Review of Mr. Sun’s Hatbox

Fans of Indie Games Have Another Wacky and Fun Title to Add to Their Wish Lists

Published by Raw Fury, Kenny Sun’s roguelite platformer Mr. Sun’s Hatbox is a game that indie game fans will definitely want to check out. With its amusing premise, addictive gameplay loop, and a healthy dose of frustration, this game is sure to keep players entertained for hours on end.

A Unique Premise

In Mr. Sun’s Hatbox, players take on the role of a package delivery service worker. However, when attempting to deliver Mr. Sun his hat box, things go awry. The company sets up shop in Mr. Sun’s basement to launch a full-scale operation to recover the stolen goods, as specified in the service’s fine print.

Building Your Base of Operations

One of the key features of the game is the ability to build different rooms in your base of operations. Each room requires varying sums of money or milestones to unlock. From the essential med bay and black market to the research lab and brig, players can create a base that meets the needs of their hat recovery detail.

Influences from Duck Game

If you’ve played Landon Podbielski’s Duck Game, you’ll immediately recognize its influence on Mr. Sun’s Hatbox. The mission gameplay and ensuing chaos are very similar, as are many of the items used to complete those missions. From pistols and shotguns to more unconventional weapons like a bar of soap or a baguette, players have a variety of options for taking out opponents or sneaking through levels.

Hats and Quirks

Players can equip their team members with hats, which add an extra layer of silliness to the game. From standard hard hats to dynamite headbands and even a pile of poo, each hat has its own utility and sometimes unforeseen downsides. Additionally, characters start with one or two quirks, some helpful and others detrimental. Choosing the right character for a mission is crucial to success.

Experiment Lab and Permadeath

In the experiment lab, players can remove unhelpful quirks and inject useful ones into other characters. However, it’s worth noting that the game has permadeath on by default. If a character dies, all progress and customization are lost. While permadeath can be turned off, it means sacrificing the ability to earn achievements. The game’s developer’s decision to include permadeath adds an extra layer of challenge and risk.

A Mix of Fun and Frustration

While Mr. Sun’s Hatbox offers an enjoyable solo experience, it also includes multiplayer components such as co-op missions and PvP modes. The game features a humorous story, cute characters, a catchy soundtrack, and compelling gameplay. However, in the beginning, the game can be equally fun and frustrating, with missions often ending in defeat and unexpected obstacles.

A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Players should be prepared for moments of frustration and occasional irritation, especially in the first few hours of gameplay. The game’s challenging nature and unpredictable scenarios can lead to unavoidable failures and unexpected setbacks. However, as players progress and unlock new upgrades and perks, the game becomes more balanced and the fun outweighs the frustration.

A Rewarding Experience

Despite its initial challenges, Mr. Sun’s Hatbox is a game that will keep players coming back for more. The addictive gameplay loop, combined with the satisfaction of building a strong team and overcoming obstacles, makes for a fulfilling gaming experience. Whether playing solo or with friends, this indie roguelite offers a unique and enjoyable adventure.

Availability

Mr. Sun’s Hatbox is available on PC and Nintendo Switch. Players can dive into this wacky and fun world and experience the thrill of hat recovery firsthand.