Buyhads

Buyhads is a 2D side-scrolling action shooter set in a sci-fi/futuristic universe, where players engage in fast-paced combat across scrolling environments. Developed by Amfich and published by Piece Of Voxel, the game features direct control mechanics, blending shooter gameplay with a direct control interface. Released in 2020 for Linux and later for Windows in 2021, Buyhads offers a commercial download experience built on the Unity engine, though details about its narrative and deeper mechanics remain sparse.

Buyhads: A Forgotten Gem in the Shadow of a Titan

Introduction

In the vast, ever-expanding universe of indie games, few titles have managed to carve out a legacy as profound and enduring as Hades. Developed by Supergiant Games, Hades is a masterclass in blending roguelike mechanics with rich narrative storytelling, all wrapped in a visually stunning package inspired by Greek mythology. However, lurking in the shadows of this titan is a lesser-known title that shares a curious connection—Buyhads. Released in 2020 by Amfich and published by Piece Of Voxel, Buyhads is a 2D puzzle platformer that, while not reaching the same heights as Hades, offers a unique and charming experience of its own.

This review will delve deep into Buyhads, exploring its development history, gameplay mechanics, narrative themes, and artistic design. We will also examine its reception and legacy, drawing comparisons to Hades where relevant to highlight the contrasts and similarities between these two distinct yet intriguing games.

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Development History & Context

The Studio Behind Buyhads

Buyhads was developed by Amfich, a relatively obscure studio in the indie game landscape. Little is known about the studio’s background, but their collaboration with Piece Of Voxel suggests a focus on creating accessible, family-friendly games with a touch of whimsy. The game was first released on Linux in May 2020, with a Windows version following in February 2021. The choice of platforms and the game’s modest scope indicate a small team working with limited resources, a common scenario in the indie game scene.

Technological Constraints and Design Philosophy

Buyhads is built using the Unity engine, a popular choice among indie developers due to its accessibility and versatility. The game’s 2D scrolling perspective and side-view gameplay are reminiscent of classic platformers, evoking a sense of nostalgia while incorporating modern design elements. The decision to use Unity allowed Amfich to focus on gameplay and level design without the overhead of developing a proprietary engine, a pragmatic approach that aligns with the studio’s likely constraints.

The gaming landscape in 2020 was dominated by high-profile releases like The Last of Us Part II, Cyberpunk 2077, and, of course, Hades. Amidst this competitive environment, Buyhads emerged as a humble yet charming title, offering a simpler, more casual experience that stood in stark contrast to the epic narratives and complex mechanics of its contemporaries.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

Buyhads presents a lighthearted and whimsical narrative centered around a character named Jimi, who finds himself trapped inside a video game. The premise is reminiscent of Jumanji, with Jimi tasked with restarting a malfunctioning AI to save the digital world. The game’s official description on Steam sets the stage:

“My name is Jimi and I got into a video game, it looks like the plot of Jumanji, but I have an excuse! There are robots and an evil AI, and it’s worth something, well, so Buyhads is the world in a video game on 2200 Street, everything was fine until the AI failed, but there’s nothing to worry about, Jimi will save us all. Restart AI and save this world!”

This premise is simple yet effective, providing a clear goal for the player while leaving room for exploration and discovery. The narrative is straightforward, focusing on Jimi’s quest to navigate through the game’s world, solve puzzles, and defeat robotic enemies to restore order.

Characters and Dialogue

The characters in Buyhads are minimalistic, with Jimi serving as the primary protagonist. The game’s dialogue is sparse, relying more on environmental storytelling and gameplay mechanics to convey its narrative. This approach is in stark contrast to Hades, where the rich, fully voiced interactions between Zagreus and the Olympian gods drive the story forward. While Buyhads lacks the depth of character development seen in Hades, its simplicity is part of its charm, making it accessible to a broader audience, including younger players.

Themes

At its core, Buyhads explores themes of perseverance and problem-solving. Jimi’s journey is one of trial and error, mirroring the player’s own experience as they navigate the game’s puzzles and platforming challenges. The game also touches on the idea of digital worlds and the consequences of AI malfunction, a theme that resonates in an era increasingly dominated by technology.

While Buyhads does not delve into the complex familial dynamics and mythological depth of Hades, its themes are universal and relatable, making it an enjoyable experience for players of all ages.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Buyhads is a 2D puzzle platformer that combines elements of action, adventure, and casual gameplay. The core gameplay loop involves navigating through levels, solving puzzles, and defeating robotic enemies to progress. The game’s structure is linear, with each level presenting a series of challenges that must be overcome to advance.

Combat and Character Progression

Combat in Buyhads is straightforward, focusing on basic attacks and avoiding enemy projectiles. The game’s simplicity makes it accessible to casual players, though it may lack the depth and complexity that hardcore gamers seek. Unlike Hades, which features a robust progression system with permanent upgrades and a wide variety of weapons and abilities, Buyhads keeps its mechanics minimalistic, emphasizing puzzle-solving over combat.

UI and Controls

The user interface in Buyhads is clean and intuitive, with controls that are easy to grasp. The game’s side-view perspective and direct control scheme make it feel familiar to players who have grown up with classic platformers. The lack of complex UI elements keeps the focus on the gameplay, ensuring that players are not overwhelmed by unnecessary information.

Innovative or Flawed Systems

One of the standout features of Buyhads is its integration of puzzle-solving with platforming. The game requires players to think critically about their environment, using their wits to overcome obstacles rather than relying solely on reflexes. However, the game’s simplicity can also be a double-edged sword. While it makes Buyhads accessible, it may leave some players craving more depth and variety in its mechanics.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Buyhads is set in a futuristic, digital world populated by robots and governed by a malfunctioning AI. The game’s setting is vibrant and colorful, with a cartoonish art style that appeals to a younger audience. The atmosphere is lighthearted and whimsical, contrasting sharply with the dark, brooding underworld of Hades.

Visual Direction

The visual design of Buyhads is minimalistic yet effective. The game’s 2D scrolling perspective and side-view gameplay are complemented by a bright, colorful palette that gives the game a cheerful and inviting appearance. The character designs are simple but expressive, with Jimi’s animations conveying a sense of determination and curiosity.

Sound Design

The sound design in Buyhads is functional but unremarkable. The game features a basic soundtrack that complements its lighthearted tone, though it lacks the memorable, blood-pumping score of Hades. The sound effects are similarly straightforward, serving their purpose without drawing undue attention.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Buyhads has received a modest but positive reception from players. On Steam, the game holds a “Mostly Positive” rating based on user reviews, with players praising its accessibility, charming visuals, and enjoyable puzzle-platforming mechanics. However, the game has not garnered the same level of critical acclaim or commercial success as Hades, which has been widely celebrated as one of the greatest indie games of all time.

Influence and Evolution

While Buyhads has not had a significant impact on the gaming industry as a whole, it serves as a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of indie developers working with limited resources. The game’s focus on accessibility and simplicity makes it a valuable addition to the puzzle-platformer genre, offering a fun and engaging experience for casual players.

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Conclusion

Buyhads is a charming and accessible puzzle platformer that stands in stark contrast to the epic narrative and complex mechanics of Hades. While it may not reach the same heights of critical acclaim or commercial success, Buyhads offers a unique and enjoyable experience that is well worth exploring for fans of the genre.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, Buyhads may not be remembered as a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it serves as a reminder of the creativity and passion that drives indie developers to create games that are fun, engaging, and accessible to players of all ages. For those seeking a lighter, more casual experience, Buyhads is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Final Verdict: Buyhads is a delightful and accessible puzzle platformer that offers a fun and engaging experience for casual players. While it may not have the depth or complexity of Hades, its simplicity and charm make it a worthwhile addition to any indie game collection. 7.5/10