#BULB BOY PLAYTIME PC#

In one puzzle, you have to utilize light stealth mechanics to avoid a beast while baking a confection to lure it to the oven, resulting in it getting roasted alive. It also helps that the game has a runtime of two hours, allowing it to not overstay its welcome. It’s the standard formula of finding the right item to use on another item to continue the story, but Bulb Boy’s scenarios are outlandish and weird enough to keep you engaged. The puzzles in the game aren’t incredibly difficult but will sometimes trip you up. One night, an evil force descends on the house and Bulb Boy has to saddle up and save the day by defeating headless chicken monsters and giant shit snakes with object-based situational puzzles. The game tells the story of a boy with a detachable light bulb head who lives with his oil lamp grandfather and a flying dog. The added autonomy that comes with being able to move the character and interact with objects first hand lends itself well to Bulb Boy and makes for an ultimately more enjoyable experience.

#BULB BOY PLAYTIME PC#

Having released previously on PC as a point and click adventure, Bulb Boy makes the transition to controller-based gaming with its port to the Nintendo Switch. Adding itself to this list is Bulbware’s Bulb Boy, a 2D light horror adventure puzzler that wins you over with its crisp visual identity and unique scenarios. Elements which recent games like Thimbleweed Park, Oxenfree, and Broken Age are lauded for. When done right, the various limitations on scale and production are what really help adventure games shine, placing all of the focus on story, writing, and environment. It’s been so enriching and enjoyable.Adventure games are seeing a welcome resurgence thanks to the indie scene. (You can see some of that HERE and a sketchbook tour HERE.) I’ve been taking classes on classic drawing techniques, abstract painting, and studying the masters. I have been filling my sketchbook with everything from pen & ink thumbnail sketches to pencil sketches for pattern design ideas, to master studies in acrylics. I have been playing with different mediums and, instead of sticking to one discipline, have been “putting my fingers in a lot of creative pies” as my friend Shaunna puts it. I have been researching all sorts of fun things like monotypes, drypoint, and silverpoint.

When you’re in flux, it’s a good time to nurture your creative soul with playtime and refill a depleted well by learning from others. I have also been trying to focus this time on research, learning, and practice. All of my hosts have been supportive and encouraging ever as paintings are drying in their garage, balanced precariously on available surfaces. Until then, I am making the best of setting up at dining tables and drop-leaf occasional tables and outside. I will enjoy having my own studio space all the more when we close on a new home.

But, as they say, missing makes the heart grow fonder. As well as a dedicated space to keep all of my creative tools and supplies. It’s not so much that I miss that specific physical space, but I miss having a dedicated place for creative work. As you may have guessed, I really miss my studio.

Bulb boy playtime