Untitled Goose Game

Untitled Goose Game is a casual adventure game about a goose wreaking havoc in a small village. Controlling the goose, you’re presented with a list of playful tasks to carry out through interactions with the people and the objects around you. The game turns on its head the convention of the helpful adventure hero; the goal here is to create slapstick chaos among the unsuspecting townsfolk.

As a goose, the player can honk, run, pick up objects, spread their wings, and duck (the action, not the bird). All of these moves will help you cross off tasks from a series of to-do lists. Untitled Goose Game requires creativity to solve problems that may not have a clear answer. Apart from these written lists of shenanigans, it features a stripped-down interface and is essentially non-verbal.

The game begins with straightforward instructions, like “steal the groundskeeper’s keys,” but later objectives can be more vague. For instance, you’ll have to figure out the steps to “have a picnic” or “go shopping.” Since there are many items and characters involved in each scene, the quests will usually take some light experimentation to figure out.

When enough tasks are completed, new areas can be explored. Once these areas are unlocked and the main game is done, you may still tackle the optional “to do (as well)” list. This one includes more complicated goals that may require tools from all over the world. Speedrun-inclined players could also enjoy crossing off the “to do (quickly)” objectives.

Though the controls are simple and the game is forgiving, there’s an element of action or stealth to several tasks, and timing can be important. The goose often has to run away from angry villagers, and during these tense moments, the game’s soft piano soundtrack becomes louder and more dramatic. Note that you can band together in a two-player cooperative mode to make the game easier—or simply to have fun with a friend and cause twice as much mayhem. Untitled Goose Game rewards thinking outside the box and, of course, getting into trouble.

This description was written by Cay Macres and edited by Oriane Tury.