Review: Thank Goodness You’re Here! – A Dive into British Humor

Six months ago, the energetic trailer for Thank Goodness You’re Here! caught our attention with its blend of typical British humor, cartoonish art style, and chaotic scenes. This game, published by Panic—known for indie hits like Firewatch and Untitled Goose Game—seemed worth a closer look.

Storyline and Setting

In this game, you take on the role of a salesman sent to the quaint village of Barnsworth to meet with the mayor. However, the busy mayor has no time for you, so you decide to explore the village. As you wander through market squares, deserted streets, and parks, you encounter various quirky characters in need of assistance. While there isn’t a main storyline, you gradually get to know some characters better through their tasks, enjoying how their individual stories intertwine.

Gameplay Mechanics

Thank Goodness You’re Here! offers simplistic gameplay. You can move, jump, and slap with your open hand. Slapping characters often trigger humorous dialogues, and hitting objects can reveal hidden puzzles. The tutorial introduces this simply—slapping a water cooler causes the jug to fall, allowing you to jump on it to reach the next area. The gameplay serves as a vehicle for the humor.

Humor and Absurdity

The humor in this game is diverse. Early on, you might mow the grass and see two flowers declaring their love—until you pass by with the lawnmower. The game is filled with innuendo that younger players might miss but will entertain adults. It also embraces absurdity, disregarding the laws of physics. One moment you’re floating with a balloon, and the next, you’re small enough to fit through a water pipe.

Limitations and Replayability

The game is short, taking about three hours to complete. Unfortunately, there is no replay value—no collectibles, minigames, or alternative storylines. This lack of replayability is a drawback, as there’s little incentive to replay the game once finished.

Presentation and Voice Acting

Thank Goodness You’re Here! is steeped in British culture. You can choose to have subtitles in dialect, which adds to the charm. The voice acting is top-notch, featuring Matt Berry (from The IT Crowd and What We Do in the Shadows). Combined with a fun soundtrack and engaging animations, the game remains entertaining throughout its short duration.

Conclusion

Thank Goodness You’re Here! is a unique, funny experience, though short-lived. The game offers three hours of zany stories and situations, but once the credits roll, the lack of replayability is evident. Priced at €17.99, it’s a fair deal for fans of British humor.