This review was based on a review copy of the game and not a retail copy, generously furnished by Telltale Games.
At the end of my last SBCG4AP review, I expressed my hope that the final episode would be even better than Dangeresque 3, even though at the time I didn’t think it would be. After seeing the preview, I was expecting a typical episode full of fanservice and inside jokes I wouldn’t understand; I certainly didn’t expect 8-Bit Is Enough to be the superlative achievement of the Brothers Chaps’ videogame outings, which, incidentally, is what it is. This final episode of the season is by far the funniest, the most clever, and the most relatable to video game players.
The story picks up right where Dangeresque 3 left off, though this really isn’t important; all you need to know is that Strong Bad had to jump. He ends up bashing his head on his Trogdor!!! machine, which somehow brings the Burninator into the real world, where he proceeds to cause havoc. After the nation of Strong Badia gets burninated, however, Strong Bad vows to kill the dragon once and for all. He immediately sets out on a quest that crosses between the real world and that of his favorite video games, in search of a way to bring down Trogdor and restore reality. As you play through this title, you’ll venture through numerous different video games, collecting objects in order to make it to the action-packed final battle with Ultimate Trogdor; this episode has a distinctly climactic vibe to it near the end, something I was very thankful for, and which I’m sure all will appreciate.
If you’ve shied away from previous entries in this series because you weren’t too familiar with the universe of Homestar Runner, I assure you this episode is much more palatable. The focus of this episode is on video games, notably old-school video games, and the Brothers Chaps lampoon everything from region locks to piracy protection to shovelware, even taking an ironic jab at licensed software. You’re certain to enjoy the numerous jokes scattered throughout this title, but that’s only part of the reason why this game is the best.
The point-and-click adventure puzzles are the most prominent feature of the game, as usual, and fortunately the solutions aren’t too difficult to ascertain, though I do remember one instance where you could not proceed without investigating a certain random object. In this episode, however, you’ll find yourself utilizing some other interesting control setups as well. In one portion of the game, you’ll have to use your Wii Remote as a light gun in order to scare away ghosts, pointing at the screen and shooting to chase them away. Later on in the game, you’ll switch to FPS controls in a parody of the original Wolfenstein 3D. The Brothers Chaps have gone the extra mile in pushing their video game theme, and it pays off in spades.
Presentation is, none too surprisingly, not very different from the previous games. 8-Bit Is Enough reverts to the minimal 8-bit music themes from the first three episodes; while it’s a little disappointing after the entertaining spy soundtrack from Dangeresque 3, all in all it’s pretty fitting given the theme of this episode. The graphics haven’t been improved really, but the world is an entertaining blend of the typical SBCG4AP cartoon style and horribly low-resolution game elements. Lastly, the replay value is also exactly the same as you’ve come to expect of SBCG4AP, though it’s hard to begrudge it this when you’re paying $10 for a three-hour adventure title, especially one as well-done as this.
If you’re going to only get one episode of Strong Bad’s Cool Game For Attractive People, make it this one; the humor, gameplay, and general awesomeness are all above that of any other entry in this series. NintendoGal.com gives 8-Bit Is Enough a spirited Yay!, and I encourage that anybody with a good sense of humor and a little patience pick it up and play. If you’re looking for a good game and good laughs, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
