Bugsnax is a cute puzzle game that follows a journalist on his adventure to interview the residents of Bugsnax island. Gameplay-wise, Bugsnax is a collectathon in which each creature needs to be caught through environmental puzzle solving and proper utilization of tools that are given to you as the story progresses. There are plenty of different Bugsnax to catch, and it doesn't get boring. The game paces itself to make sure you don't receive tools too early or too late, which prevents mechanic burnout that is way too common in overly complicated puzzle games. Aside from pacing, the tools given have multiple use cases, so multiple bugsnax can be caught using the same trap, but the way in which you do so depends on the synergy of multiple tools.

As for the story I mentioned before, it is extremely charming, funny, and an overall good time. I wanted to learn about every character that I encountered, their backstories and personalities kept me from rushing through the story. I wanted to learn the subplots that led to the problems of their small island community. The bugsnax lore is deep! The ending is such a twist but it makes sure you never feel bored or unengaged. To keep it short, the story of Bugsnax feels like a kids movie focused on accepting people's differences and teamwork. Cliche, but the wackyness of the setting and Grumpeses, as well as a balance of silly bits and heartfelt back stories, makes it a kids movie that you just can't help but rewatch whenever you need a pick me up! I am surprised by how much I enjoyed this game, and I'm looking forward to trying out the DLC !

i know bugsnax had a lot of memes attached to it, especially around its launch, but going in even without the meme context, i had a genuinely good time here. the concept is novel, and explores tough themes through innocent-looking, colorful, fun characters. oftentimes i'd feel like the only human character around a cast of puppets, a la mr hooper in sesame street.

every character is memorable, the bugsnax are hilarious design-wise, and i loved every second with the game, even when the physics got a little janky. sometimes it could be frustrating to catch specific bugsnax, but it didn't deter my enjoyment.

I've described this game to my friends as "gay Muppets psychological horror if it was Pokémon" and honestly, if that's not enough to make you want to play it, I don't know what is. I have fully fallen down the rabbit hole that is Bugsnax and I am now completely obsessed.

This game will lure you in with its bubbly soundtrack, cute character/creature design, and simplistic gameplay. Then it will absolutely sink its claws into you. The story is so much more than what it appears on the surface. Despite the game being set in a world of hilarious Muppet-like creatures called Grumpuses, the characters and their relationships feel incredibly human and well-written, and the story is incredibly compelling with all its twists and turns. Trust me, it is much better without spoilers. Go in as blind as possible for the best experience.

If you want to get the DLC, I would recommend getting it before playing the main game, since it adds features to the main game as well as additional game content. The DLC is also just really good, so I think you should get it. But I played the game for the first time before the DLC was out, and I loved it just as much back then, so it's definitely not necessary to get the full Bugsnax experience.

I truly cannot describe the layers to this game and its story. The visuals are cute and pleasant, the soundtrack fun and enjoyable, the gameplay fun with lots of puzzle elements. There is truly no other game quite like it. Go play Bugsnax!!!

- L