Getting a child into games can be tricky. When do you introduce them to the hobby? Will they play retro games, which arguably offer more simplicity, or new games with greater accessibility?
There are lots of directions to go, and I’d argue a game like Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen falls into a perfect middle ground, with some wonderful ideas, both new and old, that will help younger or less experienced gamers become more comfortable and familiar. That’s mostly what this game has to offer, as the gameplay isn’t all that complex, and after a couple of hours, it tends to feel pretty repetitive.
But for me, there’s no denying the charm of the Bluey characters and their imaginative world. Just like with the show it’s based on, it played a huge part in my time with the game and how much I enjoyed it. Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen may not work for everyone, but I think Halfbrick Studios has given us something charming that many people will enjoy. Hooray!
Bluey and Bingo Go on a Quest
One of the wonderful things about Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen is just how much it feels like an extended episode of the show. If you don’t know, Bluey is a kids’ show with episodes that are almost all under 10 minutes long. In that time, they tell a whimsical and touching story of play, positive family values, and often a poignant message to the parents who are more than likely also sitting and watching with their kids or relatives.
Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen takes this idea and expands it into a completely original story, featuring all the voice actors. This time, Bluey and Bingo are drawing and creating their own characters and adventures. But Dad has taken the beloved gold pen. What will they do? Go on a quest, of course! This is how things kick off as the game takes you onto the pages of drawings and has you running around and traversing various worlds and areas.
The in-game art style is a departure from what kids or adults might be used to from the show and the franchise’s previous outing, but I think it’s for the best. It’s more immersive and more unique. I didn’t play this game with my two-year-old (yet), but I did imagine him being excited to see his two favourite cartoon doggy kids running around, collecting, gliding, and jet-packing over large gaps. I could just see him pointing at the screen, saying “colouring” or “drawing Bluey.”
Collect it All in Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen
It’s a term not every gamer is a fan of, but Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen could broadly be described as a collectathon. In each stage, you’ll control Bluey while Bingoose (Bingo dressed up like a goose, of course) as they work their way around a large map to gather various items. Each area is a somewhat familiar biome, like a forest, desert, snowy mountain, or the outback. In classic Bluey fashion, each time you begin a new stage, you’ll be welcomed by a short “cut scene” of the family around the table discussing what’s coming next.
Regardless of where you are, you’ll collect three primary items: beads (like coins), goose food, awarded after completing certain traversal tasks or fetch quests, and a certain number of small creatures like grasshoppers, ants, and a few others. The only real variety here is how many of each you’ll need to find and how you gather them. Bluey will eventually be equipped with fun items like a glider or a jet pack, along with a magic wand that helps you grab platforms or activate switches.
Getting around and collecting isn’t all that wild or exciting, but at least there is some variety. Sometimes you’ll be jumping off bouncy castle platforms, driving a boat across a lake, and using a jet pack to reach higher areas. It’s all pretty simple if you have more experience playing 3 or 2D platformers.
A Game for Kids. And That’s a Good Thing
The wonderful part of all this, though, is that it’s crafted so that a less experienced player will have a much easier time getting into the game. Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen is largely designed for kids. But that’s ok, as I think it’s created a fantastic gateway into more complex experiences they can eventually get their hands on.
The Collectathon aspect of the game can feel a little long in the tooth, as there are dozens and dozens of beads to gather, sometimes a total of 150+. It’s a little too much, especially in the latter half of the game. Luckily, though, the game isn’t here to force a platinum trophy or rare achievement on a younger audience. In almost every case, all you need to do is acquire 10 or so goose food to pay a toll to the big creature Dad has summoned.
It’s your choice as the player whether to head to the exit immediately or continue exploring. You can spend an hour in that stage or 15-20 minutes. This simplicity, low pressure, and freedom of choice are a great way to handle a game like this. I only hope other open-world games learn a thing or two from Bluey and her adventure.
The learning curve is built into the whole experience, and that’s important. Bluey, as a character and a show, finds creative ways to shine a light on aspects of real life. Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen does a similar thing with video games, easing the player or players into a larger title that can be grasped by almost anyone.
Verdict
If you have little ones in the family who have some experience with games and a handle on how to use a controller, I think Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen is a no-brainer. It does a fantastic job of introducing new mechanics to a less experienced audience and doesn’t create any high-pressure situations that could lead to frustration.
While I was never on the edge of my seat with excitement or intensity playing this game, I knew I didn’t need to be. Instead, I was taken by the charming nature of the characters, the storytelling, and the overall gameplay, which kept me engaged even if it wasn’t the most complex thing I’ve played in recent memory.
[The publisher provided a copy of the game for review purposes.]
Reviewed on: PC
