Venture into the heart of a South Florida swamp to explore the haunted remains of Mort Grisly’s HappyFunland, a theme park steeped in macabre lore. Accepting a job from the enigmatic Larry, a stranger, you’ll delve into the park’s tragic history, unearthing its sinister secrets. This long-abandoned playground is home to Randy Rodent and a host of other chilling attractions. Set sail on the ‘Marauders of the Tropic Isles’, a pirate-themed boat ride. Experience a frightful encounter with spectral entities in the ‘Grisly Manor’ haunted house. Embrace your wild side on the ‘Feral Squirrel’s Nutty Excursion’ dark ride, or get lost in the whimsy of ‘It’s a Happy Little Grisly World’. HappyFunland, once known as South Florida’s most joyous and exhilarating theme park, now offers a unique and thrilling experience with no lines, no waiting, and no escape! A word of caution: this high-speed, chaotic VR thrill ride may induce motion sickness in some users. Compatible with VR motion controllers, including Vive, Valve Index, and Quest 2 via Oculus Link.
Should I play HappyFunland in 2024?
The good
- Nostalgia Overload: For anyone with fond memories of Disney theme parks, “HappyFunland” hits all the right nostalgic notes. The detailed recreation of iconic rides, gift shops, restaurants, and other park elements will transport you right back to those magical days.
- World Building: The game excels at creating a believable and immersive park environment. Tiny details like realistic merchandise and fully-fleshed-out menus add to the experience.
- Humor and Satire: The game’s irreverent sense of humor shines brightly, providing laughs and smart satire throughout. It’s not for everyone, but if it clicks with you, it really clicks.
- Atmosphere Music: The music and audio cues play a significant role in enhancing the park’s atmosphere, making the experience even more engaging and enjoyable.
- Perfect for Halloween: The game offers a “spooky but not too scary” vibe, making it ideal for a wider audience looking for some Halloween fun without the intense horror of other VR titles.
- Collectibles Hunt: There are 80 collectibles hidden around the park, adding another layer of engagement and replayability.
- Small Team, Big Impact: The game was created by a very small team, making its achievements even more impressive.
- Digestible Length: Clocking in at around 3 hours, the game is perfect for a quick yet satisfying experience. It’s an attractive option for those who prefer shorter, more digestible games.
The bad
- Combat Mechanics: Combat feels uninspired and lacks physicality. Swinging weightless weapons at tanky enemies that barely react can be frustrating and tiring.
- Mini-Golf Misstep: The mini-golf sections are poorly executed with bad ball physics and uninspired courses.
- Janky Physics: Interactions often feel unnatural, and the grip toggle mechanic can be cumbersome and lead to accidental item drops.
- Audio Mixing Issues: Some NPCs are excessively loud and grating, particularly those speaking through a radio.
- Locomotion Options: Limited locomotion options could be a dealbreaker for some players used to more customizable VR experiences.
- Motion Sickness: Surprisingly, this game can induce motion sickness, even for seasoned VR players.
Verdict
Should you take a trip to “HappyFunland” in 2024? Absolutely, especially if you’re a Disney fan or someone who enjoys VR experiences with a touch of nostalgia and humor. Despite some janky combat and questionable mini-golf sections, the immersive world, attention to detail, and overall enjoyment make this game worth the ride. 🌟🎢👻
Get the game on Steam
Top image is not real in-game screenshots. Fan-art made by Gamer.se. Some game metadata is coming from RAWG
