From the very beginning of My Friend Peppa Pig it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between this video game and the uber-popular children’s animated series. Presented as an open adventure that doesn’t force the player in any one direction the wide variety of activities and interactions is largely available immediately. Aside from a handful of story driven cinematic and associated events the interactive experience is presented in a manner that truly represents player freedom and exploration at their own pace.

Opening with a fun character creation suite, the player is able to choose from a variety of different animals, body shapes, fur and clothing colours and accessories. The nameless player character is simply referred to as Peppa’s friend and accompanies Peppa and her family to a handful of locations full of things to playfully interact with.

My Friend Peppa Pig uses single button controls to make the entire experience as easy as possible. Interacting with the many points of interest is as accessible as a result and leans into the pressure-less exploration approach cleverly adopted by developer Petoons Studio. Peppa frequently suggests things the player can do but these don’t need to be followed, rather they exist to help the player push the story forward but not at the expense of the player’s freedom to explore at their will.

Beginning in Peppa’s house the adventure spreads out to a museum, Windy Castle, the playgroup, Peppa’s grandparents house and Potato City to name a few. These locations are all teaming with characters and objects to interact with, all of them wonderfully brought to life with a vibrant colour pallet that keeps the experience bright and playful at all times.

Drawing pictures at the playgroup, skiing down the slopes of Snowy Mountain and playing dress-up with Peppa’s toy-box are just a few examples of the types of interactions these locations offer. These aren’t tied to objectives, again reinforcing the idea that My Friend Peppa Pig is more focused on exploration, interaction and in some cases education.

The simplistic approach to the gameplay, storytelling and interactions truly sets this title apart as one of the most accessible games for the youngest of players set in the world of one of the most beloved children’s television shows of all time.

While exploring the various available locations the player may be tasked with optional objectives such as finding Daddy Pig’s missing glasses, catching chickens, planting seeds and retrieving Peppa’s brothers lost dinosaur toy. Any objective presented is entirely optional but if the player does choose to undertake them, they are all very simple and can be found in very close proximity to where the task was given.

With so much to do and explore, My Friend Peppa Pig doesn’t restrict replayability. The activities can be replayed multiple times  locations can be travelled to at will. A downside to the optional repetition of things is the inability to skip scenes previously viewed. One in particular is a few minutes long, travelling to Windy Castle with Peppa’s family. While little ones may want to go back they may not be as fond of hearing the same unskippable dialogue and scenes played every time.

Given the highly interactive and simple approach to the gameplay, it feels less like a video game in the traditional sense. The narration and voice acting is authentic to the presentation of the TV show, maintaining the illusion that My Friend Peppa Pig is essentially an interactive episode. As such this may be less appealing to players outside of the target audience though as it has been developed with the youngest audience in mind, this does not detract from the experience.

My Friend Peppa Pig is an excellent example of how to introduce video games to the youngest of players. The high level of interaction, educational sequences and freedom to explore at the players pace is fun, simple and accessible. Peppa Pig is the perfect playground for the next generation of video game players to dip their toes into. Full of charm, playful energy and an authentic presentation, there’s plenty to keep the kids coming back for more to further explore the world of the TV sensation.

+ Incredibly simple gameplay

+ Fun interactions

+ Freedom to explore and revisit activities

+ Cool customisation options

+ Authentic presentation

– Music can be absent for lengthy durations

– Co-op would have been nice

– Some objectives lack clarity

The post My Friend Peppa Pig Review first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

For those unfamiliar with Outright Games, they have playfully dominated the licenced and family friendly title space in recent years with a publishing catalogue of some of the most beloved franchises in children’s television. Titles such as Adventure Time, Ben 10, PAW Patrol, Gigantosaurus, Trollhunters and Ice Age are just the tip of their publishing iceberg. YouTube child sensation Ryan from Ryan’s World, the recent iterations of Jumanji and even the iconic Transformers also have the Outright Games stamp in recent years.

Outright Games have curated a portfolio of powerhouse licences that have been adapted into experiences that can be enjoyed and made accessible to younger players while also remaining enjoyable for parents or older players. The first word that comes to mind when I think of Outright Games is ‘family’, and by publishing titles that in most cases can be played co-operatively, are inspired by beloved franchises and are developed with the most casual of accessibility and gameplay options, these titles offer a little of something to everyone.

Below you can find a brief overview of the titles from the event and a link to my full write-up for each, in order of their release dates.

PAW Patrol the Movie: Adventure City Calls

Developed by Drakhar Studio | Release Date: August 13 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

This is the only title of the showcase that has released, albeit recently. It is a tie-in of the film PAW Patrol: The Movie that released in cinemas August 21. This marked the third PAW Patrol title to be published by Outright Games and was developed by Drakhar Studio, who also published the previous entry, PAW Patrol: Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay.

Drakhar Studio are also developing the upcoming Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures, to be published by Outright Games, which was absent from this presentation.

My full review of PAW Patrol the Movie: Adventure City Calls can be found HERE. I reviewed this title prior to this event.

The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem

Developed by PHL Collective | Release Date: September 24 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Inspired by the 2019 animated film, and its upcoming sequel, The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem utilises a similar art design that allows for a greater connection between players who have seen the film. This title is a 3D platforming adventure full of exciting minigames that can be played alone or co-operatively with up to three other players, each taking the role of Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley and Wednesday.

PHL Collective previously developed Ben 10: Power Trip, published by Outright Games.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of The Addams Family: Mansion Mayhem can be found HERE.

Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers

Developed by 3D Clouds | Release Date: October 1 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Blaze and the Monster Machines is a CGI-animated show that premiered on Nickelodeon back in 2014. Led by the monster truck and driver tag-team of Blaze and AJ respectively, this kart racer can be played alone or in 4-player split-screen.

3D Clouds are no strangers to developing titles to be published by Outright Games. The development team are responsible for 2019’s Race with Ryan and are also developing Fast & Furious Spy Racer: Rise of SH1FT3R.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers can be found HERE.

My Friend Peppa Pig

Developed by Petoons Studio | Release Date: October 22 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

One of the most beloved children’s shows in recent years is being adapted by Petoons Studio. My Friend Peppa Pig is a fun-filled adventure full of activities, character customisation and the playful charm that’s made the television series a smash hit for years.

Petoons Studio are also developing the upcoming PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of My Friend Peppa Pig can be found HERE.

PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night

Developed by Petoons Studio | Release Date: October 29 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-On Demo – 30 minutes

Based on the popular animated show that premiered in 2015, PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night puts players in the roles of Catboy, Owlette and Gekko in the platforming adventure that takes place in familiar locations.

Also charged with the development of My Friend Peppa Pig, Petoons Studio are tackling TWO of the most popular children’s shows. It’s no small feat but from my hands-on experience with both, these beloved properties are in capable hands.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night can be found HERE.

Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Rise of SH1FT3R

Developed by 3D Clouds | Release Date: November 5 2021

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Hands-Off Demo

This was the only title in the show that was hands-off, with the game being showcased with commentary and a Q&A from members of Swipe Right, Outright Games and the development team from 3D Clouds.

Inspired by the animated Netflix series, Fast & Furious Spy Racers, Rise of SH1FT3R exhumes a visual flair and engaging style that is certain to appeal for audiences of all ages.

3D Clouds are also developing the upcoming Blaze and the Monster Machines: Axle City Racers.

My thoughts, screenshots, and trailer of Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Rise of SH1FT3R can be found HERE.

This was my first digital showcase and I couldn’t be happier that it was one for Outright Games. Their catalogue of titles are yet to disappoint, even as a 30 year old player, each one has managed to trigger the child within that still enjoys the simple, accessible and relaxing experiences Outright Games can deliver. As I have introduced my 3 and 5 year old sons, Hunter and Lachlan, to video games, these titles are fast becoming a staple at Games of DAYNE HQ, offering a vast array of family-friendly experiences that we can share together, either playing co-operatively, taking turns, or watching each other.

As a father, I can’t stress enough how great the value of titles published by Outright Games are in terms of fun and simple experiences for the kids. With almost every title recognisable with their television counterparts, most available on Netflix or other accessible streaming services, these are great gateway gaming introductions.

As a 3o year old gamer, I am still pleasantly surprised with how much I am able to enjoy these games. There’s something so relaxing and enjoyable about being able to kick back, switch off a little bit and simply play a game that isn’t constantly asking me to react with instinct or challenge me in some capacity. The Xbox Achievement Hunter in me also enjoys the achievement lists as they aren’t remotely taxing or time-consuming.

Outright Games tick the children, parent, gamer and Achievement/Trophy hunter boxes with flying colours. With the great experiences I’ve had in the past and present, and with the opportunity to play some of what’s to come in the very near future, I can’t wait to play the titles from this event in full and I’m even more excited for the surprises that are inevitably cooking away.

To keep up with everything Outright Games you can follow them at the links below;

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

The post OG Unwrapped 2021 – Outright Games Digital Showcase first appeared on Games of DAYNE.

Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC

Peppa Pig is a franchise that took the children’s world by storm. My home is riddled with merchandise such as clothing, toys (including countless musical variants…), books and more. I remember first seeing the announcement trailer and thinking “my kids are going to lose their minds”.

Having shown the above trailer to my kids the next day at a more appropriate hour than I first saw it, their reaction was beautiful. They were so excited, screaming out the names of everyone as they recognised them and I knew that My Friend Peppa Pig was going to rock the households of children worldwide.

The official synopsis for My Friend Peppa Pig reads;

“Have a fun-filled adventure by becoming Peppa Pig’s new friend! Create and dress your character, ring Peppa’s doorbell, and begin a story that’s all up to you. Peppa suggests activities everywhere you go – help Daddy Pig find his glasses, follow the animal tracks in the Forest, splash in muddy puddles, and much more! It’s just like being in an episode of the TV show, where all your favorite characters are excited to meet you. From the Beach to the Museum and even Potato City, every playtime is a new experience with your friend Peppa Pig.”

As I began my demo experience I was immediately drawn to how clever the game was with its simplicity. I feel comfortable in the thought that even my 3 year old son, Hunter, is going to be able to pick this up, wander around and enjoy himself with little difficulty.

Is Hunter going to see the credits roll? I actually feel as though he might. The simplicity of the gameplay is perfect for the youngest of players, merely moving across the screen in side-scroller fashion though with a bit more dimension. Interacting with things is simple and the sheer variety of these simple interactions is impressive.

In the first few seconds of gameplay there was a puddle to interact with and all you do is jump in it, splashing mud and water around. I won’t lie, I jumped in the puddle for longer than a 30 year old man should care to admit. It was fun! I was imagining how my children would feel with this type of interaction, as much to my chagrin, jumping in puddles is something they love to do…

Some of the activities were great in the sense that My Friend Peppa Pig is just as focused on educating its young players as it is with entertaining them. One section had me picking up bottles and other recyclables that had been left laying around and disposing of them correctly in the nearby bins. It’s this subtle integration of education with the interactivity that help My Friend Peppa Pig stand out as a great example of how video games can be informative and shape the young and impressionable minds of its players.

The demo opened with a character customisation screen that was surprisingly plentiful. You could choose what type of animal to be, body shape, colours, glasses, hats… for a children’s game I was spoilt for choice and its this light level of creative freedom that I believe will appeal to the youngest of players.

The world looks, sounds and feels like the world of Peppa Pig which adds to the immersion for the intended audience. As someone who has managed to escape seeing too much of the show, despite it being on in the background with regularity, it looks like the show to a relative outsider and that speaks volumes to the level of commitment the team at Petoons Studio have put in to creating a genuine experience.

My Friend Peppa Pig, from my brief time with it, is shaping up to be a great game for those of us with kids. There’s a guilty pleasure to this type of game that I personally succumb to and I’m looking forward to the relaxing escapades of my custom character in the world of Peppa Pig, and possibly learning a thing or two in the process!

To keep up with everything Outright Games you can follow them at the links below;

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

The post OG Unwrapped – My Friend Peppa Pig Preview first appeared on Games of DAYNE.