Hungry Arcade Machine

Remember those times when you were at the arcade, playing who knows what game? Remember when the game would kick your ass and then you would rage and kick the arcade machine as if that solved anything? Well, that arcade machine kept track of all the kicks and harsh words you dissed, and it got really angry. Now it’s thirsty for blood.

Hungry Arcade Machine is about as outside the box as casual games go. Moreover, it was built for a game jam session; so, considering that, and how good it looks, we can only say “excellent job Mr Andrew”.

The idea alone of an arcade machine losing its cool, sprouting legs and using its cracked screen as a mouth to devour humans is scary and amusing. It's a concept that definitely puts a spin on the idea of an arcade game and there are certainly enough people to appreciate and have fun with it. I know I did.

The only thing that cuts down a bit of the enjoyment to Hungry Arcade Machine is the controls scheme. It’s not necessarily innovative or even broken for that matter, it just takes time getting used to them. After you figure out how things work, it’s all smooth chomping.

As you can imagine, the humans won’t be easy pickings and you will have to watch out for arcade security. They mean business, fortunately, so do you. All it takes to snatch a human is one good bite, and then you can roam around the place, chasing more, watching as the ones you caught swivel their legs in despair.

I don’t see this giving nightmares to any kid anytime soon. I wouldn’t mind if it had better chomping’ sounds, elaborate scream formations and a bit more to a horror atmosphere. Strobes, lasers and chiptunes would work, although, the rock score makes it seem like the machine is really out for blood.