December can be a busy time for many of us with Christmas and New Years dominating the month (not to mention all the shopping and family get-togethers that go with it!) and indie games such as this are easily missed and forgotten.
So after finally playing Lil Gator Game for myself, I feel it’s a game that deserves more attention, with a playtime of around 4 hours, it’s an easy game to squeeze into your gaming schedule.
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Developed by Megawobble and published by Playtonic Friends, Lil Gator Game is a cosy adventure game in the vein of Zelda. In fact the game is actually a MASSIVE love letter to Zelda.
In the opening minutes we get references to ‘That legend of hero game’ and your character dons a somewhat familiar sword, shield and hat (and of course I HAD to name my character Link).
More than that, the game draws inspiration from ‘Breath of the Wild’ in the form of shield sliding, hang gliding, smashing pots, stamina meters and the ability to climb pretty much anywhere.
Though, thankfully, the game is unique enough in its own right that it doesn’t just feel like a Zelda clone.
The story is simple and wholesome.
You play as a young alligator trying to convince his older sister to play with him. ‘Big Sis’ is in College now and doesn’t have much time for games anymore so the titular Lil Gator decides to convince her by showing her all the fun she is missing.
It all plays out as you would expect, there aren’t any major twists and turns in the game, though that didn’t stop the ending from hitting me like a tonne of bricks. The main theme of ‘growing apart’ is so relatable, something we’ve all experienced in one way or another, that it made me pick up the phone and message my brother.
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In addition to Zelda, the game really gave me ‘A Short Hike’ vibes. The art style is beautiful, simple and colourful, as if it had jumped right out of a childrens book. The world is also packed with dozens of adorable animal NPCs who all have something cute, witty or silly to say.
Together with its whimsical sound track, the game has a warm and inviting feel to it that makes exploring so relaxing and comfortable.
While the game does feature combat, your enemies are all essentially cardboard cutouts that turn into a shower of confetti after a few whacks. You use that confetti as currency to purchase new items and gear which are mostly cosmetic but always fun.
After finishing the main story the game gives you items to help track down any collectibles you may have missed so getting that 100% is really easy.
The game also does away with maps and waypoints. Instead it puts the decision of where to explore into the players hands.
While this can be frustrating at times, leaving you a little lost, it’s worth it for the sense of freedom it offers.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the game felt like a big warm hug that left me wanting to revisit its cosy little world long after I’d finished the main story.
Lil Gator Game is a perfect palette cleanser.
