Bilkins’ Folly: A Whimsical Adventure Game Full of Pirates
Bilkins’ Folly, a charming and adventurous game developed by Webbysoft and published by Armor Games Studios, initially caught my attention earlier this year when it was announced that the PC-only title would now be launching on PlayStation and Switch as well. Intrigued by the old-school adventure gameplay, delightful pixel art style, and, of course, the pirates, I eagerly watched the console announcement trailer. Months later, I finally had the opportunity to play a few hours of Bilkins’ Folly, and this small taste left me excited for the full release on October 2.
A Pirate’s Tale Begins
Stepping into the shoes of Percy, a resourceful pirate, and accompanied by his loyal pup, Drayton, my adventure in Bilkins’ Folly began hours into the game’s story. Drayton proved to be much more than a simple sidekick, as he helped me locate buried treasures and eagerly explored the environment alongside me on an island known as Remy’s Loot during this preview. This added an immersive and enjoyable element to the gameplay, making Drayton feel like an integral part of the pirate narrative.
Unleashing Drayton’s Abilities
As I progressed further into the game, I discovered the multitude of commands that Drayton could execute through a wheel of commands. He was not only capable of retrieving items and carrying them but also had the strength to push heavy objects. Additionally, Drayton could “sit,” a command that seemed to hold strategic significance when solving puzzles. The more I played, the more abilities I unlocked for Drayton, including the intriguing “Howlin’ Dog.”
A Simlish-like Adventure
On the island of Remy’s Loot, I encountered various characters, including boss Mila, who communicated in a unique manner reminiscent of Simlish from EA’s The Sims series. This quirky approach to voiceover added a dynamic and endearing touch to the text-heavy adventure game, further enhancing the overall experience.
The Search for Bron
My objective on the island was to locate an exile by the name of Bron, who was responsible for destroying the island’s supply of alcohol. After receiving Mila’s blessing to speak with Bron, I first had to repair the broken distillery. This involved solving a Tetris-like puzzle, fitting specific pieces into holes to restore the breach. With the distillery repaired, I embarked on a journey using a map that provided precise directions to Bron’s location. However, traversing over water proved to be a challenge until I discovered a ruler, allowing me to accurately chart my path.
A Treasure Hunt and Diverse Puzzles
Throughout my time immersed in Bilkins’ Folly, I encountered various puzzles and embarked on thrilling treasure hunts. The game’s hands-on preview showcased a satisfying variety of challenges, demonstrating the meticulously crafted nature of the entire gameplay experience. Bilkins’ Folly pays homage to classic adventure games, such as the beloved Monkey Island series, while incorporating modern resources and mechanics.
A Promising Adventure Awaits
Webbysoft has successfully created a captivating pirate world filled with charming pixel art, intriguing characters, and engaging gameplay mechanics. Bilkins’ Folly offers more than just a simple point-and-click experience. As a fan of captivating pirate narratives, I am excited to delve deeper into Percy’s story. From a mechanical standpoint, Bilkins’ Folly has left me hopeful that the full release will offer an adventure well worth embarking upon.
The Release Date
Bilkins’ Folly will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC starting from October 2. Prepare to set sail on a jolly adventure filled with pirates, puzzles, and whimsical charm.