Boyhood's End

Boyhood's End is a captivating and thought-provoking juvenile science fiction horror adventure game that delves deep into the complexities of humanity and the challenges of growing up. Set in a hardcore sci-fi world ruled by a mechanical overlord called "R. Karellen," the game follows the story of Giovanni, a young boy with the lowest human score in the universe.

What I particularly loved about Boyhood's End was its hand-drawn pixel art, which beautifully depicted the game's world. The animations during conversations between characters were skillfully crafted, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative. Be warned: Boyhood's End is the kind of game that loves taking wild turns at every step of the road.

A Twisted Score-Based Society

Boyhood's End introduces players to a dystopian society where every aspect of a person's life is rated with a "human score," and this score dictates their entire existence. This dark and compelling premise reminded me of similar themes explored in games like Undertale and Omori.

The game successfully engages players with moral dilemmas, challenging them to confront the consequences of a society governed by such rigid measures. Giovanni's struggle against the system resonates with players as they witness his journey toward self-discovery and defiance of societal norms.

If you're into games that explore the complexities of the human psyche, Boyhood's End won't disappoint you. The best part is that the dialogue feels genuine, avoiding the pitfalls of sounding overly dramatic or even pretentious.

Unraveling History and Horrors

Throughout the game, Giovanni and Campanella encounter great leaders from the past, weaving a narrative tapestry that adds depth to the game's lore. These encounters create moments of reflection, as players uncover twisted mysteries and explore historical events that shaped the game's world.

The ability to "prank" these historical figures in unexpected and reckless ways adds an element of humor and unpredictability to the story, blending the serious with the playful. Did you like how Undertale or Mother 3 mixed its serious themes with playful tones? Because you'll find plenty of that in Boyhood's End.

A Dynamic Duo of Characters

Giovanni and Campanella form a compelling and engaging duo at the heart of the game. Giovanni's cynical personality and sharp tongue provide a contrast to Campanella's extreme behavior and high regard for humanity.

This duo's chemistry makes for entertaining and emotionally charged interactions, drawing players into their shared adventure and personal growth. Their unique skills, such as Giovanni's coding expertise, also offer creative gameplay mechanics that keep the experience fresh and enjoyable.

Both characters are exceptionally well-written, even if they sometimes indulge a bit too much in overused anime tropes. Still, the story feels compelling mostly because Giovanni is such a likable character – and Campanella is a blast to watch and listen to.

Pros:

• Well-crafted world and characters
• Engaging and emotionally charged narrative
• Unique gameplay mechanics and pixel art style

Cons:

• The game's length might be shorter than desired for some players
• Occasional pacing issues in the storytelling