There is something so delightfully goofy and left-field about the premise of B3 Game Expo for Bees that it's difficult not to be utterly charmed by it. A bee security guard protecting bee gaming companies in a "convention hive" from a firsties-obsessed robotic bear? That's the type of organized randomness that can make for something memorable - as long as there's enough substance to generate buzz.
One of the first things many will notice about B3 is how much its interface is inspired by the Metroid Prime series. Navigation is through a first-person perspective, complete with a visor-like HUD that allows scanning of objects via the B button (if you expect the majority of interactions to be made with any other button, you haven't paid attention to what this game is about). The GamePad operates as a hub to access a handful of useful apps, including your standard map and the chat of the livestream where bees at home are watching events unfold. It's a fun and slick-looking use of the GamePad, all said.
Your security bee can fly about (ZL button) and quickly gets a basic weapon to blast at enemies (ZR button). Flying is breezy, with fluid movement and looking around, and feels like second nature when you're surrounded by bees. It's easy to access and interact with anything you need.
The shooting mechanics are also a snap to take hold of, and are as simple "point and shoot" as you can get. There are only about six or so total fights among two different types of enemy, though, and none of these encounters are particularly challenging. Still, even though he's not difficult, the sheer size of Robobear (yes, Robobear) makes him a bit of a treat to battle. For anyone expecting plenty of Metroid-style action to match the atmosphere, however, there just isn't much to be found. Most of the game acts as more of an adventure, locating the right places and using the right gear to reach objectives.
During the journey through B3 there will be a few cute characters to talk to, as well as some nods to gaming and some pokes at the gaming industry itself. Nothing feels mean-spirited, though. There is some amusing writing to be found, although an unfortunate number of typos jar its reading at times. The game has an overall look that isn't high-end, but is a colourful mix of cuteness and tech that lends itself well to the slightly futuristic yet laid-back atmosphere.
The biggest setback to B3, however, is that it just doesn't feel like there's enough activity zipping around in its hive. The overall world contains only about a dozen small rooms, two of which are essentially mirrors of each other in appearance and goals - for humorous effect. There are a couple of fun gadgets to use in addition to the one weapon, but their functions are very one-note and become pretty obvious. Even with a small period of getting stuck, B3 took us just under 2 hours to complete. This did not include finding every scannable object, however.
Conclusion
The concept of B3: Game Expo for Bees is imaginative, but it leaves a sting of disappointment. What's there can be amusing while it lasts, but the sum total doesn't really feel like a full game. Developer Famous Gamous definitely shows a healthy spark of creativity and potential, but there's a want for more rooms, more items, more puzzles, and more varied goals and challenges. Still, it's better to want more than less, and it might be worth it to pick this title up sometime on a sale or whim.
Comments 34
Ooh that's got to.....sting!
I fell kind of disapointed by this game.
There is good ideas all around, the humor is good, there is a great use of the gamepad (I loved that it had a sort of live chat with the other bees,even if it's a little limited) and the way they made fun of E3 and the third parties sometimes can be really clever. But saying that this game takes takes 2 hours to finish is being too nice, 45 minutes and the game is done. I played tech demos longer than this but here is ridiculous because this game costs 10 dollars. Too much for such a short game.
Seems like a free first part for a whole game, like Moon Chronicles on 3DS.
And the trailer makes it look like a Wiiware game.
I remember Shin'ens Jett Rocket on Wiiware being a fun little romp but too short, never did get the sequel.
To bad, seems like some talent went into this, but they rushed it out for E3. MayBEE they should have saved it for a full game for next years E3?
Looked decent. Sad to hear it isn't so substantial. Even so, might be worth picking up on a sale.
Also, all these bloody bee jokes man.
..I would hive gotten beehind this game... if you got more for your honey...
These puns are really sweet.
To bee or not to bee?, looks like we have our answer.
Robobear or mandeer........LET'S SETTLE IT IN SMASH!
Actually this review got me more interested in the game than I was before.
That's quite possibly the most bizarre title I've ever seen for a game... and the screenshots are no less disconcertingly bizarre.
So many puns, you gotta bee kidding me.
Hive been thinking of giving this a chance... I'm royally jelly of anyone with the cash to spare.
It might bee bzzt for me to wait for a sale.
Is it just me, or was the writing and tone of the review far more positive than a score of 5/10 would lead you to expect? Basically their only gripe was that they were left wanting more, which is hardly the worst thing you can say about a game.
I like the look of it enough to give it a go. So many games to play though, at this stage I'm collecting things to play way later, perhaps even when support is withdrawn.
I might get this game for a reason. I don't know if it's good to tell you.
@Aerona You are queen of the bee puns!
@Assassinated I wanted more, but not just in length of game; also in the variety of things to do and challenge. I had some fun, but still think a 5 is an apt score. Other's opinions may vary, of course, and I'm not displeased that there are people here thinking about giving the game a chance.
(Edit: Also thank you for reading the content and applying your own interpretation of it to your view of this game and the score I gave. I appreciate that a lot, even if you might disagree with the number I gave!)
Has no one mentioned Buck Bumble? Because all I can think about seeing this is Buck Bumble... Starts singing the Buck Bumble title theme
Hi, Chris here from Famous Gamous. I'm a new-ish solo developer and I'm learning as I go. I'm reading these reviews carefully and taking it all to heart. I've just contacted NOA to initiate a 50% price drop starting Friday. (Talking with NOE now to do similar.)
No corners were cut or rushed in this games development. This was a passion project that took me a full year to make. Anything lacking is simply a reflection of my skill level as an emerging developer.
I hope some you you find enjoyment playing this. I had a blast making it!
@FamousGamous Always great to see a dev who actually cares! Game looks cute, keep up the good work!
i love the way this game looks.
@IamWaluigi
The Bravely Second demo took me a good 8 hours to complete, and that was free. Granted, I completed EVERYTHING, but still, the point stands.
This is disappointing, I had high hopes for such a quirky looking game.
@FamousGamous
The simple fact that you're taking the reviews to heart, trying to learn, and listening to and talking to consumers has sold me. That's something seen far too rare in gaming today. Even if it is really short and visibly made by a beginner, that's the kind of attitude worth encouraging and supporting; I'll probably give this a download once I get paid Friday.
@FamousGamous From what I've seen of your Reddit AMA the other day, you seem like you're really optimistic about your new-found love for game development, and you really care about people truly enjoying your games above everything else. I respect you for that, as it shows that you're a gamer at heart and are willing to learn and improve yourself as an indie developer. I still haven't bought B3, but I want to now so I can check out your work and see what a first game is like for an indie. I've actually been looking into Unity myself, and you have inspired me to try it out and see if I can create a game too, since I've been doing some research on the video game industry for a few years. Best of luck to you Famous Gamous, I can't wait to check out B3!
According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way a bee should be able to fly.
@BarryDunne Is the developer Irish themselves at all?
OK, it is official!!
Official New NOA price: $4.99 (In effect this Friday June 10th.)
Official NOE launch price: 3.99 EUR (Launching - tomorrow June 9th)
Phew! Fingers crossed! My hope is this is a better price for this short but sweet experience! I appreciate your understanding as I experience the both the struggles and joys of growing as an emerging developer.
@BarryDune Thanks for always believing in this project... and making the most amazing Official walkthroughs!
@TheDavyStar I'm proud to have a little Irish blood - and hopefully a lot of Irish luck!! I'm just across the pond in the USA in a quaint little town, happily making my first games.
@Tim Latshaw Thank you for the review. Hopefully this price adjustment addresses some concerns. And I do hope to show growth with my next game!!
@Sakura I'm in the same situation, too much backlog of games. I tend to focus on the ones with online functionality first as support for them is bound to go at some point.
@wazlon It seems harder these days too because it's not just a case of buying the game, but of making sure you get the updates, patches, dlc etc. I have a great collection for Wii U now. Really must get around to playing some!
@FamousGamous It's always nice to hear from the devs! Price looks great so now definitely getting this.
@FamousGamous Just your response here has sold me on this game. The review here was pretty positive as well, I feel - five is NOT a bad score here, it is other sites' seven - so I think I will see what all the buzz is about!
@FamousGamous you seems like a really nice guy.
There is always something good to take out of criticism. B3 is a really good game with really good ideas. The thing about the lenght is that we leave with a feeling that we wanted more time playing this. The time we spend with your game was a really fun time,that's why we wanted more.
I really hope a lot of succes for you and your game. If B3 is succesful, how about a sequel? I bet everyone would love that, including me!
To short! Pass!
@FamousGamous Just purchased B3. Cant wait to try it out!
Tengami was also a very short game, but it was well-designed and fun. Just like this one. It took me a little over 2 hours to beat B3. But I got only 124 / 128 scans so I wanna replay this. I'd also let others play this, as this game has three separate save files. For 3,99€ it's a neat little adventure with good visuals and great presentation. Plus it has innovative use of the Wii U GamePad .
Wow. Review 5/10. Talk about a real buzz kill.
Tap here to load 34 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...