I Wani Hug That Gator is a brilliantly told story with drama, suspense, and passion that will leave you needing a hug upon completion.
Olivia rushing through hallway, I Wani Hug That Gator, Cavemanon
Into the gators den
The game is made by Cavemanon Productions, a group of anonymous users originally formed from the online picture thread site 4-Chan, now a fully fledged indie game organisation with several titles under its belt.
The group first tested the waters of what it could accomplish with Snoot Game, a parody visual novel of KO_OP’s Goodbye Volcano High, and rapidly grew a dedicated following across social media. Releasing several new projects thereafter.
I Wani Hug That Gator is both an independent IP of Cavemanon and in many ways seeks to build upon the lessons paved by its predecessors.
There's more vibrant and customised backgrounds, more animated sprites, and a sprinkle of smooth 2D animations that I can only watch in awe at how stylistic and impressive they are.
I Wani Hug That Gator is a testament to what a team of passionate indie developers can achieve, and is available on Steam.
Inco conversing with Ben, I Wani Hug That Gator, Cavemanon
Less than snappy
In terms of gameplay… there is none. Such is the nature of a visual novel. A genre of games that is solely focused on story and character. In many ways, it is essentially an interactive movie where you can make a choice in pivotal moments.
No matter how small or inconsequential they may initially appear to be, every choice the player makes will determine which of the game's four endings you’ll achieve depending on your relationship with certain characters.
Some may be on board with the idea, others may not. The game has a deliberately slow pace that may discourage some players from seeing the whole thing through. It is a fairly lengthy game after all, depending on your reading speed.
It took me up to 12 hours to reach one of its endings whilst trying to absorb every dialogue and passing thought thrown my way. So it does demand a sense of patience and engagement from the player, despite how hands off the genre is.
It is a difficult juggling act that may take a while to get used to for those unfamiliar with visual novels.
Outdoor party photo, I Wani Hug That Gator, Cavemanon
A story to sink your teeth into
However, rather than focusing on mechanics, the game places a strong emphasis on narrative storytelling and isn't hesitant to delve headfirst into important ideas and issues.
With its colourful and diverse range of characters, each of whom are dynamic and offer something unique underneath the surface. From fun personalities like Damien, to antagonistic forces like Mia, to my personal favourite, your mentor Mr. Iadakan.
Inco himself is a charming character beyond the 4-chan influence and surface level self-insert role he encompasses, with unique interests and values that make him truly stand out as a protagonist.
Inco G. Nito is interested in photography, holds an appreciation for art, and can vary from a caring person to a narcissist depending on how you decide to treat others around you.
The true star of the show, however, is Olivia: a paraplegic Baryonyx who acts as the protagonist's primary companion and prospective love interest.
Olivia is a shy and insecure girl who loves art but struggles to trust others and make new friends.
She believes people can only perceive her through her disability and degrade her as a result; content to living a life of seclusion to avoid burdening the ones she cares about.
Initially socially isolated with only the few friends in her inner circle for company, and contemptuous of the main character, the player's interaction with her will impact the rest of the story for better or for worse.
Whether or not you decide to take the reins or let her make her own decisions, your always one press away from things ending blissfully or tragically.
Olivia at school in the dark, I Wani Hug That Gator, Cavemanon
Room 4 improvement
Regarding dialogue, they do not pull their punches when it comes to online slang, humour and cultural references. Hilarious to those who are familiar with the site, and completely goes over the heads of the rest.
I never found it bothered me too much, in some cases it did get a good chuckle out of me, but there is a select case of humoral taste here.
Aside from that, the writing and storytelling is amongst the best I have seen, and stands shoulder to shoulder with other story driven games like Life is Strange and Night in the Woods.
This games story has more character development, personality, and charm than some AAA games released in recent memory.
Though the 'high school drama' storyline may roll a few eyes in an r/Im14andthisisdeep kind of way, and it certainly has its moments. But for me, this game breathes new life and perspective in a compelling way, so much so that I can forgive the occasional cliché tropes it dabbles in.
The only thing the game touches lightly on, and I wish they could expand more, is the world building. In a setting teeming with dinosaurs, where human presence is seemingly sparse (at least in the area the game takes place in), not many details are really given around the world of I Wani Hug That Gator.
Though we do get small hints of lore through the few times Inco attends history class, which I can appreciate even if they were added as a supplementary feature.
Inco and Olivia by a fountain, I Wani Hug That Gator, Cavemanon
Final thoughts
I Wani Hug That Gator may not seem like much on the surface, but beneath it all is a unique experience that got me hooked from start to finish.
What a small team of internet users put together is both ambitious in scale and audacious in the story that it seeks to tell, and is reflected in every art and written piece of dialogue displayed throughout my playthrough.
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you want to hug the next 'gator' you see… though I strongly advise you don't do that.
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