Opinion: Thank Goodness You're Here! Is Easily 2024's Funniest Game

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that Thank Goodness You’re Here! is one of the most delightfully bizarre and hilarious games I’ve ever played. Having traversed countless worlds, fought epic battles, and solved intricate puzzles, it’s a breath of fresh air to encounter a game that focuses purely on the joy of laughter.

Amongst the chatter about “Game of the Year,” it’s worth drawing attention to a game that truly distinguished itself in 2024. This unique title, which was unlike anything else that came out during the past year, left an indelible impression upon its release.

Two members of our Push Square editorial team, assistants Robert Ramsey and Stephen Tailby, felt a strong connection to the phrase “Thank Goodness You’re Here!” Notably, we brought these two talented individuals together for a chat, eager to understand what makes this title so exceptional.

Rob: This year, I’ve played numerous extended games, most of which ended up on my personal Game of the Year list. However, Thank Goodness You’re Here! stands out distinctly. Unlike other games, I managed to complete it in a single session, which is quite unusual these days.

Stephen: There’s no denying the power of brief titles. They may not last long, perhaps just a few hours, but they are often bursting with intensity, and this game is no exception. It left a lasting impression on me; it’s filled with exceptional moments from start to finish.

I won’t reveal too much for those who haven’t played the game, but among my favorites are some of the subtle interchanges. One that always makes me chuckle is the tiny man outside the pub who kicks a bicycle and tells you, “Hurry up and kick.” It’s silly, and quintessentially British – just perfect.

Rob: I agree with you, it’s those small, silly moments that truly make the game funny. The phrase “Devastatingly English” fits it perfectly. We’ve discussed this before, Stephen, and it seems we both appreciate British sitcoms. TGYH! certainly captures the same kind of silliness that is a hallmark of that genre.

It’s quite challenging to strike the right balance with humor in video games, as humor can be incredibly personal and subjective. However, I must admit that TGYH! managed to resonate with us in an impressive way, considering how hard it can be to connect on this level when you consider the broad scope of individual tastes.

Stephen: I believe we were the perfect audience for the game since we’re both from Britain. This allows us to understand all the cultural nuances and humor, as it often plays on our nation’s love for self-deprecation, silliness, and at times, grim undertones. The tone is reminiscent of many classic British sitcoms, and TGYH! fits right in while also adding a touch of Internet Flash cartoons to the mix. For me, this feels like a nod to shows I used to be captivated by, such as Weebl’s Stuff and David Firth’s surreal animations.

Rob: It’s an insightful observation! I hadn’t previously linked this to older Flash content, but it’s clearly tied in due to the shared art direction, animation style, and even the comical aspects that echo that period.

As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the hint of “darkness” in TGYH! Now, this show isn’t your typical dark comedy, but it’s got that eerie, unsettling vibe that’s become a staple in some of the best British sitcoms and sketch shows. It doesn’t shy away from depicting things that are downright grim, but it does so with a laugh, as if it’s all just a harmless joke.

Stephen: Actually, it’s not completely dark, but there’s definitely a hint of something ominous lurking beneath. There are moments that subtly imply something ominous or sinister, as you suggest, and then there are parts in the game that make it clear with a heavy hand. Remarkably, though, it manages to find a perfect balance. Despite some dark humor, it’s overall quite endearing, and what stands out most after finishing it are the hilarious jokes and amusing asides.

It’s important to note how well it captures the essence of small-town England. Barnsworth is essentially a fictional representation of Barnsley in Yorkshire, a place more familiar to you than me, Rob. However, as Britons, we have a knack for picking up regional quirks and understanding national cultural nuances, and TGYH! does an excellent job at portraying all of that, I believe.

Rob: I believe this game has an impact, no matter where in the UK you’re from. It might resonate more if you’re from the North, as you suggest, but everyone can relate to that quaint small-town or village ambiance, and the peculiarities that often accompany it!

Speaking of comedies with a resemblance to TGYH!, Hot Fuzz comes to mind. It’s got that cozy small-town ambiance with hidden dangers, although the perils in Hot Fuzz are far more intense and thrilling – I must say, quite effectively so. The movie attempts to portray the tranquility of rural England, yet subtly hints at the chilling realities lurking beneath, which for the locals have become an ordinary part of life.

Gamer: Man, Hot Fuzz is spot on! It’s like a perfect match. If you loved the quirky vibe of England in that film, then give This Is England ’90 a try. Some of my top series, Spaced and Black Books, are must-watches if you dig this kind of stuff. They might be set in London, but they both capture that same enchanting essence of English life, and occasionally dip into the surreal – something the game does quite frequently too.

As a gamer, I’ve found a unique charm in pulling off ridiculously simple moves with a deadpan expression. It seems to me that this is a key element in the humor of British culture.

Another comedy I’d like to bring up is “The League of Gentlemen.” While it’s been a long time since I last watched it, there are still some parallels to note. It’s more of a macabre series, delving into the eerie and dark themes we’ve discussed earlier.

Moreover, we find Vic and Bob, who delved deep into the realm of absurdity, and it seems to me that the humor in TGYH! shares a similar brand of insanity, all while maintaining that distinctly Northern viewpoint.

Stephen: It seems that all these elements were significant for the Coal Supper team while creating TGYH!. What strikes me is their ability to maintain a comparable level of humor in an interactive format. Humor can be challenging to execute effectively in a game, especially intentionally, because much of what humor entails – such as good timing and flipping expectations – becomes more difficult to manage when players are in charge. This game’s relatively low interactivity might actually be a brilliant move, considering it’s one of the funniest games I’ve ever played.

Rob: I agree completely — and it’s worth mentioning that TGYH! is also an enjoyable game. Just as you pointed out, it has limited interaction, but what it does offer is thoughtfully designed. It’s somewhat like a point-and-click adventure, minus the laborious puzzles. This minimalistic approach might be the reason TGYH! is so effective; it maintains its pace consistently. Even with some backtracking involved, each return to previous locations brings new humor and action.

It strikes me now that Barnsworth seems quite lively, doesn’t it? Remarkable, considering its game’s minimalist aesthetics, both in visual appeal and structural complexity.

As a devoted admirer: Indeed, it does! There’s an undeniably authentic atmosphere that I attribute to its meticulous portrayal of a familiar small-town setting teeming with identifiable locations and peculiar characters who each contribute to the narrative. Just like you mentioned, returning to previously visited locales never feels repetitive as time continues to move forward, and so do the townsfolk. The humor in the game gradually intensifies with each revisit of Barnsworth’s various areas. While the game design might seem straightforward, it is executed with a keen eye for detail that truly sets it apart.

Rob: On the subject of funny moments, shall we conclude by dishing out our top picks? You’ve already spoken about the “quick kick,” but do any other instances come to mind? Any memories that instantly pop up whenever The Great Yarn Hypothesis! is brought up?

Anything that never fails to crack a smile?

Stephen: Among the memorable moments for me is Tiny Tom’s response upon seeing Big Ron’s enormous pie on television. It’s challenging to convey why this is so impressive without experiencing it yourself, but once you do, it will be clear – it’s pure gold.

Rob: Oh, I get what you’re referring to, and indeed, it’s a golden part of the game!

For me it’s that one line from Matt Berry’s gardener character right near the end. I won’t repeat it here but it’s that all-important timing and the delivery. Immaculate.

When discussing TGYH, I find we often return to the same idea: it’s a game that consistently brings humor. Of course, humor can be subjective — some may have found TGYH painfully dull when they played it — but as you mentioned earlier, not many games have made me laugh out loud, and TGYH has managed to do so on multiple occasions.

As a gamer, here’s my take: I’ve played this game not just once or twice, but at least thrice. One more thing I want to emphasize is that it’s an outstanding choice for the whole crowd. By that, I mean even those who aren’t actively playing will still find themselves captivated by the experience almost as much as the player.

If your loved ones are joining you for the holidays and enjoy the offbeat humor found on TGYH, it would surely be well-received as everyone relaxes following the main meal.

Have you ever tried out ‘Thank Goodness You’re Here’? I’m curious about your thoughts on it. Was it as enjoyable for you as it was for Rob and Stephen? Feel free to share your opinions about the game in the comments below.

2024-12-24 21:07

Opinion: Thank Goodness You’re Here! Is Easily 2024’s Funniest Game

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