I commissioned some abstract bunnies

In ‘I commissioned some abstract bunnies,’ players embark on a meditative hidden-object puzzle adventure across 15 abstract artworks. Tasked with locating elusive abstract bunnies and carrots concealed within vibrant, stylized scenes, the game emphasizes relaxation and focus over urgency, featuring 2D scrolling environments and a point-and-select interface designed for a tranquil, zen-like experience.

I commissioned some abstract bunnies: Review

Introduction

In a video game landscape dominated by high-octane narratives and photorealism, I commissioned some abstract bunnies emerges as a deliberate counterpoint—a meditative refuge for those seeking whimsy over warfare. Released in February 2024 by the enigmatic studio Follow The Fun, this minimalist hidden-object puzzle game distills its predecessor’s formula (I commissioned some bunnies, 2023) into an even purer abstract art experience. This review argues that the game transcends its modest scope to become a quietly revolutionary work—one that redefines player agency as attentive observation rather than mechanical mastery, solidifying its place in the lineage of zen-inspired indie gems.

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Development History & Context

Studio Vision & Technological Constraints

“Follow The Fun” operates as both developer and publisher for its prolific I commissioned some… franchise, which spans over 70 titles featuring creatures from bees to pigeons. Built in GameMaker, Abstract Bunnies leverages the engine’s rapid prototyping capabilities to iterate on established mechanics while minimizing production costs. The studio’s ethos prioritizes accessibility: the game’s 100MB footprint and Windows 7 compatibility reflect a commitment to reaching players with older hardware, a rarity in an era where Unreal Engine 5 often dictates system requirements.

Gaming Landscape of 2024

Launched amidst a surge in retro-inspired indie titles, Abstract Bunnies stood out by rejecting nostalgia altogether. Instead, it aligned with the emergent “slow gaming” movement—exemplified by hits like Unpacking and A Short Hike—that prioritized emotional resonance over friction. Its February release strategically avoided AAA competition, yet it faced indirect rivals in mobile-centric hidden-object titles like Hidden Folks. Unlike those games, Abstract Bunnies doubled down on abstraction, demanding players engage with form and color rather than representational landscapes.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The Absurdist Premise

The “narrative” is disarmingly simple: the player is tasked with fulfilling a commission to locate “750+ abstract bunnies” and “750+ abstract carrots” hidden across 15 polygonal canvases. There are no characters, no dialogue, and no explicit conflict—only the implied relationship between commissioner and artist. This absence of narrative scaffolding positions the player as both curator and archaeologist, projecting meaning onto abstract shapes.

Existential Themes of Perception

Beneath its pastel surfaces, the game explores epistemology—how we know what we perceive. Is that jagged violet shape truly a “bunny,” or has pareidolia tricked us? By stripping objects of literal representation, the game critiques the human impulse to categorize, inviting players to embrace ambiguity. The act of “finding” becomes a metaphor for mindfulness, echoing Zen practices where focus on mundane tasks (like raking gravel) unlocks deeper awareness.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Loop: Hide, Seek, Repeat

Players scour each canvas—zooming with mouse scroll or arrow keys, panning via WASD—to click on camouflaged bunnies/carrots. With 1,500+ objects spread across 15 levels, completionists face ~5-7 hours of playtime. The genius lies in scalable difficulty: early levels use high-contrast colors to teach pattern recognition, while later stages drown targets in kaleidoscopic noise (e.g., a teal bunny amid cyan hexagons).

Innovations in Player Support

• Unlimited Hints: A radial menu highlights general object clusters, refusing to penalize players for assistance—an anti-“hardcore design” stance.
• Object Restoration: Cleared paintings can partially repopulate with hidden items (adjustable via a “+1” button), enabling fresh challenges without resetting progress.
• Three Save Slots: Unusual for a casual title, this accommodates shared devices or parallel playthroughs at different zoom sensitivities.

UI/UX Critique

The interface is ruthlessly minimalist: a small counter tracks found objects, while timers and music toggles hide in a collapsible menu. However, the choice to exclude touch controls (despite mobile-friendly art) feels like a missed opportunity, and keyboard navigation lacks the fluidity of Monument Valley-style touch gestures.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

Visual Language: Abstraction as Folk Art

Each canvas fuses Bauhaus geometry with the playful chaos of Miro—think neon trapezoids bleeding into lavender spirals. Unlike the cozy realism of I commissioned some bunnies (2023), which depicted forest clearings and cottages, Abstract Bunnies embraces non-representational art. Targets morph into cryptic symbols: a “carrot” might be a zigzagging orange line, while “bunnies” dissolve into ears-and-circles minimalism. This aesthetic risks alienating players craving visual anchors but rewards those willing to surrender to ambiguity.

Sound Design: ASMR for the Soul

Each painting pairs with an ambient music track—looped piano motifs, glitchy synth pulses—that adjusts dynamically as players zoom. The genius touch? Muting the music silences object “ping” sounds, forcing players to choose between auditory immersion and gameplay feedback. Background noises (dripping water, wind chimes) subtly hint at object density: sparse canvases echo with emptiness, while target-rich zones buzz like beehives.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical & Commercial Performance

Boasting an 86% positive Steam rating (23 reviews at launch), the game was praised for its “cute, fun, relaxing” vibe (per user Giggelboksie). Priced at $1.19 (70% off $3.99), it sold <20,000 copies (SteamSpy)—modest by AAA standards but profitable given low production costs. Detractors cited frustration with object visibility (“UM…there were no carrots on this level yet it says I 100% it” – Jxt09).

Industry Influence

Abstract Bunnies crystallized a micro-trend of “abstract hidden-object” clones, inspiring titles like Hidden Capybaras with Orange in the Whimsical Library. Its mechanic of “restoring” found objects for replayability has been adopted by narrative puzzlers like The Case of the Golden Idol. More broadly, it demonstrated that “wholesome” games (a Steam tag with 111 votes) need not rely on literal coziness—abstraction can evoke warmth through playful formalism.

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Conclusion

I commissioned some abstract bunnies is a paradox: a game about obscurity that feels luminously clear in intent. By reducing the hidden-object genre to its barest elements—seek, find, repeat—it reveals profound truths about how we imbue meaning into chaos. While its difficulty spikes may frustrate casual players, those who embrace its meditative rhythms will discover a singular experience: part art installation, part mindfulness exercise, wholly unique. In gaming history, it may be remembered not for technical innovation, but for its gentle insistence that looking—truly looking—is its own reward.

Final Verdict: A minor masterpiece of minimalist design, essential for fans of contemplative play—and proof that sometimes, the simplest commissions yield the richest returns.