Little-Big Brother
Dear New member of the Primate Observation Club.
1) The Club is organization dedicated to the study of primates in their natural habitat. You can observe specimens in their cages with your MonkeyVision 2.1 application.
2) To maintain your club privileges you will be obligated to purchase cages every 5 days.
3) If you haven’t met your target, you will be expelled immediately
4) Do not discuss the Club or it’s activities to anyone. Never uninstall the application.
5) And above all, do not forget that interaction with the primates is strictly forbidden. DO NOT FEED THE MONKEYS
*In the event of any infringement of these rules you grant the Club absolute right to apply relevant disciplinary measures to me.
Game information
Name: Do Not Feed The Monkeys (Beta) Publisher/Developer: Alwar Premium/ Fictiorama Studios & BadLand GamingPlatforms: PC, Mac Type: Managing game
Age ratings: ?-
Reviewer: Rami Sihvo
Pictures and links:
Trailer
Gameplay
From the perspective of the gamer?
Based on the hands-on experience with the demo version, the game resembles thematically earlier Alawar game the Beholder. Stalking is the key activity here. All cameras tell their own story, some which are quite interesting. The player can investigate the story with the finding of the keywords and using the internet search. The Club gives missions like determine the name of the inhabitant or address. The final goal is said to get to the top to follow ‘the Great Monkey’ cage. We don’t know what this is, but I have nagging feeling this great monkey writes to Twitter…
The additional game mechanics revolve around the health and economy. The rent must be paid, working is mandatory, and sometimes it’s good to fill the empty fridge with the discount yogurt. The neighbor can come to ask for money just when you are looking for more clues. Aside from the game mechanics, the stories are compelling, and the mystery does generate some interest. The player can stand back or star to blackmail monkeys or even be the moral guardian and reveal sneak nude photographer to the authority.
Perspective of the ratings?
Demo version didn’t have violence, but it is implied player could destroy some of the monkeys' lives. At least the trailer shows pixel violence so I would be keen to believe that PEGI gives age rating 12 just for that. Finnish age rating system is a bit more tricky as the content is indeed animated violence. Hence finnish ratings for distress is better. The pixel games can be chilling experiences despite ‘simple’ graphics (some of these I have already reviewed). It’s likely possible the final match could receive age rating of 12 when compared to both systems.
Parents and game education?
Well, the game has rather controversial subject. However one should notice that player can indeed act morally right if he so chooses. The rule of the thumb is that fictional story should always be reviewed from its context. Do Not Feed The Monkeys is a satirical game. Satire is not easy to comprehend, as it might not be fun. Satire exists to criticize the peoples life choices and society. Why would some people be ready to voyeur other peoples lives? Aren’t we already doing it? Sarcastically, the main message of the demo is that your health declines if you just spend whole day watching the computer screen - sleeping and eating well is mandatory. Now, that's message worth pondering about.
From the sake of argument, let’s think a situation where the teen plays this game. The wrong way for parents to approach the subject would be “Oh, this is horrible.” Rather, sit down and ask “Can you tell me what is going on here?” Even though I know lots of about the games as a game educator I often sit down and listen to what teens think of games. One can learn new things from that.,
Things to talk about...
- What would you do if you learned things depicted here happening in real life?
- Why shouldn’t you feed the monkeys?
- Can one forgive to the dictator?
- What do you need in your day so it would be healthy living?
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