In a world where dinosaurs have existential crises like us humans, 'Goodbye Volcano High' stands out as an odd yet captivating experience. Imagine if 'Life is Strange' and a documentary on dinosaurs had a baby while discussing the imminent peril of a comet. Welcome to high school at Volcano High. Spoiler alert: no one makes it out without a sob story.
Gameplay primarily revolves around dialogue choices and rhythm mini-games. How does one control a pterodactyl in a rock band? Let's just say if you thought your last group project was tough, you haven't seen anything yet. Here, your choices shape the narrative, ranging from discussing dreams to dodging the emotional fallout of a comet about to turn your high school into Jurassic Park 2: Electric Boogaloo. Add in mental health themes and character development that'll make you question your own life choices, and voila! You're deeply invested. Oh, and don't forget rhythm games where you tap your controller like you're on some prehistoric dance floor. Throw in some catchy tunes, and you might just find yourself bobbing your head in sync, or contemplating your imminent demise. Ah, nostalgia!
Visually, 'Goodbye Volcano High' is striking - think hand-drawn illustrations mixed with vibrant colors that practically scream 'I'm an indie game!' The character designs are memorable, featuring anthropomorphic dinosaurs that wouldn't look out of place in a hipster art gallery or a very eccentric children's show. Each setting is filled with fine details, capturing the quirky essence of teenage life, friendship, and what appears to be an existential apocalypse. Who knew the end of the world could look so artistically pleasing?
'Goodbye Volcano High' is like a double espresso on a Monday morning - bold, unexpected, yet strangely comforting. It masterfully blends humor with pathos, ensuring you leave with a feeling akin to a bittersweet hangover. This isn't just a simple narrative adventure; it's a poignant exploration of youth, dreams, and oh, impending doom. With its unique storytelling, relatable characters, and catchy tunes, it shouldn't just be a footnote in your gaming journey - it should be an entire chapter. Grab your PS4, and prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that you didn't know you needed.