Grandma, No! review

Typically, physics-driven comic games like Octodad, Human Fall Flat, and Moving Out are amusing for a few minutes. But before long, the ragdoll gag grows tiresome, and I find myself craving an experience where movement isn’t a fiddly chore.

Grandma, No! doesn’t completely overcome the problem of clunky navigation. The game’s aging matriarch moves around slowly, and has habit of falling, requiring a button press to get back up. But Wallride’s impish sense of humor brilliantly harmonizes with the game’s chaotic traversal. Although there’s only a trio of locations for Grandma to inadvertently demolish, the 90-minute long run time ensures the gimmick can’t wear out its welcome.

The Ultimate ‘Under the Influence” Experience

Across the backyard, kitchen, and living room, the title tasks Grandma with basic household tasks that range from lighting a grill to mopping up a spill in the kitchen. Often the most difficult part of each task is finding the proper item for the job since each environment is littered with objects. Given Granny’s uncooperative motor skills, the longer you linger, the more chaos and clutter you’ll cause. Sure, that’s the customary comedy-ragdoll-sandbox punchline, but here it’s delivered especially well.

Of course, there’s also the temptation of fucking around with the various tools that are scattered about just to witness the outcome. Pleasingly, Wallride has figured out most of the avenues for disobedience, making Grandma, No! a digital plaything as much as a game. Yes, you’re asked to use a chainsaw to cut down weeds but you’re also free go full Leatherface if you want.

2D Mini-Games Complement the 3D Disorder

Yet, as much as I enjoyed the body humor (plenty of puke and poop jokes), I know some others might take offense at laughing at an older woman. But Granny is invincible and tireless. She’s seen it all and is above it all, ignoring anything tainted by the ignorance of youth. Some might think Grandma is a clown, but even when she’s launched through the air, she’s smiling like Johnny Knoxville introducing a Jackass skit.

Grandma, No! also breaks up the 3D antics with 2D mini-games. Basic undertakings such as making tea require you to position a kettle just so, while removing contents from a fridge has you flinging food. Smartly, there’s no WarioWare fail states. Instead, imprecision is part of the joke, and you’ll have as much as you need to complete each basic task.

Retirement and Revolution

Grandma, No! thrives on the spirit of playful vandalism, offering a short, sharp burst of slapstick fun that’s as endearing as its silver-coiffured lead. While it may not convert players who require precision or polish, those willing to surrender will find a sandbox where failure is funny, destruction is encouraged, and Grandma is the imperturbable queen of it all.

Grandma, No! was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.