Did you ever have those small, simple wooden toys growing up? Or a Fisher Price toy with a plastic hammer and different shapes you could smack into a block?
They’re all designed for kids to explore, play, learn, and create. That’s precisely what ODDADA is doing with its unique approach to creativity and music.
You may have seen the game on the Steam Store in the last week or so since its release, as it was featured in an indie sale, music sale, and Wholesome Games sale and event. That’s how I came across it. I immediately wishlisted it and about 10 minutes later thought, ” This looks and sounds like my jam. I’m picking this up!”
I’m happy to report it is a joy to experience!
Creating With ODDADA
There’s very little instruction in ODDADA—I mean, next to none. This sounds like a bad design choice and one that would not set the player up for “success,” but I found it to be quite the opposite.
With the toy world at your fingertips (on Steam Deck and mouse on your PC), you’re first presented with a procedurally generated contraption with a bunch of tiny toy blocks and pieces tossed on the ground beside it. What do you do with said items, you ask!? You create. You can check out one of my songs and some of the game’s offers in the video above.
Doing this is like nothing I’ve experienced before in a game. I felt like a kid again! I was constantly discovering new sounds and tones. No matter what was tossed my way and what board or music maker was put in front of me, nothing was ever the same. Each combination is randomly generated, giving each 10-15 minutes of gameplay a fresh new look, feel, and, of course, sound.
Thankfully, the game allows you to be as creative as you’d like and treats your time with respect. There is no pressure of a clock or even queues to “do this or do that.” It outlines the possibilities with each brick, bird, tree, block, metronome, echo device, and dozens of other exciting pieces. Rhythmic pieces and settings make for a wholly fresh approach to music.
I’m not often a big sandbox fan. Management sims, for example, often have this as an option. I prefer to stay within the created confines or “story.” But whether it’s the beautifully simple and muted presentation of ODDADA or the gameplay itself (it’s both, actually—I know it is!), I found the open-ended play to be an incredible experience.
Layers of Simple Complexity
On the surface, ODDADA seems like a way to mix and match sounds and hope they turn into something. And largely, that’s true. But there is a lot more hidden within the toy-like presentation. It can unlock the creativity in any player.
Often, I found myself leaving a particular setup thinking, “Oh, that was GOOD.” But moments later, I tried to gel it together with another beat I made, and it just felt off. But there are more than two components to any song or melody. Once I reached the end of that particular sequence of toys, I realized I had manufactured yet another one-of-a-kind tune!
Time after time, I was making something unique. Sure, they weren’t all perfect, but that’s okay! At the end of each “run,” I can save it to a digital cassette tape, name it, and store it in a safe box where I can listen to it at any time. On top of that, ODDADA also lets you save a copy of each and every song to your PC or Steam Deck.
Verdict
One of the best things I can say about ODDADA is that some of the short tunes I’ve created are now stuck in my head! The sounds and music it allows you to experiment with and uncover are incredibly unique.
If you’re feeling creative and need something stress-free, this is the perfect game for you!
Reviewed on: PC
