Exploring the Unique Blend of Frustration and Delight in *While Waiting*
There’s something both charming and perplexing about the game *While Waiting*.Like the acclaimed title *Unpacking*, this game offers players a series of engaging puzzles that illuminate the subtleties of everyday life. It serves as a reflective exploration of how time unfolds and how we often find ourselves waiting for the significant moments, only to realize that meaningful experiences can occur in the interim. However, this intriguing concept can occasionally lead to moments of frustration.
Meet Joe: The Unnamed Protagonist
In *While Waiting*, we embark on a journey through the life of our protagonist, whom we’ll call Joe, as he navigates various stages of existence while waiting for life’s happenings. The game opens with Joe’s soul patiently queued to enter Earth, where he engages with a series of relatable scenarios—anticipating fireworks, grappling with traffic jams, awaiting graded papers, and even just waiting for a bathroom stall to open. Players can interact with an array of fidget toys and environment elements, tapping a single button to experience extra scenes or mini-games while Joe simply… waits. Each of the game’s 100 levels is designed to be played in a few minutes, allowing for a relaxed pace. However, completion is often out of the player’s control, as the level naturally progresses with time.
Life’s Journey Through Gameplay
Just like in *Unpacking*, gameplay reveals elements of Joe’s life story. From his childhood, where his best friend is a stuffed bear, to experiencing his first love, the game offers insights into significant life events, including college antics and adult challenges such as car troubles and job searches. Notably, while player actions don’t change the overarching narrative, they influence Joe’s characteristics and the kind of person he embodies. Does he offer ice cream to overheated people, or does he disrupt a couple’s romantic moment while watching fireworks? These choices, while somewhat superficial, provide a unique way to engage with Joe’s personality and enhance replayability, as players can pursue different objectives to unlock Stickers that signify their progress.
Diverse Mini-Games and Puzzles
One of the most enjoyable aspects of *While Waiting* lies in its diverse array of mini-games, inspired by popular titles. For instance, players can indulge in a single-player version of Tetris or take a nostalgic trip with a *Desert Bus* homage. The game even presents a *Flappy Bird* clone, alongside levels that challenge players with intricate puzzles and adventure mechanics. Such creativity exceeded my expectations, and there were moments that genuinely captivated me, prompting note-taking that I ultimately abandoned as I returned to immerse myself in the game’s unexpected twists.
Balancing Innovation with Frustration
Nonetheless, despite the clever design, *While Waiting* has its share of frustrating moments. Many levels come with objectives that are often obscure, making them challenging to activate. In numerous instances, the game’s controls felt imprecise, especially on the Nintendo Switch, leading to moments of unnecessary confusion. Certain puzzles, such as scanning a pizza box or completing tasks under tight deadlines, require meticulous execution and can feel nearly impossible. Additionally, unclear interaction boundaries sometimes left me second-guessing what could or could not be influenced, adding to the overall challenge.
A Unique Concept with Room for Improvement
The concept of *While Waiting*—a blend of short activities, engaging mini-games, and a life story—is indeed appealing. Its design choices promote replayability while offering players freedom in responding to various scenarios. However, the finicky controls and occasional confusing objectives detract from the overall experience. For every trio of engaging levels, there may be an instance where certain tasks seem bewildering or unattainable.
*While Waiting* is currently available on the Nintendo Switch and can also be accessed on Steam for PC gamers. This game presents a unique narrative experience, perfect for those willing to navigate its delightful yet sometimes frustrating journey.
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