We're in an era where exclusives are typically timed, which is a wonderful thing for those of us that don't have every console at our disposal. Eventually most fascinating and fun games make their way around to Switch and other platforms, especially in the Indie space - now we can add former PlayStation / Epic Games exclusive Bugsnax to that list. It's confirmed for Switch and will be arriving, along with a free DLC expansion called The Isle of Bigsnax, on 28th April priced at $24.99USD.
One of the Indie highlights of the PS5 launch in late 2020 and included in PlayStation Plus for the new system (it arrived without inclusion in PS Plus on PS4, as well), it was a much talked about and streamed game at the time. It's the creation of Young Horses, the studio that first came to prominence with Octodad: Dadliest Catch. The hook in Bugsnax is that you're trying to capture an assortment of creatures that are (yep) walking snacks, with all sorts of quirky methods and requirements to do so. Its humour and creativity were certainly key contributors to its buzz.
During a press event confirming new platforms (also Xbox and Game Pass, alongside Steam) we got a look at a major update that'll be included with the game - it'll be free for current owners, too. The Isle of Bigsnax is said to add 3-4 hours of additional content, maybe more for completionists, and sees four of the main characters head to a new island to explore and encounter super-sized creatures - the Bigsnax.
The gameplay certainly looked enjoyable in the preview - puzzle solutions can vary from inciting a Bigsnax to knock down a wall, to Metroid Prime-esque mazes in which you navigate a ball, and more besides. For those new to the game, this DLC will be available relatively late in a playthrough (but before a 'point of no return') as it uses established characters. The update will also add new sidequests, letters and hats for the Bugsnax.
In terms of the Switch port the studio had assistance from Enduring Games, though internally it was a small team effort. It's said to be targeting 720p and 30fps in both docked and handheld configurations, with the team stating that it's happy with the look and performance that's been achieved. Whereas the Octodad port on Switch could draw on work previously done for mobile, in the case of Bugsnax it required learning new optimisations and techniques.
In addition to the digital release it's confirmed that iam8bit will put together a special edition vinyl, a two-disc LP that includes 25 tracks from composer Seth Parker.
If you want to see more gameplay from the original title and not the DLC, meanwhile, a previous 'coming to Steam' trailer is below.
It'll be fascinating to see how Bugsnax shapes up on Switch at the end of the month - are you planning to pick it up?
Comments 46
Well, that’s a surprise. Let’s hope it’s a stable 30!
haha yes funny food creatures haha absolutely nothing weird happens haha whatever gave you that impression.
I'm excited though. It's basically Pokemon Snap on steroids which is a pretty cool concept honestly.
This is one of the most surprising and interesting games I've played in recent years, so should be a treat for those on Switch who haven't played it. Just try to go in knowing as little about it as possible, if you can.
Whilst I do see a dip in graphical quality, it still looks really good on Switch.
I was really hoping this would get a Switch port!
Yes. By god, yes.
Cool, might actually get this on Switch.
This game is a great fit for Switch! Now everyone's talkin' 'bout Bugsnax, again!
Sorry, I read the article and watched the video, but still have no clue what this game is about. It's a first person erm....something, with house design and animal raising, can someone explain?
Thanks.
I was interested by this when I saw it on PS5 so I'll definitely be picking this up for £20 at the end of the month. Noice.
bunger bunger
@Bunkerneath Same here, I'm so confused.
Getting this one on Steam Deck seems a better thing to do than on Switch.
Couldnt get into it , quit after an hour . Maybe not the targeted audience but it was just very childish.
I've always wondered why this was a launch PS5 exclusive, since it seems like something that could have easily run on a PS3.
Whatever the case may be, I'm glad that Kero Kero Bonito song will get another bump.
Nice, may definitely check this out. Glad it didn't remain a PS5 exclusive.
On paper I should love this game but I struggled to get into it on PS5. But then I think a large part of that was I was also playing Astrobot and going from that with it's insane polish and still the best use of haptics on the PS5 to this... I think it gave it an unfair comparison. Maybe I will give it another go.
Is this game good? Everyone kept talking about it when it released, but I felt that a lot of the praise given was kind of sarcastic.
@Bunkerneath I'll drop an older 'launch' trailer into the article, but a lot of the game is finding new Bugsnax, learning how to catch them and then doing so. Lots of environmental puzzles and quirky humour.
Nice, I never tried, so I´m excited to play this one on Switch, and that DLC looks cool too.
It’s a pretty cool/fun game. This was the first game that my kids saw on PlayStation that they were excited for. They love it!
I remember seeing trailers for this game and I always found it to look pretty good.
@P-Man nah man the praise has been genuine.
@Ultrasmiles oh boy you won’t be calling it childish when you see the final stretch.😉
'That Bugsnax is a baaad mother-'
'Shut your mouth!'
'Heeeey, I'm just talking about Bugsnax.'
Fantastic news! Quite surprised by this announcement. I almost bought this on the PS4 and now am very glad I didn't. Looking forward to playing it soon!
@P-Man it’s actually a good game! Very unique concept and story, with a lot of problem solving (different bugs require different solutions). It’s fun, I’d keep it on your radar.
Playstation users enjoyed it including myself and Nintnedo users looking forward to playing it.
But looking over the various xbox sites it's seems this game is trash, for kids and indie filler for gamepass, figures....
Personally though it's a good game, if you enjoyed games like slime rancher then you will enjoy this.
@Bunkerneath It's not an easy answer because there isn't another game like it. The closest comparison I can make is Pokemon Snap.
You are trying to find and capture unique creatures in colourful worlds, many of which require a unique trick to bring them out of hiding
@Ultrasmiles It has quite a cutesy artstyle and premise (sentient burger that rings on curly fries legs! Fantastic!) but as you talk to the citizens and learn more about what Bugsnax are, you'll be diving into some heavy themes in a wacky sort of way.
The following isn't directed at you or Bugsnax specifically, just some of my general musings. It is a shame when some games, shows, movies, books, really any sort of media is treated as "kiddie" and therefore lesser because of its premise or artstyle or gameplay. There are many shows and games that look inconsequential on the surface, but then often explore real world issues in some of the most fascinating ways. Which I think is great for the kids to learn, and could give valuable insight to adults as well.
Not everything that is cutesy is deep, some is just a fun escape. But likewise, not everything that looks kiddie is devoid of meaning. Didn't know I had to get this topic out of my system today!
No game can resist the Switch! 😂
I've heard it's decent, but it's difficult to shake the sense that it feels like a meme game. That it came from the Octodad studio doesn't help.
@UltimateOtaku91 To be fair, had this been announced as an Xbox exclusive, the Playstation fanbase would likely have taken one look at it and dismissed it as GP filler as well. But it was a (temporary) console exclusive for Sony, so those same people either kept their yaps shut or actively did their part to hype it up.
I'll have a Bunger with extra ketchup to go, please,
I thoroughly enjoyed this game on PS5
This looks bizarre but a great cute game to play with the kids! They would love it, judging from the looks - like Fraggle Rock meets Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
I would buy a physical version in an instant. Maybe I'll hold off on the digital for a while, in hopes of that.
I've been waiting for a Slime Rancher physical release, too...
Pleeeeeeease!
Edit: Now that I research, it looks like Fangamer handled physical releases for both Bugsnax and Slime Rancher on PS/XB, so fingers crossed they can deliver on Switch, too!!
Edit Edit:
Fangamer email this afternoon says Bugsnax physical release for Switch is “coming soon!” Woohoo! 🤩
LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
I've always wanted to play this game!!
Even better news is that it looks like Fangamer will be publishing a physical edition for Switch!
@CITRONtanker They said in the discord server that its actually unlocked framerate
Cool. I've been interested in this game and always thought it would be a natural fit on a Nintendo system. Definitely picking it up now.
I’ll probably give it another shot,
I got it on PS4 and played probably 4 hours… it’s fun… but it never really drew me in. Eventually I just forgot about it.
Is this any good? It looks kinda weird and I tend to like weird...but I don't know what to think lol.
Gah! Refuse to play this game after that stupid E3 reveal a few years back with that nauseating 'Talkin' 'bout Bug Snax' song. Let it die....
I still haven't finished this game, but I do have this to say, don't sleep on this game!
Little worrisome as this game doesn't even run consistently well on the PS5 even (I haven't played since completing it a few days after it launched though). And the gfx were on the low low half.
exciting! this was the one game that intrigued me on ps5, glad i wont need to own one to try out this game
Wonderful game, can't wait for the new DLC!!
Skipped it on PS5, and will likely be skipping it on Switch as well, unless I hear word of mouth convincing me otherwise.
But, glad for those who are interested.
Ps5 included on ps plus, xbox included on gamepass but switch owners get the worst port for £25. Seems about right
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