As a casual gamer, it took a decent amount of time for my goose to find its footing, but it’d likely be a quick playthrough for a gaming expert. Who should play: Everyone! It’s straight-forward enough for beginners, but I think the indie concept is novel enough for experienced gamers to enjoy. And there’s no stress about forgetting what you have to do - all of your objectives are written in cursive on virtual lined notebook paper. Most of the tasks can be completed in any order crossing off easy ones sometimes tricks me into feeling productive from the couch. So even when the farmer starts chasing you after you drag his rake into the lake, the stakes are low.Ī great escape: Your goose’s objectives, presented in digestible batches, are relatively simple and attainable. Failing to complete a task doesn’t penalize you or deplete your health bar there’s no way to die. Unexpected meditation: Though there are times of stress - my heart rate always spikes when the townspeople catch me red beaked - the puzzle game is quite soothing. But rather than a bloody shootout in games like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty, the horrible goose only pains the villagers with minor inconveniences. Run around the village and use your beak to steal possessions, sneak into gates and annoy everyone.īe a troublemaker: As a conflict-averse individual and strict rule follower, I find it oddly satisfying to create chaos within the town. The game should really be called Horrible Goose Game, as the central tenant is to wreak havoc on the townspeople. As you explore the area, you’re guided through the basic button controls and eventually led to an English village - and that’s where the mischief begins. The basics: Untitled Goose Game opens with a goose standing in the middle of the field, sans storyline. I started playing Untitled Goose Game as an anxiety-reducing distraction during quarantine (taking a break from another obsession, Animal Crossing) but now use it to recharge my social battery. Why? With pandemic restrictions easing, I’m thankful to go outside and hang out with people again - but after a year and a half stuck inside, it’s been an adjustment.
What I’m obsessed with: Untitled Goose Game - an indie video game available on Nintendo Switch, Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC and Mac - developed by House House and released September 2019. San Diego Union-Tribune editors and writers share what they’re currently obsessing over.