High Strangeness (Wii U) Review

I grew up on 8-bit and 16-bit games. The first system I ever had was an NES and the next system was the SNES. They have always been two of my favorite systems. And now, during this time of fancy graphics and 2hr cut scenes, we see Indie developers bringing back 8-bit and 16-bit graphics for platformers and other genres. Some developers have made really cool retro style games, while others have made games that seem rushed and nearly unplayable.

High Strangeness does something that no other Indie game has done! It gives you a game with two graphics: 8-bit and 16-bit and lets you switch between them whenever you want. The graphical switch is used to help solve puzzles. This sounds like a unique gimmick right? But what about the game’s story, gameplay, and sound? Can a game with this unique a gimmick pull it off and make a good game to go with it?



I want to talk more about the graphics first. What developer Barnyard Intelligence Games did here is amazing. Its not just a gimmick. Basically, the developer created two games in one. Both of the graphics look very unique. Imagine how much work it must have taken to develop all the same enemies, environmental details, etc in two different graphical styles (plus add extra details in each style). And both of the graphical styles look fantastic. I especially love the 16-bit style, but the 8-bit looks incredible too. I even liked that this game wasn't in widescreen. The border around the gameplay makes the game seem even more retro. The game also has beautiful drawn still images at certain times to help the story along. The graphics in High Strangeness are a true achievement. Bravo Barnyard!



Though, what about the story? Well, High Strangeness' story is a mixed bag. It is a very bizarre and interesting story but it doesn't live up to its full potential. Just when you get really interested in the story, the game is over. This is a very short game. And the ending is unsatisfying. I do love those drawn story images though!



High Strangeness is an action rpg and you can upgrade your weapons and accessories. The combat is pretty simple: you use the A button to use one of your equipped items or the B button to use your handy attack flashlight. Enemies are pretty easy to defeat for the most part and you’ll only die if you get careless. Even the final boss isn't that bad. But just because the game is easy doesn't mean its not fun. I had a lot of fun exploring the different areas, defeating bad guys, and switching between the graphics. The graphical switching is especially fun. The puzzle solving with the graphic switching is very unique. Its always exciting to switch to the other graphics and discover a way to progress in the game. I thought the non-graphical switch puzzles were well done too.

Its too bad that High Strangeness doesn't have a map on the Wii U gamepad or use the gamepad for inventory (or both!). As it is, the game only has mirrored Off-TV mode. I love that this game has off-tv, but I wish the gamepad was used for other things too.  Though, its lack of Wii U features doesn't ruin the game. As I said before, the game is a lot of fun. Though, as I said earlier, the game is pretty short.



Now, I have to make mention of High Strangeness’s soundtrack. The retro tunes in every level are unique and mostly pleasing to the ear. I love the sound effects too. One of the most unique bits is the cat who meows as he talks!



Overall, High Strangeness is a very good game. The graphics and gameplay are top notch. I do wish the game was longer, had a better ending, and used more Wii U features, but I still think the game is well worth playing. Don’t miss out on this excellent (and strange) game! Buy it, play it, and tweet about it. I want to see a sequel!

My Score: 9/10

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All of the above pictures are from the official High Strangeness website.