In Little Goody Two Shoes, released by Square Enix and developed by AstralShift, players are drawn into a captivating narrative that blends fairytales with horror, life simulation, and psychological elements. The story follows Elise, an ambitious young woman yearning for wealth, as her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a mysterious pair of red shoes in her garden. As she embarks on an adventure into the heart of the mysterious Woods, players must navigate through a hand-drawn fairytale environment, making choices that will determine one of the ten possible endings. We tried it out on a PlayStation 5.
At first glance, the game’s aesthetic pays homage to 90s anime, mixed together with a retro RPG look and feel. The pixel artwork, coupled with animated touches, creates a visually appealing experience, complementing the unique blend of genres the game offers. With its visuals, the game immerses players in the quaint European town of Kieferberg, displayed in a 17th-century setting with cobblestone roads and brick buildings.
The gameplay unfolds in a cyclical fashion, dividing Elise’s day between daytime activities and nighttime explorations in the eerie Woods that surround you. During the day, players engage in life-simulation elements, managing relationships with townsfolk, participating in minigames, and engaging in romantic endeavors. The integration of elements from dating sims, farming games, and day-to-day resource management adds an unexpected side to the experience.
However, some players may find the daytime activities slightly repetitive, as the same menial tasks recur and they can be seen as distracting from the main story. The pacing of these sections may feel uneven at times, affecting the overall flow of the game. Still, the game compensates for this with the nighttime segments, where horror elements suddenly take center stage. Navigating through the Woods, players encounter ghosts and goblins, solving puzzles that drain Elise’s sanity meter. While some of these puzzles can be challenging, their varied visual presentation adds an intriguing layer to the horror experience.
The game excels in blending genres, offering a mix of life-simulation, horror, and psychological elements. Little Goody Two Shoes surprises players with its unpredictability that way, keeping them engaged with an array of activities and a diverse cast of characters. Managing Elise’s reputation in the town adds an additional layer of complexity, requiring thoughtful dialogue choices to avoid suspicion.
But despite its surprisingly innovative approach, the game is not without its flaws. The puzzles, particularly those encountered during nighttime exploration, can be excessively difficult in places, leading to potential frustration and a degree of trial and error. Additionally, the game encourages frequent saving, hinting at potential setbacks and a lack of resources for nighttime exploration – this one’s more challenging than initial impressions may suggest.
In conclusion, Little Goody Two Shoes stands out as an intriguing but successful blend of genres. It combines charming life-simulation elements with creepy horror, offering a unique and unpredictable gaming experience. The game’s inventive mix of genres, accompanied by a captivating narrative and engaging characters, easily outweighs its occasional pacing issues and challenging puzzles. Square Enix and AstralShift have crafted a distinctive indie title that’s a standout title for those who appreciate something a little off-beat.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 