Pull Stay

Step into the quirky world of Pull Stay, a unique fusion of old-school Beat 'em up and Tower Defense mechanics that promises a wacky gaming experience. As a guardian robot, your mission is to defend Susumu, a young shut-in avoiding social interactions, from a horde of concerned, mocking, or curious neighbors trying to reach out to him. Break into neighbors' houses to collect resources, unleash hilarious traps, and, most importantly, prevent the enemies from reaching Susumu. This solo-developed game is a personal endeavor to reflect the challenges of being a Hikikomori, providing an engaging and humorous take on a social issue.

Gameplay

At its core, Pull Stay revolves around the classic Beat 'em up mechanic, where each enemy type offers a chance to learn a new move by engaging in a fist-to-fist confrontation. The addition of Tower Defense elements takes the gameplay to new heights, allowing players to set an array of comically inventive traps, from Baked fish missiles to Watermelon bazookas. With over 15 types of gadgets waiting to be unlocked, the gameplay promises a delightful blend of hand-to-hand combat and strategic trap-setting. This has a similar vibe as games like Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy and TYRONE vs COPS. It’s goofy but was clearly made with some love.

Visuals

The game's visuals reflect its whimsical nature, with a colorful and playful design that complements the comedic tone. The character designs, including the guardian robot and Susumu, are likely to add charm to the overall experience. The incorporation of silly traps and gadgets promises a visually entertaining spectacle, enhancing the overall appeal of Pull Stay.

Story

The narrative of Pull Stay delves into the societal issue of Hikikomori, portraying Susumu, a young shut-in, and his struggle with social interactions. As enemies attempt to reach Susumu for various reasons, the game blends humor with a touch of empathy. The developer's personal connection to the theme adds a layer of authenticity, turning this game into a creative outlet to reflect on the challenges of being a Hikikomori. The storyline unfolds with a unique perspective, providing players with a glimpse into the struggles of social withdrawal.

Conclusion

Pull Stay stands out as a testament to indie game innovation, fusing Beat 'em up nostalgia with Tower Defense creativity. The gameplay's unique blend of hand-to-hand combat and inventive traps, coupled with a light-hearted take on a serious social issue, offers players an engaging and entertaining experience.

Pros

• Fusion of classic Beat 'em up and Tower Defense mechanics
• Hilarious traps and gadgets add a comedic element to the gameplay
• Whimsical visuals and character designs enhance the overall charm
• Unique perspective on the societal issue of Hikikomori adds depth to the narrative

Cons

• Potential challenge in conveying the serious theme while maintaining a light-hearted tone