). You play as the Hairys, which are characters that want to clear their world of corruption. While it can seem like they can do it on their own, there turns out to be one little problem: they only move in one direction, which is forward. This is where the creativity comes in, as you must guide their way across each level, rotating hex panels, grabbing stones, avoiding creatures, and reaching your goal. To add, there are over 70 levels to be played and solved (72 to be exact). To conclude, the presentation of the game is what it is trying to make you think of the game, however nothing too special. This is ok, since this isn’t the meat of the game, which I will get to below.
The gameplay is surprisingly enjoyable and solid, and this is coming from a person who doesn’t rate puzzle games as one of his favorite genres. As mentioned, you play around with pieces around the level, and once you think you are ready, you just click on Hairy, and he will be on his way through the course. What I liked about the puzzles and levels is that it is quickly noticed that Arges Systems put their minds into it. There are different ways to complete one level, making this non-linear, and flexible to its own degree. Another key role that every puzzle fan can agree on is the difficulty. While at first the game seems simple, it’s only going easy on you, so that you can know the basics. The levels get really challenging, making you think before your actions. On top of all of this, the different environments, humorous animations, and sounds are pretty good and could be refreshing to some. I really liked the approach that was taken with the gameplay element, rather than being just another puzzle game.
I talked through the main and major positives this game really has. With that said, I really didn’t find anything unltimately wrong that proved to be game breaking. I however, still have to talk about a few downsides based on my experiences. For one, the full completion for %100 sometimes doesn’t feel all that encouraging. If there is one thing you want to do as a requirement or plus point, you want your players to come back and replay your game, especially if applicable. This could cause a big letdown in lifespan and replay value in general for some. This effect may be a downside in the hands and cause of the annoying problems at times, and if you get frustrated easily, Hairy Tales will have your head spinning. By annoying, I mean understanding the game mechanics could lead to impatience, with levels being a bit too large, and even sometimes the camera zooming option. You only get one angle on the top-down puzzler, which is meant to be played like this, however I could argue that this can take away a freelance, freedom, or any other camera possibility for better angles to figure out puzzles.
