The “cute/childish thing mixed with extreme gore” aesthetic is by no means new. From all the current public domain slasher flicks to the simpler days of the internet filled with wild and edgy flash games, it seems people have always had a taste for this contrast. This August sees the release of a surprisingly unique new game with this style – Gori: Cuddly Carnage – and after playing the first few stages, I had quite a good time.
In Gori, you play as the titular prototype “Ultra-Pet” toy, which is essentially an anthropomorphic cat. Alongside a talking hoverboard named F.R.A.N.K. and an A.I. named CHI-P, Gori must fight his way through a planet that is seemingly overrun with monstrous and evil toys. Though it embraces the idea of making something nostalgic/cute into something scary, the narrative’s premise itself is rather unique and makes for an enjoyable romp.
Credit: Wired Productions
The gameplay is primarily made up of fast-paced hack-and-slash combat and the occasional platforming segment. I was impressed with the speed and satisfying nature of movement in Gori: Cuddly Carnage, as hopping around and slashing foes with F.R.A.N.K. feels great and immensely free. You move fast and can swerve or turn pretty quickly, making for a very enjoyable feeling of extreme mobility. The first few stages provide you with additional moves and abilities, expanding your arsenal in a way that feels consistently fulfilling.
“There’s an uncanny element to the textures and designs of the enemies that really elevates their creepy nature.“
As the game’s title implies, there’s a ton of gore to the combat. Enemies erupt into bloody messes upon being slashed to bits, creating a fun aesthetic clash that makes your attacks feel far more powerful. You’ll also earn currency that can be used on upgrades to your attacks or change Gori’s appearance, be it his eyes, clothes, or fur. After a few stages, I was already able to power up a good deal of my moves and obtain a few new cosmetic styles, so the progression came off as well-paced.
Credit: Wired Productions
Each of the stages had different theming, from neon-lit scummy cities to the inside of an arcade cabinet. The atmospheres give off a bit of unsettling vibe, which is especially fueled by Gori: Cuddly Carnage’s overall visual style. There’s an uncanny element to the textures and designs of the enemies that really elevates their creepy nature. While I might normally be a bit put off by this style, it works incredibly well with the unnerving enemies and world, making for a distinct presentation all around.
Gori: Cuddly Carnage is certainly an intriguing hack-and-slash game that swings for the fences. The bizarre vibe and freaky presentation complement the satisfying combat, allowing the game to stand apart from others that use the same contrasting themes. If you’re into gory combat and creepy cuteness, you should give Gori a shot when it launches on August 29.
