ENA: Dream BBQChapter 1 is the first part of a larger-than-life dream quest.
The first video game based on the creator Joel Guerra’s animation series ENA, Dream BBQ does a fantastic job bringing the unique aesthetics of the shorts into an interactive medium. Holding to the absurd world portrayed in the animations, we follow ENA trying to locate the enigmatic and oft impersonated Boss.
The gameplay includes wandering around the 3D environments and speaking with other characters to receive jobs or information. The simple act of navigating these odd worlds provides a platforming challenge, and hidden characters and details encourage exploration throughout the game.
The best parts of the game, out and away, are the characters and the beautiful animations that accompany the exchanges. Every major character and most minor characters have cutscenes that play out when you interact with them. They are all easily equal to the quality of the animated shorts, and are a visual treat.
While only the first part of a larger game, Chapter 1 of ENA: Dream BBQ is filled with secrets and achievements that encourage replay. However, these secrets can take some time to complete. It leaves me wondering if certain items or events will carry over into the full game, and I worry that it may become tedious to pursue some in a far longer game.
In spite of that, with a price of free you’d be loath not to play it and soak in the first kernel of a four-year project that I am certain will be well worth the wait.
ENA: Dream BBQChapter 1 is now available on Steam.
