An idyllic village in the English countryside is plagued by an unstoppable menace that wreaks havoc wherever it goes. However, this unpredictable threat to peace and society turns out to be nothing more than a wild goose. In “Untitled Goose Game,” players take on the role of an obtuse goose on the loose who seems bent on annoying innocent townsfolk.

In case the tongue-in-cheek title didn’t give it away, this indie-stealth puzzle game developed by House House doesn’t take itself too seriously. In fact, this game has become popularized from the many funny memes it has produced such as, “If you mess with the honk, you get the bonk.” 

In “Untitled Goose Game,” players complete to-do lists of mischief, including tasks like “Steal the Groundskeeper’s Keys” or “Make Someone Break the Fancy Vase.” Completing these tasks requires stealth, planning and creative problem-solving, as you are given only a simple directive with no detailed instructions. If you’re not careful, the humans of the village will attempt to chase you off or stop what you are doing. 

As a goose, players can also flap their wings menacingly and, most importantly, honk loudly. This is where a lot of fun and laughs come in. (I really enjoyed sneaking up on people and startling them with an obnoxious honk.) No matter how old you are, there’s just something delightful about this silly mischief.

Like a children’s book, the art style of the game has bright colors and simplistic finishes on finer details, such as faces. The childlike visuals complement the playful and silly nature of the game. These calming graphics are paired with carefree music, creating a relaxing environment to explore at the end of a long day.

The greatest flaw of “Untitled Goose Game” is just how short it is, clocking in between three and five hours depending on how quickly you figure out the puzzles. The ending of the game felt somewhat abrupt and though it does deliver a satisfying ending, I do wish that the game had more content to explore.

“No matter how old you are, there’s just something delightful about this silly mischief.”

“Untitled Goose Game” is a fun and cathartic little romp that is accessible to gamers of all skill levels. It may not be very long, but the time you spend wreaking havoc as a goose will be a joy, regardless. If you enjoy puzzles and are looking for a nice wholesome laugh, then you can’t go wrong with this game.

Peer Rating: 4/5