Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Waldorf’s Journey
Feb 14, 2025
Join Liz Ryerson, a game writer and activist, and Ben Esposito, the indie developer behind Donut County, as they dive into 'Waldorf’s Journey.' They explore its rich narrative tied to family and nature, unveiling its nostalgic yet contemporary design. The duo also reflects on their journeys through game development, touching on GamerGate and celebrating indie culture. With discussions on the surreal themes in gaming and the emotional depth of soundtracks, this conversation inspires both industry veterans and casual gamers alike.
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Hybrid Arcade Narrative Game
- Waldorf's Journey blends arcade gameplay with deep narrative elements.
- It uniquely combines mechanical complexity with intriguing story, uncommon in UFO 50 games.
Golf Meets Survival Horror
- Waldorf's Journey fits well within golf-like games with charged-jump mechanics.
- It also introduces survival horror elements through resource management and looming threats.
Items Build Player Trust
- Items like the beach ball and harpoon help players recover from missed jumps.
- These mechanics build trust between the player and the game's fuzziness.
