A part of the Indie Games Summer Uprising, “Cute Things Dying Violently” has been on my radar for over a year. Today was finally the day to check it out.
As a big fan of Psygnosis’ “Lemmings” back in the day, I am always open to a good game where you lead a group of hapless charges over obstacles and past dangers. That, in broad strokes, is what you’re doing in “Cute Things Dying Violently” as well, but the dangers are far more graphic. And deadly. And Numerous. Yes, despite the box art’s promise that it’s “a game where absolutely nothing bad happens,” lots and lots of your little charges are going to die. Repeatedly.
And that’s OK, because the game is worth playing and replaying. It’s 80 Microsoft Points of trying, and often failing, to protect the titular “cute things” as you puzzle your way on how to lead them to safety. This often involves trial and error as you bounce, fling, and otherwise work out the angles like a snooker player analysing which pool balls to hit in what order. The game gets difficult, but that makes it all the more satisfying when you figure a level out. There’s even (offline) multiplayer. Recommended for Lemmings fans, especially ones with a bit of a sadistic twist to their gaming preferences.
Here’s what the developer (ApathyWorks) has to say about the game:
“Flick hapless Critters around to get them safely out of each level! Dodge all sorts of lethal goodies like spikes, buzzsaws, and fire, and use a variety of wacky items to pull it off. Play through 60 mind-bending, reflex-testing singleplayer levels, 6 bloodthirsty challenge levels, and 1 murderous bucket-headed robot! Want more? Try out the local multiplayer and the built-in level editor.”
Writings of Mass Deduction 