Game review - Happy Wheels
[Fancy Force]
Developer(s): Fancy Force
Publisher(s): Fancy Force
Genre: Physics simulation
Original release date: June 4, 2010 (browser), August 19, 2015 (iOS)
Platform(s): Web browser (Adobe Flash), iOS
Reviewed on: Web browser, iOS
On the surface, a game title like Happy Wheels does seem rather innocent. A 2D game where you traverse many obstacles in a vehicle is nothing out of the ordinary. But be warned that this game is no sweet breeze. On top of the game's solid physics-based gameplay, it's graphic violence gives it a darkly comedic vibe which makes it both gruesome and very satisfying.
In the gameplay of Happy Wheels is best described in the game's tagline: "Choose your inadequately prepared racer, and ignore severe consequences in your desperate search for victory!" It uses the typical point-A-to-B scenario where the player must traverse through a number of obstacles to reach the finish line. What makes Happy Wheels unique in this regard however, is how over-the-top it can get with it's level scenarios and it's graphic violence.
[Fancy Force]
On paper, graphic violence can be seen as a turn off. But in practice, the realistic violence in such bizarre level designs (all of which are designed by users thanks to the level editor) which make it more forgiving and entertaining. The game allows you to choose one of many playable characters (or one depending on the level), each with their own unique vehicle and presented as a stereotype. If you keen to shred off body parts of a cycling irresponsible father, a elderly on a wheelchair with a rocket, a segway business guy, or even Santa and his sleigh-pulling elves, then this is comedy gold.
Physics is vital to the gameplay, where you have to make careful precision when controlling your character. One false move and it could result in injury. The absurdity of the levels and traps give the game an extra layer of black comedy. This gives it a vibe like the Saw movies, except the opposite joyful presentation of the game make it a hilarious contrast to the graphic violence. Playing the game is satisfying, both in trying to get through the level uninjured, or decapitating as many limbs as possible.
The only downside of the browser version (which is run in Abobe Flash) is that the frame rate is capped at 30 frames per second, which doesn't give the most-smooth gameplay experience. The iOS version on the other hand (though with the free-to-play model and less content) does control smoothly at 60 frames per second. If it's possible for the iOS version, then I would be happy to see a frame rate boost for the browser version.
In short, Happy Wheels is a grossly satisfying physics-based traversing game that controls smoothly, but the added dimension of black humour thanks to it's excessive violence and over-the-top level design makes it even more memorable than it has any right to be. Plus with over 5 billion user-generated levels, it is an endless supply of gory mayhem. If you can stomach the blood and and limb damage, then this is a must-play. You can play the browser version for free here on totaljerkface.com (remember to enable Flash Player), or you can download the free-to-play iOS release from the Apple App Store.
