Human Fall Flat
Overview -
No Brakes Games is a Lithuanian company that began in 2012 with a rally racing game, and has put out a few mobile titles since then. 'Human Fall Flat' has been a playable prototype for some time, using proceeds from the unfinished version to pay for a full release on Steam. Console versions are planned for later on in 2016.
Video Review
'Human Fall Flat' has a blocky, rather bland presentation that looks like what would happen if 'The Witness' dialed down its color to near monochrome levels. The physics, gravity, and antics of Bob are far more exciting than any of its textures or modeling, although they have a certain charm. Bugs are rare, although Bob behaves in such odd ways that odd things are inevitable, like when I was experimenting with the catapult. These are probably considered features and not bugs, actually.
Audio Review
The soundscape consists of ambient noises and the occasional sound effect. There are a few tutorials recorded like 80s PSAs, complete with little instructional videos. The music tracks are quirky and calming, but there are only a few of them and they play rarely. I should note that No Brakes plans on adding more in the final release.
Final Thoughts
'Human Fall Flat' is a brilliant, remarkably funny twist on classic platforming and puzzle solving. Its problems are minor: the controls and audio are a bit rough around the edges, and a few of the puzzles are too simple for their own good. Whatever it lacks is easily replaced by simple elegance in both level design and personality.
