While browsing through my Steam library, I stumbled upon a game that I had unknowingly overlooked for quite some time – Bears in Space. Initially, I had expected a light-hearted romp through the cosmos with, well, bears. To my surprise, what I discovered was far beyond my wildest expectations.
Diving into the game, I found myself amidst a zany robot murder investigation, leaving behind the simple act of blasting plasma-brained automatons that I had grown accustomed to. This sudden twist transplanted me into the heart of a paper-strewn police station, a scene where I had to single out a suspect from a peculiar lineup behind a glass window. The detective’s trust in my ‘good eye’ was the only guiding light in this whimsical journey, one that led me to choose a robot sporting a cowboy hat and mustache as the villain – all based on the sheer principle that a mustache equals a villain. The resulting chaos that unfolded left me in stitches – a giant piston decimating every robot in the lineup.
This hilarious escapade was merely the beginning of my journey with Bears in Space, a hidden gem on Steam that breathed new life into my gaming experience. My decision to pick up this comedic FPS was to fill a void in my gaming library, one that had been lacking in the classic ’90s shooter genre. With the release of Doom: The Dark Ages still a month away, Bears in Space seemed like the perfect candidate to satiate my thirst for action. Little did I know that this quirky title would soon earn its place as an underrated masterpiece on the Steam platform.
Unexpected Beginnings
Embarking on this adventure, I found myself assuming the role of Maxwell Atoms, a ‘spacetronaut’ aboard the SS Ursine, whose DNA was hilariously merged with a bear’s during an attack by the Bearmada Alliance. The chaotic escape that followed, fraught with creative choices and witty humor, set the stage for a journey filled with unexpected surprises. As I navigated through the whimsical world populated by Robby the Robot’s quirky offspring, the game’s initial moments felt somewhat underwhelming. The shooting mechanics and humor seemed a tad lackluster, yet the promise of what lay ahead beckoned me to continue.
As the game gradually unfurled its layers, I found myself intrigued by the eccentricities that awaited me. The introduction of Beartana, my bear companion with an elderly New Yorker accent, added a unique charm to the game. Her character, akin to a slightly disappointed aunt who stands by Max, brought a touch of warmth to the narrative. It was the seamless integration of humor and secrets that truly set Bears in Space apart from other shooters. The hidden comedy sketches scattered throughout each level, each more absurd than the last, added a delightful touch to the overall experience.
Thrills and Laughter
The heart of Bears in Space lies in its ability to seamlessly blend humor with classic FPS elements. The game’s arsenal, ranging from a propeller hat that lifts enemies to an anvil launcher that shoots miniature anvils, offers a refreshing twist to traditional weapon systems. The enemies, peculiar rickety robots, transform into challenging foes through clever design choices. The satisfaction of bursting these bots into puddles of oil amidst a flurry of projectiles adds a tactile depth to the gameplay that is both gratifying and exhilarating.
Despite its flaws, including simplistic level design and questionable voice acting choices, Bears in Space shines through its generosity and quirkiness. With a plethora of secrets, puzzles, and boss battles waiting to be discovered, the game offers a rich tapestry of content that keeps players engaged. The sheer audacity of Bears in Space to defy conventions and carve its path in the indie shooter genre is a testament to its uniqueness and creativity.
In a gaming landscape saturated with nostalgic throwbacks and reimagined classics, Bears in Space stands out as a beacon of originality and humor. This hidden gem on Steam, though criminally underrated, deserves recognition for its bold approach and unapologetic weirdness. As I delved deeper into this whimsical world, I found myself enamored by the game’s charm and inventiveness, a testament to the power of creativity and humor in the realm of gaming.
