It’s hard to know what, exactly, to make of Wattam.
The game's character trailer shows extremely quirky, Teletubbies-like imagery featuring smooth bounce mechanics and upbeat music. (In fact, it’s so catchy that I caught myself bouncing along as I watched.) However, it’s not just kids that will find themselves drawn into the world of Wattam — it has a specific type of charm that adults can appreciate, too.
The most recent in a series of games by Keita Takahashi, the legend behind the Katamari series of games, it's a universe that works to be purely fun and frivolous, bringing a childlike charm front and center in a unique and elaborate digital creation.
Visual imagery is bright and playful, a throwback to an animation heyday of simple plots and silly concepts. The character teaser shows lips with faces eating oranges with arms, as well as trees that devour small, bouncy spirals. Any given scene proves these beings would be at home in a modern art gallery.
But quirky as it is, it’s ultimately a game about friendship as this cast of characters, which players can play in single or co-op modes, work together to partake in side games and quests. It’s poised to be fairly open-ended and exploratory, allowing the player to fully immerse themselves in a realm of endless possibilities. It's a reminder that often, the objective is not the end but is the journey itself.
Additional gameplay video shows a roving band of creatures ranging from a confetti-filled exploding box in a top hat to a toilet.
And then there's the poop... spiraling, greenish-brown swirls of poop.
But then again, what type of person doesn't love a good poop joke?
The mishmash of elements makes it all the more intriguing, and it's that which players can hinge high hopes for this creative independent title.
While the game has been in development since as far back as 2015, it seems the time to shine may finally come. The game is scheduled for release later this year on PlayStation 4 and PC.
PAX West attendees can look for the Wattam at the Annapurna Interactive booth along with Sayonara Wild Hearts, Telling Lies, Ashen and Journey.