Bad Rats Show

Bad Rats Show is a physics-based puzzle sequel where players arrange rats and objects to guide a ball into traps that eliminate rival cats. Released in 2016, this downloadable game continues the quirky rodent antics from the original Bad Rats with new levels and challenges.

Bad Rats Show: Review

Introduction

Bad Rats Show, the sequel to the infamous Bad Rats: The Rats’ Revenge, is a physics-based puzzle game that continues the series’ tradition of dark humor and questionable taste. Released on July 20, 2016, by Invent4 Entertainment and published by Strategy First, Bad Rats Show builds upon the original’s mechanics while introducing new features and improvements. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy to provide a comprehensive analysis.

Development History & Context

Bad Rats Show was developed by Invent4 Entertainment, a Brazilian indie game studio founded by Augusto Bülow. The original Bad Rats was released in 2009 and gained notoriety for its poor quality, becoming a meme and a gag gift on Steam. Despite its initial reception, the game garnered a significant following, leading to the development of a sequel. Bad Rats Show was announced during E3 2016 and released exactly seven years after the original game’s release.

The development of Bad Rats Show was influenced by the success of the first game, with Bülow stating that the sequel was planned from the outset. The game’s design aimed to improve upon the original’s flaws while maintaining its dark humor and puzzle-solving mechanics. The studio utilized the Unity game engine, which allowed for better graphics and more complex level designs compared to the original.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Bad Rats Show’s narrative is centered around a twisted show where rats exact revenge on cats through various gruesome means. The game’s prologue, preface, and epilogue set the tone for the twisted humor and dark themes that permeate the game. The story is presented through a mix of text and in-game commentary by a rat host, accompanied by rat dancers and a band.

The thematic elements of Bad Rats Show revolve around revenge, violence, and the absurdity of the situations presented. The game’s dark humor and cartoonish violence are reminiscent of adult-oriented cartoons and satire. The narrative is not meant to be taken seriously, and the game’s tone is consistently irreverent and provocative.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Bad Rats Show is a physics-based puzzle game where players arrange rats and objects to guide a ball towards a trap that kills a cat. The game features 11 specialist rats with unique abilities, 11 functional objects, and 44 original maps. The gameplay mechanics involve solving puzzles in 2D and 3D environments, utilizing the rats and objects to achieve the desired outcome.

The game includes an Easy mode (referred to as “Hard” mode in some contexts, alongside an Expert mode) and a map editor, allowing players to create and share custom levels. The physics engine is a critical component of the gameplay, and while it has been improved from the original, it still suffers from nondeterministic behavior, leading to inconsistent outcomes.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Bad Rats Show is a twisted, cartoonish environment where rats and cats engage in a macabre show. The game’s art style has improved significantly from the original, with more detailed and colorful environments. However, some character models and animations can appear unnatural.

The sound design and soundtrack contribute to the game’s atmosphere, with the rat host’s commentary and the band’s music adding to the twisted humor. The sound effects and music are generally well-received, enhancing the overall experience.

Reception & Legacy

Bad Rats Show received a “Very Positive” review score on Steam, with 80% of the 550 user reviews being positive. Critics generally viewed the game as an improvement over the original, praising its new features and improved graphics. However, the game’s physics engine and occasional bugs were noted as drawbacks.

The game’s legacy is tied to its predecessor, and it has maintained the series’ reputation for dark humor and puzzle-solving. Bad Rats Show has been recognized as a cult classic, with a dedicated community creating custom levels and content.

Conclusion

Bad Rats Show is a physics-based puzzle game that builds upon the dark humor and questionable taste of its predecessor. While it improves upon some of the original’s flaws, it still suffers from issues with its physics engine. The game’s unique blend of dark humor, puzzle-solving, and twisted themes has earned it a dedicated following.

In conclusion, Bad Rats Show is a niche game that will appeal to fans of dark humor and puzzle games. Its cult classic status is well-deserved, and it remains a notable title in the puzzle game genre. Despite its flaws, Bad Rats Show is a commendable effort in creating a unique and engaging experience that pushes the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in a game.