It's hard for me to review this game because it truly is an inside joke. If you like homestar runner, you'll like this.
Strong Bad checks his email like he does on an almost weekly basis to find a request about beating the snot out of Homestar. Sounds like your typical SBmail? Well, it is. For the first in what's going to be a series of episodes, we have a pretty standard way to start it, which feels appropriate. The game however is hardly about any beating of Homestars. What really becomes the issue is The Free Country USA Triannual Race to the End of the Race. In The Free Country USA Triannual Race to the End of the Race (I'll just call it the race from now on) contestants go through a series of weird obstacles to reach the finish line.
You're not able to sign up yet, so through point and click adventure gameplay, you must ruin Homestar at this event at any cost. The story is well constructed, given you won't see anything too out of the ordinary in the world of Free Country USA, and the humor is really funny. Well, if you have seen homestarrunner that is. This is FILLED with references, and this game knows what it's target audience is. If you've never heard of homestarrunner before, why are you reading my review? Further more, check them out at homestarrunner.com.
Graphics:
The graphics are fantastic for a downloadable game. The look of the simple weekly flash show is translated extremely well to 3d and while it looks simple, that's just kinda how homestarrunner is. There's really not much to say here, it's a 3d bright and colorful cartoon. being put up to downloadable 300 block wiiware standards, it's great looking.
Gameplay:
The point and click genre is one I'm happy to see being revived by Telltale Games. Nothing in this game really gets boring, possibly because it's not a long game, but also because of how much there is to see and do. This first game really is about exploring Free Country USA and you get a lot to explore. Create your own Teen Girl Squad is a fun little side job in which you get more to do in it by exploring, Snake Boxer 5 is ok, but overall feels more like a joke than a game I want to bother playing for a while, and searching for your main objective will often have you stumble upon some fun side items.
The main quest is what you're here for though, I think. Talking to people doesn't feel like a chore in the majority of cases thanks to some very funny and well written dialog. The story is amusing and has a few big twist to it. Only once was I ever stuck wandering aimlessly looking for what to do, and that didn't last too long. It really does feel really well built and thought out.
Sound:
It's as simplistic flash as it's graphics, which isn't that bad of a thing. Music is simple, but that's just how homestarrunner is, and it's never too much in the way. All voice samples are obviously done my Matt and Missy, and sound as great as the show. Really, there isn't much to discuss. It doesn't stand out as amazing, though there is a lot of voice work, but doesn't seem bad in anyway, it just serves it's role.
Who wants this game?
Are you a homestarrunner fan? If so, get this game. It is fantastic and if it was a toon, would be their best toon yet. Not one? Then you probably want to pass on this. Haven't heard of them yet? Than visit them!
www.homestarrunner.com