A Book of Beasts and Buddies

[b]A Book of Beasts and Buddies[/b] is a short but delightful game originally created for a game jam. Like an interactive bestiary players can turn the pages and learn about different creatures and beasts by interacting with them. Possible interactions include things such as feed, defend, poke, high five, exorcise and GTFO with the right combinations of interactions resulting in making friends with the creature and getting a gift that may be useful when looking at a different beast. The interactions are well-written and prove to be both funny and adorable and can often reveal information about the creature such as its diet or preferred environment. All of the creatures, from the gubbins or primordial ennui to the bearded cactus and sasquatch, are very distinct and unique and depicted in a 2D cartoon art style with bold lines and bright colours. These then usually sit on photographic background, close-up images of moss, dirt and branches that give the game a fantastical feel. The music really brings the experience to life with strange vocal noises over a gentle beat and a simple but upbeat melody. A Book of Beasts and Buddies can be completed within an hour and is a very laid-back and original experience offering adorable cartoon characters, fun interactions, charmingly quirky dialogue and narration and a good dollop of humour. It is a joy to play and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for something cute and casual with a bit of a twist. [b]WANT TO KNOW MORE?[/b] This review was part of a longer article titled 'Three Free Games – Gaming with No Budget' which can be found on [url=https://indie-hive.com/three-free-games/]Indie Hive[/url].