#like I genuinely find garten of banban interesting and I'd like to post about it but people treat it like it's the indie horror antichrist

[makerofmadness]

I think media literacy is at an all time low if a game can reference the fxcking skyrim meme and people still think it's not meant to be a horror-comedy. literally the top comment. How.

[mackeralsauce]

While I understand the confusion to a degree, this post uses some points that are a little weak and could discourage beginners from developing games, and I'd like to talk about some of those points. I'll have all my discussion under the cut as to not clutter anyone's dashboard ^^

Lemme clarify here: Garten of Banban is not a good game, you don't need to tell me that twice. As an aspiring game developer with video games as a special interest, I can agree with that for sure, it lacks what is needed to be considered a good game (at least in my opinion). However, that doesn't mean it won't have a fandom, and the points used to say why don't hold up. I don't think it should have a fandom either, but that's because of the developers' past works, not because of Banban being a bad game.

The point that bothered me most: "Mate you can fucking see the polygons on the characters." I get this point is out of frustration with the game's art being more low-effort (especially since many have mentioned that the games models have way too many polygons than they need), but being able to see the polygons on a character doesn't hold up as a valid point of criticism for a game having a fandom. There are MANY games that are low-poly or have low-resolution graphics where you can see the polygons, and they are still great games! Whether its because of the graphical limitations of their time or because of a low budget, polygons being visible isn't the worst thing in the world.

I understand the point about their past games and I agree with that. The developers' past games contained very sensitive topics, and those topics were not taken seriously nor covered in a proper manner. That is a genuine reason to be upset about Banban having a fandom. I don't think Garten of Banban should have a strong following as a result.

The gameplay is definitely lacking, and can be very confusing. However, there are many games with large fandoms in similar boats. Sonic.EXE (the original) was extremely basic and barely counts as gameplay, yet the fandom for that is huge.

The story isn't consistent, but there are plenty of things with inconsistent storylines and large fandoms too. As for the point of taking the plot seriously... While they did take the plot seriously at first, they seem to be more lighthearted and teasing with it in the recent games. I mean, c'mon, Choo Choo Charles was in the 4th (if I remember correctly)!

As for using the same plot devices as most mascot horror games, or using lots of common cliches and plot devices in general: I agree that Garten of Banban does this poorly, but using stuff like that should not completely damn a game from having a fandom. Common plot devices, cliches, etc. can be used in ways that are still effective and work good for the story. Mascot horror definitely has a lot of overplayed tropes, but it doesn't mean those tropes can't be used well.

And the thing is, all of this is exactly why the game has a fandom. The fandom is primarily younger kids! Mascot horror appeals to younger demographics (I should know, I was into FNAF as a kid), younger demographics who aren't always going to be as critical about plot or graphics, and won't know about the bad pasts of the developers.

Do I still think Banban deserves a fandom? No, not at all! However, many of the takes displayed here could discourage people from developing games because they might use lower graphics, or might have weaker gameplay, or might use common story beats. That's the main reason I wanted to respond to this post. I get the sentiment, and I agree in some ways, but some of these criticisms can come off as discouraging to others who are looking to try their hands at game development.

And if you want some good psychological and body horror games? Honestly, look on Itch.io. You can find some good hidden gems on there!

Apparently garten or ban ban has a fucking fandom???

I am CONFUSION???

Mate I will watch fusion play it but that's because he's fun to watch by why the fuck is there a f a n d o m

Mate you can fucking see the polygons on the characters.

And don't these guys have like- many other games before thos? I'm confused.

Now note I'm no game designer, I don't even know basic programming, but I do know it's . Not really a good game- like it needs a lot of work. And like, game play aside because it's not my place to talk about it bc Ik making a game is rough, but story wise? It's... just not well made.

Like all the games connect but there is no consistent story or plot- other than your a parent looking for your kid and you get wrapped up into this hell.

Though I will admit the stupid cutscenes are funny as hell.

But yeah, no consistent storyline. And the thing is, the game takes it self srsly!! Like if it didn't I would be more forgiving, but not like that- like wha

And it has the same plot as 90 percent of mascot horror anymore. Experimentation or killings. Like if your going to do that, don't use the same cookie cutter thing- or don't do it at all like My Friendly neighborhood-! It's not like 'oh the puppets are possessed' no!!! They just went a lil coo coo- but they aren't bad or really vengeful.

Or if your going to do the whole murder and possession thingy, might I suggest it's more of reincarnation and not possession. It provides a interesting idea that's fresh

Or don't mascot horror! What I would do for a good psychological or body horror game just KSKSKSKSKSK

Anyway I'm done