When researching movies and games for review, I routinely google information to verify spelling, identify key personnel, determine approximate pricing, and so forth. In retrospect, searching for “BDSM game Switch” proved to be a questionable query. It raised some eyebrows in the office.
The effectiveness of irony and satire is subjective. Instances where creators defensively claim, “It was just irony!” can be problematic. The question remains whether their statement reflects genuine intent. This issue is pertinent to BDSM – Big Drunk Satanic Massacre; the developers’ preemptive disclaimers aiming to absolve themselves from criticism ultimately underscore the game’s shortcomings.
The player assumes the role of Lou, Satan’s son, typically intoxicated (on milk, ostensibly) and perpetually irritable. The narrative follows his exploits, encountering a cast of eccentric characters. An early quest involves rescuing a demon girlfriend at the request of a man. It is revealed that the “antagonists” are filming a movie, and the player has inadvertently eliminated the actors. Seeking retribution, the demon tasks the player with eliminating her boyfriend in exchange for… well, you get the idea. Is it humor? Satire? The answer is debatable.
Given that the promotional material parodies the original Doom, one might expect a similar First Person Shooter experience. However, the game adopts an isometric perspective and features unconventional controls. While the controls are intended to reflect the protagonist’s inebriated state, they quickly become frustrating. Furthermore, the animation quality is underwhelming, contributing to the impression of a low-budget title.
BDSM: Big Drunk Satanic Massacre is functional on the Nintendo Switch in both docked and handheld modes. Visuals are somewhat compressed on the smaller screen, but the game remains playable. As previously mentioned, the controls are unwieldy, but become manageable after acclimation.
In conclusion, BDSM: Big Drunk Satanic Massacre, billed as a “satirical action-RPG,” fails to impress. The developers’ excessive attempts at humor and irreverence ultimately result in a clumsy and underwhelming experience.
