Bacon Man: An Adventure

In Bacon Man: An Adventure, players step into the crispy shoes of the titular hero in a fantasy world where they must battle through whimsical, food-themed levels to confront enemies who framed them and clear their name. This action platformer blends challenging 2D scrolling gameplay with RPG elements like experience collection and ability upgrades, supporting two-player couch co-op across four unique characters. Featuring satirical humor, an orchestral soundtrack, and versatile combat moves that double as mobility tools, the game delivers a sizzling adventure through diverse food-group environments.

Bacon Man: An Adventure: Review

Introduction

In the pantheon of quirky, indie platformers, Bacon Man: An Adventure stands out as a delightfully absurd yet mechanically robust title that pays homage to the golden age of mascot-driven action games. Developed by Skymap Games and released in 2018, this 3D side-scrolling adventure blends the chaotic charm of Earthworm Jim with the satirical wit of South Park, creating a unique experience that is as visually striking as it is thematically rich. This review will dissect the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its enduring legacy, ultimately arguing that Bacon Man: An Adventure is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition in the annals of indie gaming.

Development History & Context

Skymap Games, a small indie studio based in New Hampshire, embarked on the development of Bacon Man: An Adventure with a clear vision: to revive the spirit of 90s platformers while infusing it with modern aesthetics and humor. The game’s journey began with a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014, which allowed the team to secure the necessary funds to bring their vision to life. Initially developed using the Unreal Development Kit (UDK), the project underwent a significant overhaul when the team switched to Unreal Engine 4, a decision that greatly enhanced the game’s visual fidelity and performance.

The gaming landscape in 2018 was dominated by AAA titles and a resurgence of retro-inspired indie games. Bacon Man positioned itself as a love letter to classic platformers like Earthworm Jim and Mega Man, but with a unique twist: its anthropomorphic food characters and satirical narrative set it apart from the crowd. The game’s development was marked by a strong community engagement strategy, with the team actively seeking feedback from backers and early access players. This iterative approach helped refine the game’s mechanics and ensure that it met the expectations of its target audience.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

At its core, Bacon Man: An Adventure is a story of injustice and revenge. The game’s protagonist, Bacon Man, is framed for the murder of his grandfather, King Roast Beef, and banished to the freezer by the Pork King. Determined to clear his name and reclaim his rightful place on the Meat Throne, Bacon Man embarks on a roaring rampage of revenge against the food kings who have wronged him. The narrative is rife with satire and dark humor, poking fun at political intrigue, food culture, and the absurdity of anthropomorphic food characters.

The game’s four playable characters—Bacon Man, Lard Lass, Feta the Samurai, and Excaliboar—each bring their own unique perspectives and abilities to the story. Lard Lass, for instance, is a kick-focused fighter who embodies the trope of the “kick chick,” while Feta the Samurai is a glass cannon with high damage output but low health. The dialogue is sharp and witty, often breaking the fourth wall and referencing pop culture, which adds to the game’s comedic appeal.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Bacon Man: An Adventure excels in its gameplay mechanics, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game features a patented “Bacon Control System” that allows for precise platforming and combat. Players can perform a variety of moves, including the Sky Divider, Dash, Stinger, and Ground Pound, each of which doubles as a method of mobility. The combat is fluid and satisfying, with a mix of melee attacks, ranged attacks, and special abilities that can be unlocked through leveling up.

The game’s difficulty is notoriously high, with one-hit deaths and complex platforming sections that require precise timing and reflexes. This brutality is tempered by the game’s RPG elements, which allow players to collect experience points, level up, and gain new abilities. The inclusion of a tutorial system ensures that players are guided through the game’s mechanics, although some players have criticized the tutorial for being overly verbose.

The user interface is clean and intuitive, with a minimalist design that keeps the focus on the action. The game supports both single-player and two-player couch co-op, adding a layer of replayability and social engagement. However, some players have reported issues with the game’s responsiveness, particularly in regards to jumping mechanics and platforming accuracy.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Bacon Man: An Adventure is a visual feast, with a vibrant and detailed 3D world that is rendered in Unreal Engine 4. The game’s art direction is a blend of cartoonish aesthetics and intricate detailing, creating a world that is both whimsical and immersive. The environments are diverse, ranging from the icy Polar Prison to the lush Vegan Valley, each filled with interactive elements and hidden secrets.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a full orchestral soundtrack composed by Braxton Burks and Kyle Landry. The music is epic and dynamic, perfectly complementing the game’s action-packed sequences. The sound effects are crisp and impactful, from the sizzling sounds of Bacon Man’s attacks to the crunching of enemies underfoot.

The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by its comedic tone, with a constant stream of witty one-liners and absurd situations. The voice acting is top-notch, with each character bringing their own unique personality to the table. The combination of visuals, sound, and humor creates a cohesive and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its release, Bacon Man: An Adventure received a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics praised the game’s visuals, soundtrack, and humor, while some players found the difficulty to be overly punishing. The game’s Steam page shows a “Mostly Positive” rating, with players appreciating the game’s unique blend of platforming and combat.

The game’s legacy is marked by its influence on subsequent indie titles, particularly in the realm of satirical platformers. Its success on Kickstarter and its eventual port to the Nintendo Switch demonstrate its enduring appeal. The game’s community continues to engage with its content, with discussions and mods still being created years after its release.

Conclusion

Bacon Man: An Adventure is a testament to the power of indie development, blending classic platforming mechanics with modern aesthetics and humor. Its narrative depth, challenging gameplay, and stunning visuals make it a standout title in the crowded platformer genre. While its difficulty may deter some players, those who persevere will find a rewarding and memorable experience. In the grand tapestry of video game history, Bacon Man: An Adventure deserves a place as a beloved and innovative title that pushed the boundaries of what a platformer can be.