Goodbye World, developed by Isolation Studio and published by PM Studios, follows the interesting niche trend of videogame developers making games about…. video game development. This narrative-driven adventure game introduces players to the struggles and sacrifices that come with creating indie games, and after an earlier PC/Switch release it’s now available for PlayStation as well.
The game revolves around the story of two friends and collaborators, Kanii and Kumade. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of the industry, releasing game after game without finding success. As Kanii desperately searches for a breakthrough, Kumade makes a life-changing decision, leaving Kanii to face the harsh reality of their shared dream falling apart. Kanii’s trusty handheld becomes her companion, and becomes a sort of character in Goodbye World’s gameplay experience.
The game infuses a retro/Game Boy style game into its narrative through this handheld. Kanii, as controlled by the player, embarks on a platforming journey across 12 levels, with gameplay that’s reminiscent of old Mario titles. Blocks, a game within the game, allows players to break and place blocks strategically while avoiding enemies. The inclusion of Blocks as an optional experience within the game is a welcome feature, catering to different player preferences.
One of Goodbye World’s most interesting elements is how it captures the emotional turmoil that often accompanies the game development process for solo developers. The relatable story resonates with game developers and highlights the all-too-common experience of losing passion and direction in the face of failure. Kanii’s character arc, from hopeful and enthusiastic to burnt out, strikes a chord with those familiar with the industry’s challenges – and with others who can relate to this from their own point of view.
But despite its strengths, Goodbye World does have some drawbacks. While the pixel art, narrative, and sound design are commendable, the inclusion of Blocks as a game within the game feel a little underwhelming because it’s not super polished. The pacing of the game follows a repetitive pattern of alternating between narrative segments and Blocks levels, and while Blocks has its moments of charm with its recognizable nods to classic games, it’s ultimately a bit forgettable, with frustrating controls leading to unnecessary loss of life.
The imbalance between the narrative and gameplay elements is another notable drawback. Goodbye World is promoted as a narrative adventure game, but it lacks the exploration and decision-making aspects typically associated with the genre. The limited adventure elements, along with a lackluster presentation, make it challenging to fully engage with the story, which is also rather brief.
Despite these shortcomings, Goodbye World remains an interesting experience for both gamers and game developers. Its poignant message about the challenges of independent game development, paired with interesting characters and nice art design, make it a worthwhile journey. If you’re willing to overlook the gameplay issues, Goodbye World’s story concept alone makes it a worthwhile journey for about an hour or two.
Score: 6.3/10
Press Play Media 