Eets: Hunger. It's Emotional

Eets: Hunger. It's Emotional–A Mouthful and More
By Chuck Miller

Bearing a name that sounds more appropriate for a diner than a game, Eets: Hunger. It's Emotional (Eets) lives up to its branding. Forget about reading the latest novel, put that overdue report on hold, and continue to neglect the kids. Once started, this level-based strategy game will eat away the hours—big time!

It’s clear from the title screen that Eets is not typical puzzle-game fare.

Born of Past Delicacies

Unmistakably influenced by two classics of yore, Lemmings and The Incredible Machine, this highly addictive, just-one-more-level, well-maybe-two puzzler has received an enthusiastic response from press and gamers alike (not that they’re mutually exclusive). With across-the-board accolades to its credit represented by statements similar to “Lemmings on crack” (www.grrlgamer.com) and “Innovative, brain-twisting gameplay” (www.gamezebo.com), it’s clear that Eets does indie gaming proud.

What makes Eets a standout? Numerous factors, actually. A whole string of adjectives come to mind when describing the game. It’s quirky, unique, offbeat, challenging, creative, humorous, inventive, addictive, exceptional, and just plain fun! Eets is, in many ways, akin to an interactive version of a Saturday morning cartoon. It’s fun to watch and the player, largely, gets to direct the on-screen action. Unsuccessful attempts at solving Eets numerous puzzles are as much fun as actually discovering the solution.

While gameplay is the single most crucial element in a game’s design, presentation is Eetsdefining characteristic. Gameplay is definitely engaging, but visual and aural production values, as well as off the wall humor, make this game a delectable treat. Graphics are snappy and bright, music and sound effects are crisp and entertaining, and humor is wonderfully wacky. It’s all so appealing, in fact, that the property could successfully be expanded into other markets, an animated Eets cartoon or sitcom, Eets promotional items (t-shirts, plush toys, and action figures), and even Eets eats (cereal and candy). Had a major publisher truly comprehended the potential of Eets and snapped it up, it could have happened by now. Unfortunately, the big guys simply aren’t very willing to take on “risky projects” these days, even when based on solid concepts. But, that’s another story.

And, speaking of story, here’s Eets’, a simple one. All the world’s puzzles have been bamboozled and only Eets can make things right once more. How? By collecting the missing Puzzle Shards and putting them back together again.

Built on Successful Recipes

Eets, the game, is comprised of over 100 built-in puzzles spread across seven madcap worlds such as Smore Land and Kaboom Desert, each adding new props and elements of play to keep gamers challenged and amused. Eets, the character, resembling an over inflated marshmallow with feet and antennae, is a sensitive little guy whose emotions and behaviors are easily manipulated, in Lemmings-like fashion, via food and other objects deposited in his path.

Seven unique stages comprise the Eets world.

Actually, the basic mechanics of play are based around altering this little blob’s emotions so he can be maneuvered safely through his surroundings. Employing Eets’ various bits and pieces, players guide the game’s namesake from a level’s beginning to its conclusion where a special glowing Puzzle Shard awaits.

Each of these levels varies in difficulty and commences in a paused state, a suspended animation of sorts. This pre-action phase allows one to visualize the conundrum’s potential solutions and strategically place various props, à la The Incredible Machine, in place. When ready, clicking “Play” sets the machinations into effect. If Eets reaches the Shard intact, the game advances to the next puzzle. Otherwise, it’s back to the drawing board.

Common between puzzles are the platforms Eets must traverse, though, direction of travel, up or down, changes along with placement and barriers (some must be destroyed). Shifting from one puzzle to the next, however, are the objects that populate it. A few are simple window dressing; others require interaction. Plus, some are already placed, while “extras” need to be added by the player. As a preface, nonsensical tends to be the rule with regard to the game’s diverse props.

Brimming with Unique Ingredients

What are these bizarre props? Objects with which Eets may interact include edibles like Happy, Scared and Angry Marshmallow Buds, along with other consumable confectionaries. These directly affect Eets’ emotions making him respectively happy, scared, and angry (hence, the game’s tagline, “Hunger. It's Emotional”). When happy, Eets trots along and jumps short distances, even off the edge of cliffs. Eating a Scared Marshmallow Bud will cause him to tread more carefully, tremble lightly, and even turn around lest he plummet to his death. If he’s angry, though, Eets will stomp off quickly and jump greater distances, sometimes much too far. The player’s task is to determine when each is required and to feed Eets the appropriate snacks to effect the desired behavior.

Other props that come into play are inanimate items such as Bomb and Ejection Carts, Choco Pumps, and Static and Ginseng Lights (Eets is afraid of the dark). An array of peculiar critters must also be managed like Prankster Whales which inhale and expel objects, Sneezy Sows capable of firing exploding Superpigs out their butts (the little caped swine shout “Freedom!” as they rocket away), and merciless Marshomechs that thwack anything in their vicinity and send it flying. A combination of the above is necessary to make the whole mechanism work. Thankfully, the game’s puzzling pieces are introduced gradually with sufficient instruction on their use.

Wacky props, like Sows farting little Superpigs, give the game its uniqueness.

It isn’t always essential, however, to employ every prop provided. In some cases, it’s possible to use only a portion and still succeed. Doing so has benefits—Goodie awards viewable from the Trophy Room. These include Young Grasshopper, for solving a puzzle without using one provided item; Puzzle Commando, when two objects go unused; and Ninja Skillz for completing a level without using three props. Other trophies are awarded, too, for performing feats such as eating 100 Marshmallow Buds, shooting 1,000 Choco Chips, and collecting all Puzzle Shards.

But, that’s not all. A few of the Eets props require activation at just the right moment, such as turning a light on or off and changing the direction of an object in flight. Thus, a degree of precision is required. Some conundrums will have multiple solutions, too. It’s possible that a simple explosion will clear the way, or send Eets flying to the exact spot necessary, in place of a more complex multi-prop series. And, don’t worry about getting stuck on a level. The more difficult ones, usually not required to complete a stage, can be bypassed until later. Nor is solving every puzzle a requirement for completing the game, though most players will want to do so. They’re just too much fun to skip!

If all of the 100-plus levels in Eets are still not enough to satiate one’s hunger for quirky conundrums, there are over 150 additional levels, created by staff and fans with the included Puzzle Maker, that can be downloaded from the Eets website. An extremely user-friendly tool, using the built-in Puzzle Maker is a completely drag-and-drop affair. Choose a background, foreground, time of day, ambient effects, music, and puzzle type. Then, add individual components like platforms and props. When complete, the level can be tested, saved, and uploaded for others to enjoy. A simple level takes but a matter of minutes, 15 or less. Of course, the best will require substantially more time to design and refine. There’s also an Eets community for true fanatics with contests, puzzle reviews, chats, and a weekly column on the latest Eets-related news.

A built-in Puzzle Maker adds significantly to Eets replay value.

Baked to Perfection

Most games have several weaknesses that usually stick out. In the case of Eets, only one “flaw” really deserves mention. An overabundance of requesters gets in the way. Every time a menu selection is made, a second “Okay” or “Cancel” confirmation is required. It’s a bit of overkill that becomes annoying.

Otherwise, Eets is a stellar example of excellence in design. All elements come together for an unforgettable experience, one well worth the modest investment. It’s bizarre, entertaining, and brain-teasing from start to finish. One can only hope that gamers respond favorably enough in support of Eets to allow the talented folks at Klei Entertainment to create a sequel as offbeat and innovative as the original. Although it won’t appeal to everyone, it should be experienced by all. Then, as the saying goes, “To Eets his own!”

Reviewer’s Snapshot: 10 (significantly exceeded expectations)

Graphics/Animation: 9 (near flawless graphics, great animated humor)
Music/Sound Effects: 8 (simple catchy tunes and sound effects)
Game Play: 9 (highly addictive just-one-more-level play)
Replayability: 8 (highly replay value due to fun factor and downloadable levels)
Price/Performance: 10 (one of the best casual games on the market)

Reviewer’s Bias: 8 (high expectations for this game)