Okay, let me be honest. I’ve been putting off writing this for a couple days. Not because I have any enmity towards the Adventures of Pip. Rather, I figured, by the time I sat down and started writing, the campaign would already be all funded. (Warning, rant incoming) WHY ISN’T ADVENTURES OF PIP FUNDED YET?!” Madness, I say! Yet, the fact remains that with about two weeks to go, Pip is just dangling off the precipice of 100% funding. So, with that in mind, I figured I’d give you some more reasons to get off your butts and check this awesome Kickstarter out.

So after playing Pip at PAX Prime, I knew I loved the game. I must have made an impression, since I was rewarded with a playable demo some time after I got back and recovered from PAX insanity. The primary difference between what I played at PAX and what I played after PAX was the controls. I got a slightly updated version that ran with keyboard and mouse controls. I have to say, though I eventually got a handle on them, they are far inferior to the controller control scheme. Luckily, they in no way represent a final control setup, just a temporary stopgap to allow me and others the chance to play Pip on their own schedule.

Actually, one other facet of the game stuck out to me more this time — the music. At PAX, there was so much noise and hustle and bustle that it was difficult to hear the soundtrack as I played. In the comfort of my own home, however, it was a completely different story, and I quickly came to appreciate the lovely tunes Jake “Virt” Kaufman has crafted for this game. They fit the mood for whatever was happening perfectly, and were delightful enough that I didn’t mind hearing them again and again as I searched every nook and cranny for lost Villagers (I still only managed to find 90% of the elusive buggers). I also came to appreciate the craftsmanship of the graphics more. It’s hard to explain, since the game uses a pixelated retro aesthetic, but the graphics of Pip are strangely beautiful.

Though I was still frustrated that I was unable to face the giant Tree boss teased at the end of the demo, I rather enjoyed the opportunity to play Adventures of Pip a second time. Now all that needs to happen is for it to get that last $4K or so in the next two weeks. (Hint hint) In the meantime, check out their site and see what you’re missing out on. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to save this beautiful princess…

Don’t you make her cry!