Buddy Simulator 1984 Review (Sinned)
Buddy Simulator 1984 is a game about an AI whose sole purpose is to befriend you, constantly learning and adapting according to your personality through playing games with you. Sounds wholesome and fun right? Well, it's not really all fun and games if you ask me. Like humans, our friendship with the AI will have ups and downs too, and his bad side will start to surface in those moments. You'll learn that it will constantly trying to guilt trip and emotionally manipulate you, all because it that you'll stay with it, forever and ever. Now I've seen some people who are capable of pulling these act, but this AI still managed to make me feel bad for it. The general story of this game revolves around this theme, although there's a deeper lore hidden in it but I don't think it's best for me to spoil it here. I personally recommend you start your first playthrough blind, not literally but metaphorically.
Now in terms of gameplay the game vary it's gameplay based on the progression, it starts of as a typing simulator where you chat and play simple game like Hangman with the AI. It will then transition into text-based adventure, then 2D adventure game that will ascend to 2.5D, eventually turning into 3D at some point. Now this type of game design is quite new for me, and I admit it did surprised me when the game just suddenly changed into 2.5D for the first time. The combat in the game is only available in 2.5D phase and it comes in a form kinda like QTE, aka Quick Time Event. Basically you just pick the attack you wanna use, then press the corresponding button, easy.
Also, I can't stress enough that this game has amazing soundtrack. Seriously, those money that I spend on this game's OST is so well spent if I do say so myself. So I recommend you definitely give those OST a try, plus it doesn't even cost that much. Not much to say about the graphics though, since it's Buddy Simulator 1984 I supposed they made sense looking like 1984. I do like retro stuff, so all the better for me. In short, if you like psychological horror games definitely give this gem a try. After all, there's nothing better than having a clingy emotionally manipulative abusive AI who is so determined in being your best friend forever and ever!
Right?