Coal Supper’s Thank Goodness You’re Here, published by Panic, flew under the radar for many, but it’s a wonderful tale that takes place in the quirky, picturesque village of Barnsworth. Available on major systems including the PlayStation 5, this game combines humor, charm, and unique gameplay mechanics to create an experience that manages to stand out in the current gaming landscape.
The story begins with a traveling merchant who arrives early for an important meeting with the village mayor. With time to spare, he decides to make the most of his time by exploring the village, engaging with its eccentric inhabitants and undertaking the peculiar tasks they ask of him. This setup provides a perfect backdrop for a game that revels in its oddities and humor. The narrative unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing players to immerse themselves in the village’s atmosphere and the characters’ peculiar lives as you grow into the story.
Gameplay in Thank Goodness You’re Here is a blend of side-scrolling action and top-down exploration. The tasks you undertake range from seemingly mundane activities like mowing lawns and baking cakes to more bizarre quests that can be quite “out there”, such as traveling to the astral plane. Each completed task unlocks new areas of the village, and each area presents players with more strange challenges. This progression system keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, as there’s always something new around the next corner.
The controls are intuitive, making it easy for players to navigate the village and interact with its inhabitants. However, there are moments where the game’s simplicity might not satisfy those looking for a more complex gameplay experience. Despite this, the charm and humor of the tasks often make up for a relative lack of gameplay depth, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and tons of charm.
Visually, Thank Goodness You’re Here is absolutely lovely. The game features hand-drawn animations that bring its characters and the village to life, and the transition between side-scrolling action and top-down exploration is seamless. This adds to the game’s unique aesthetic, never taking you out of the adventure. The art style itself, which was heavily inspired by traditional folklore, gives the game a distinct and memorable look.
The audio design complements the visuals perfectly. The soundtrack is both emotive and original, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game. The voice acting, featuring authentic regional dialects, adds a layer of authenticity and humor. However, some players might find some of the thicker accents challenging to understand, potentially missing out on some of the witty dialogue – part of the price of that authenticity.
What’s clearly one of the game’s standout features is the sense of humor it was infused with. The dialogue is filled with double entendres and playful banter, making interactions with the villagers genuinely entertaining. This humor, combined with the game’s whimsical tasks, creates a lighthearted and enjoyable experience that is rarely seen in today’s gaming market. Thank Goodness You’re Here’s leisurely pace and simple mechanics may not appeal to everyone though, especially those seeking more action-packed or intricate gameplay.
In conclusion, Thank Goodness You’re Here is a truly delightful and unique addition to the PlayStation 5 library. Its blend of humor, charm, and quirky gameplay mechanics offers a refreshing change of pace. And while it may not satisfy those looking for complex gameplay or high-octane action, it excels in delivering a whimsical and entertaining experience that will leave players with a smile on their face, especially if you’re interested in a lighthearted adventure.
Score: 8.4/10
Press Play Media 