Storm Boy: The Game Review

Storm Boy: The Game might be a relaxing visit to the beach, albeit a very short one, but it lacks the substance needed to give it the impact this Australian story likely draws to its readers.

This game is about the relationship between a boy and his pet pelican, Mr. Percival. The two become inseparable, and the emotional element of a child’s friendship with an animal should be heartwarming. But, the game fails to do that as it is incredibly brief, and there isn’t much depth. When a dramatic moment occurs, it falls flat as that relationship between Storm Boy and the people and animals around him isn’t established. It’s as if the game was made for those who know about the story already.

This game took around 15-20 minutes to finish with nine mini games to play throughout. Let’s put your expectations in check: this is a kids game. You walk from one side to the other with text from presumably the book showing up on screen to tell the story. As you are walking, you have the option to play mini-games. The mini-games are simple to play as you draw on the beach with a stick, play fetch with Mr. Percival, feed the animals, swim underwater, or slide down a sand hill. Half of the games are awkwardly controlled as they feel like they are designed for a touch screen, but they’re simple enough to not be frustrating. With that lack of depth or difficulty in the mini-games, this is not made for serious gamers; it’s more of an edutainment game for kids that feels better suited to a mobile device (which it is available on). But hey, trophy hunters, there is an easy Platinum in this.

Even though this is a short trip to the beach, I think I’ll visit again to relax after writing an exam or having a stressful day. The visuals are quite stunning. The sunset draws upon Storm Boy and his father, as the waves roll by and the pelicans fly by.

Storm Boy interacts with a few different animals in a charming way. As Storm Boy swims, a diverse rush of colours flood the screen as fish swim by him and the coral swing to the waves. The art style shines through in this hyper-realized version of an Australian beach. The music can be repetitive with the same melody repeating over and over, but it’s melancholy, sweet, and fits the game nicely.

Storm Boy: The Game doesn’t offer enough content to justify its asking price, $4.99 on PC and console, $2.99 on mobile. Fans of the book and little kids may enjoy it, but everyone else should steer clear. It doesn’t have enough emotional depth to satisfy the indie savant, the mini-games are very basic to the point of it being edutainment, and it’s very short.T his is a well crafted game though as its art style and setting looks stunning.

A review code was provided by Blowfish Studios on PS4