Local News with Cliff Rockslide is a comedic narrative adventure developed by Horsefly Games and published by Bonus Stage Publishing that transforms the mundane world of local television reporting into a playground for absurd mysteries and surreal humor. Rather than casting players as a heroic adventurer or detective, the game places them in the role of a cameraperson working alongside the eccentric news reporter Cliff Rockslide. This unusual premise immediately gives the game a unique identity, allowing it to explore bizarre events through the lens of local journalism while delivering a story filled with unexpected twists, strange characters, and delightfully ridiculous situations.
The adventure takes place in Butterfly Valley, a small town that initially appears peaceful and uneventful. However, as players begin assisting Cliff with various news assignments, it quickly becomes clear that the town is hiding far more than ordinary local stories. Strange disappearances, mysterious cults, zombies, bizarre objects, and unexplained phenomena begin to emerge, turning what should be simple news coverage into an increasingly chaotic investigation. The contrast between the professional seriousness of news reporting and the absurd nature of the events being covered forms the foundation of the game's humor.
One of the game's most original ideas is its commitment to the role of the camera operator. Players are not simply following the story; they are actively responsible for documenting it. The camera serves as both a storytelling device and a gameplay mechanic, encouraging players to frame scenes, follow important events, and capture the action as it unfolds. This perspective creates a refreshing change from traditional adventure games because players experience the narrative from the viewpoint of someone recording history rather than directly controlling every aspect of it.
The writing is undoubtedly one of the game's strongest features. The humor embraces absurdity while maintaining a straight-faced delivery that enhances the comedic impact. Rather than relying exclusively on jokes or punchlines, much of the comedy comes from the increasingly ridiculous situations that are treated as though they are ordinary news stories. The result is a style of humor that feels natural and consistently entertaining. Every new assignment has the potential to introduce another bizarre mystery, ensuring that the narrative remains unpredictable throughout the journey.
Cliff Rockslide himself serves as the centerpiece of much of the comedy. As a local celebrity reporter with an oversized personality, he approaches every situation with complete confidence regardless of how strange the circumstances become. His enthusiasm and dedication to journalism provide a constant source of entertainment, and his interactions with the residents of Butterfly Valley help bring the game's world to life. He is the type of character whose presence alone can make even routine conversations amusing.
Butterfly Valley is more than just a backdrop for the story. The town feels like a carefully crafted setting filled with eccentric personalities and hidden secrets. Every corner seems to conceal another mystery waiting to be uncovered. What begins as a seemingly ordinary community gradually reveals layers of absurdity that make exploration consistently rewarding. The town's unusual inhabitants contribute significantly to the game's charm, creating a world where almost anything can happen.
Gameplay combines several different styles to keep the experience engaging. Elements of point-and-click adventures, visual novels, exploration games, and interactive storytelling are blended together into a cohesive package. Players investigate locations, interact with characters, solve light puzzles, and participate in various activities related to their work as a news crew. This variety prevents the experience from becoming repetitive and allows the story to unfold through multiple forms of interaction rather than relying solely on dialogue.
The inclusion of puzzles and minigames adds welcome diversity to the gameplay loop. These segments are generally designed to support the narrative rather than distract from it, helping players feel more involved in the unfolding events. While the challenges are not especially difficult, they provide enough interactivity to maintain engagement and give players a sense of participation in the investigation.
Visually, the game embraces a colorful and stylized aesthetic that perfectly complements its comedic tone. Character designs are expressive, environments are filled with personality, and the overall presentation reinforces the quirky nature of the world. The graphics are not focused on realism but instead aim to create a memorable atmosphere that supports both the humor and the mystery. This artistic direction helps the game stand out among other narrative adventures.
Another notable strength is the game's willingness to embrace unpredictability. The story rarely follows a conventional path, and players are frequently surprised by the directions events take. What begins as a simple local news assignment can quickly evolve into a confrontation with supernatural forces or an investigation into bizarre conspiracies. This constant escalation keeps the narrative fresh and encourages players to continue discovering what Butterfly Valley is hiding.
The game's primary limitation is that its appeal depends heavily on its humor and storytelling. Players seeking deep mechanical systems, extensive character progression, or action-focused gameplay may find the experience relatively straightforward. However, those who enjoy narrative adventures, eccentric comedy, and unusual concepts are likely to appreciate the game's focused approach. It understands its strengths and concentrates on delivering an entertaining story rather than attempting to become something it is not.
Local News with Cliff Rockslide succeeds because it embraces creativity and originality. Its unusual premise, memorable characters, camera-based gameplay, and consistently amusing writing combine to create an experience that feels genuinely different from most adventure games. By transforming local journalism into a gateway to surreal mysteries and comedic chaos, it offers players a charming and memorable journey through one of the strangest small towns in gaming.
Rating: 6/10
