#IDARB
Producer: Other Ocean
Release Date: February 1, 2015
Platform: Xbox One
Rating: Everyone
Genre: Sports
The Bacon Abides
Written by Josh Schilling
In the ongoing console war between Xbox One and Playstation 4, one aspect that Sony has undeniably held the edge was in the smaller, independent titles that contribute to imaginative, quick-hitting, and inexpensive fun. Don’t Starve, Octodad, and the anticipated Hotline Miami 2 have helped bolster an impressive lineup of PS4 indie exclusives, and this particular battle was in real danger of becoming a rout. Xbox has turned the tide as of late, and one game that is attempting to set a high standard in the indie world is being offered for free in February’s Xbox One Games with Gold. That game is called It Draws a Red Box, or more commonly referred to by a symbol attached to an acronym, #IDARB.
The developers of this game had a basic idea when starting out the production of this game. They told the Twittersphere that they had a red box, and they wanted suggestions on what to do with it. After melding a great deal of these questionable internet ideas into a game, they ended up with a completely crazy and chaotic concoction that takes a simple formula, sets it on fire, and dances around it with a frantic, grinning look in its face.
On the surface, this game is a 2D hockey/basketball style sports game with rudimentary graphics and some customizability, best suited for playing with a group of friends. What makes this title stand out is all the interesting, unique tidbits that you find scattered throughout the gameplay. Take a look at the teams you have to choose from and you find a team of mimes, one with ballerinas, a group of old-timey arcade cabinets, some moustached cops, or even a team of various breakfast foods. You can create your own with a simple character creator, along with a customized banner, including a custom created theme song that plays when your team wins. This all sets up the fast-paced gameplay that gets even wackier with the more people that participate. Up to eight people can play on the same console at the same time or online, and you jump around trying to shoot a ball into a goal, or knock around other players while trying to defend. Pretty simple stuff, but the game has one distinct wrinkle that makes it truly stand out.
As if the match wasn’t insane enough, when you play, you may choose to open your game to the whims of the internet. If you do, people you know, or may not know, may decide to throw a few curves into the match. Every game spawns a twitter code that someone can use to bomb your gameplay. A few of the known “hashbombing” antics include filling the arena with water, adding multiple balls, getting Rick Rolled, or sharks drop in and chase the players. There are also some goofy halftime games, and a button-mash race at the end of the game to see who gets the MVP. For such a simple premise, #IDARB does a lot to create a supremely unique experience no matter if you’re playing solo or with friends, and lets you actively add your own personal stamp to the overall madness.
For a game that is so chaotic, it’s the simplicity that makes this game fun. Anyone can jump in and have a great time, or you can take some time on your own to build and share some crazy ideas for teams or songs. While this might not be a sprawling, character driven, 40+ hour, open-world monstrosity of a videogame, what it does is harken back to a simpler type of gameplay, while adding modern twists and then shaking vigorously. What you end up with is a Technicolor menagerie of creativity in a memorable and immersive game that will stand the test of time.