Franken: An Enjoyable Ode To The RPGs Of Yore

If you're looking for a game to tickle your funny bone that you can finish in a single sitting, Franken is as earnest as it is ridiculously joyful, writes Harsh Pareek

Harsh+Pareek

Apr 20, 2024

Screengrab. Franken

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In a (gaming) landscape increasingly dominated by bloat and senseless excesses, every once in a while it is reassuring to be reminded that good things can come in bite-sized packages.

Stripped down to some of the most rudimentary mechanics and storytelling, Franken is an ode to the RPGs of yore, with a humorous bent. Inspired by the likes of Final Fantasy IV, Moon RPG Remix, For the Frog the Bell Tolls and the Dragon Quest series, but unburdened by references or callbacks that might feel restricting, the game is a charming little adventure for both the uninitiated as well as the veterans of the genre.

Developed by Samanthuel Louise Gillson aka splendidland, the game follows our (rather humble) hero on a (rather straightforward) quest of fighting as many monsters as possible to become stronger in order to save the world of Fentinsenark from the clutches of the (rather annoying) Hell's Knight. On this righteous journey you encounter a wide and colourful (both literally and figuratively) cast of characters — from King Caleabe to Leopard Men, Yo-Yo Warrior, Goblins, Jellies, Three Man, Dr Heckle, (most of them exactly what they sound like) to name but a few — that is at the heart of this experience.

It is a testament to Franken's effortless writing that even though the game's runtime is only about an hour, every one of the dozens of NPCs (some with just a line of dialogue) you run into feel distinct and full of personality. Not to mention the perfectly measured, breezy humour that delights at every turn, while never overdoing it. Also on mark is the sound design that goes hand-in-hand with each on-screen gag, twist, and absurdity.

As for the gameplay… well, you can move around exploring the many wonders of this adorbs world, interact with other, um, beings(?), and swing your sword at your enemies in turn-based combat. And that's pretty much it. The minimalistic game — with its old-school pixel artwork and crudely laid out map — is built to be altogether straightforward and more or less fail-safe, making it ideal for anyone venturing into the world of classic RPGs for the first time. But even if you are a veteran of the game style, it will rekindle your love for the same with its carefree attitude and wholesome oddities.

And if all that wasn't enough, the game — with a file size of less than 50 MB — is not only free to play(!), but packs a boatload of wild surprises that get increasingly outlandish (in the best way possible) as you progress along the storyline. Consequently, going in blind is the best way to experience this gem of an indie, but rest assured if you're looking for a game to tickle your funny bone that you can finish in a single sitting, Franken is as earnest as it is ridiculously joyful.

Available on PC, Mac, Linux | Free | Download here.