Cyanide and Happiness – Freakpocalypse (Episode 1)- Review – Xbox Tavern

From webcomics to board games Cyanide and Happiness can now finally say that they have their own full-fledged videogame. It is a point and click adventure game but still a videogame nonetheless. Coming from somebody who would read the webcomics and watch the animated skits online since grade school it was disappointing to see Freakpocalyspe initially make a release only for Switch and PC, but now that it’s on console I had to give it a try. While humor can be found within almost every dialogue between characters, the main story itself is simple and bare.

Freakpocalypse is only episode one of Cooper Mcarthy’s journey as he travels around the town of Netherton for his ultimate goal: a prom date. Things aren’t as easy for Coop though as he’s the absolute punching bag of the town, and when I say punching bag I mean this kid is treated like absolute garbage. This is where that Cyanide and Happiness charm kicks in. The humor in this game will most likely offend you if you aren’t a fan. It can come off disgusting, dark, or even racist. In some moments the characters could be swearing non-stop dropping F-bombs every sentence. In my case, however, I enjoyed almost every interaction with these moments. I say almost because some lines do try a bit too hard to sink a joke. There are moments that will have you laughing to yourself and others that will make you cringe and wonder when is the joke over.

If you’re expecting to form any connection with the characters in the game – don’t. Besides Cooper, they’re all walking stereotypes. When it comes to the Cyanide and Happiness comics online, these stereotypical characters work as they have the spotlight on them for a short moment, the same can be said for the story. When you bring them to a videogame though and try to stretch them for hours it all just becomes bare and lacking. While I understand episode 1 sets introductions, there wasn’t enough to make it feel like its own game. Throughout the episode you’re just doing tasks for different individuals, most of them being fetch quests.

The gameplay is short and simple for your everyday point and click. What I did like though was how self-aware Cooper was to everything you could interact with. Whether it was touching, looking, or talking he would always make a snide remark or quick quip no matter if it was an object or person. Speaking of objects, there are so many things you can interact with. At times your screen will be cluttered with options as almost everything can be interacted with, and as I said Cooper will always have something to say. Cyanide and Happiness fans will be happy as there are references and cameos from previous comics and skits. Characters such as Ted Bear, Shark Dad, and others can be found within the world and it’s nice to see them make an appearance. Cooper himself can also be customized with various outfit combinations you can find around the world which was also a nice touch.

Conclusion

Cyanide & Happiness – Freakpocalypse is a game that relies on its humor to finish out strong. Episode 1’s story falls short with nothing exciting to latch onto. Fans of Cyanide and Happiness will most likely appreciate the title for what it’s for but the same can not be guaranteed for newcomers.

This game was tested and reviewed on Xbox Series X/S. All of the opinions and insights here are subject to that version. Game provided by publisher.