Review code provided with many thanks to Press Engine.
Happy Birthday
King of the Hat is a 2D action party game for up to 4 players. If you’re looking for a fun pick-up and play experience with loved ones locally or online then consider your next game night sorted. The game has arrived into early access and I have some thoughts to share, so let’s do this.
The brief premise is it’s a little boy’s birthday, who also just so happens to be called Birthday. That’s not confusing! Anyway, he celebrates his name or birth anniversary by playing a game about squashing people’s hats. You’re introduced to this fun but silly premise by an opening tutorial which gets you up to speed on the mechanics. It’s easy to follow but might have been better to allow multiple players to try this at once, since the game’s main focus is multiplayer.
That being said, getting accustomed to the mechanics won’t take too long. Each character has a fine hat and your objective is to stomp on the other player’s hat to score a point whilst also watching out for your own headwear. At the end of the round, the player with the most points wins. Your hat has a mind of its own and you can flick the right analogue stick to move it around the level avoiding being squashed and potentially stunning other players.
This adds a bit of risk-reward. Keeping your hat on is easier but leaves you more vulnerable. Taking it off though adds evasive control, but, means you have to keep track of your character and hat which is kinda hard to do if you suck at multitasking as I do. There is something instantly pick up and play about the design which will appeal to all player styles casual or experienced.
Get the Gang Together
The main focus of the game is local multiplayer for up to 4 players. You can use a controller or keyboard. If you have any spare player spaces you can fill them with AI opponents of a set difficulty. Online multiplayer is also available but only via an invite using a code system to bring people to your lobby. The game doesn’t feature matchmaking at this stage.
Should you not have any friends to play with, the developers have set up a discord page where you might be able to find other willing players and share room codes. Playing with people you know seems to be the better option but I respect the effort here made by the developers. Who knows maybe you’ll meet a new gaming pal this way.
Party Game Feel
The game’s presentation is well suited to the party game feel. A warm pixelated design that is suited for all audiences. Lots of bright colours and many amusing character designs to choose from such as a fat cat, an old man and by far the funniest character a sad washing machine. The best feature of the game is easily the announcer who really brings their A-game to the experience.
Proudly announcing each character when you pick them and continuing that uplifting energy to introduce the next round. The phrase ‘Hats On!!’ quickly became stuck in my head that I even thought about it before starting a workout outside of playing the game. My 9-month-old also gave me bewildered looks when I said it to him which is a plus in my books.
Going Solo
The main draw of the game is the multiplayer but two single-player modes are available if you’re looking to party alone. The first mode is a 1 vs 1 tournament where you take on AI opponents. One after the other much like an old-school 2D fighter where you climb the ladder to victory. You can select the base difficulty of the AI but the overall difficulty will increase gradually with each opponent. I was quite impressed with how capable the AI was on medium to hard settings. They generally offer a meaty challenge by reacting to your actions and keeping you on your toes.
The second mode is a golf game. Here your hat acts as the golf ball and you try to simply flick it to the hole within a set par. It acts as a good method to hone your skills for moving your hat about and does offer a refreshing break from the game’s main mode. However, it does lack depth and all 18 holes can be completed in under an hour.
It seems a little odd that multiplayer is not offered here since it feels it wouldn’t be hard to have players take a turn. New game content is drip-fed over time whether you play single or multiplayer modes. This includes new levels, characters and the option to tweak the game rules. There is plenty of incentive to return to this provided your audience is happy with the experience.
Hats off to You
For an early access release, King of the Hat gives a good first impression. It’s a fun and to-the-point party game that makes for an easy recommendation if you’re looking for a new game night experience. Suitable for players of all skills and a presentation that’s likely to lead to a few laughs. It will also create positive memories that you’ll hopefully all cherish for years to come. As is the case with party games, modes are a bit lacking. I kinda wish the golf game added more depth although this may come with time as it makes its way through early access. I had a lot of fun with this bizarre game and hopefully, you will too.
King of the Hat is available in Early Access now be sure to wish list to help an indie developer out.