If you aren’t aware of what Happy Wheels is, allow us to inform you. It’s a game where you control a series of individuals in a variety of different mobility vehicles and guide them from point A to point B avoiding the hazards and mayhem in between. In the harsh light of 2021, this isn’t exactly the most politically correct concept for a game but thankfully, if you can look past this, the game still holds up pretty well and offers a unique brand of chaotic fun. If you don’t believe us, just as Pewdiepie.
This game plays like other games of this nature like Guts and Glory, QWOP, Crafty Mountain, Trials Fusion and Turbo Dismount. This game aims to offer some of the finest ragdoll gaming action without breaking the bank in terms of production value. However, is this game still as good as it once was, or has time rendered this game a relic that should be forgotten. We find out in our review of Happy Wheels.
Still a Happy Affair
First, let’s discuss the visuals of this game. Let’s not beat around the bush, this is a flash game and looks like one too. However, putting aside the limitations that this brings, this game doesn’t look half bad, even today. The game has great animations, a whimsical set of character models, ragdoll physics that only add to the hilarity that unfolds and a rich colour palette that keeps the tone light and breezy throughout. In short, it won’t blow your socks off but for the kind of game this is, it serves it’s purpose.
As for the gameplay, we have to admit, time has not been kind to this game. Everything feels very laboured and slow, the frame rate can be very difficult to work with at times and the controls can be a little frustrating. However, if you are willing to look past this, the game does have some stuff going for it.
The most prominent of these things include the excellent level design that has players avoid innumerable projectiles, obstacles and hurdles and each level offers its own brand of madness that is different from every other. Then in terms of the characters on offer, each of these provide a completely unique experience when compared to another. The vehicle classes make a huge difference, the stats provide perks and pitfalls for each choice and overall, this means that this game is naturally replayable.
The Verdict
Overall, Happy Wheels is a game that feels like it is pulled from a time capsule long ago. The game looks primitive, plays the same and at times, performs so poorly that it can be borderline unplayable. However, when the game performs as it should, its a fun novelty to experience. The concept, while rather problematic, is undeniably fun, the level design is excellent and the vehicle classes offer replayability in spades.
7
Does this game’s quality justify the acclaim and popularity it received? In our opinion absolutely not but that’s ok. It’s something that you should absolutely experience and if you like mindless chaos, then you might even see this game the way the internet did all those years ago.
Pros:
- Great level design and vehicle options
- Mindless, chaotic fun
Cons:
- Looks and feels outdated
- Performance issues are frequent
- Concept is problematic in 2021
