While I was at PAX it was easy to get distracted due to the sheer amount of sensory overload. From the masses of people shuffling about in a current of sorts throughout the expo hall to the tall statues and displays that dominated the scene, there is just so much going on. While tracking down a particular booth, the crowd somehow coaxed me into a little corner of the show, where I saw a black and white fighter running around an environment, reminding me of Doom‘s movement on DOS. On another screen was a battle, immediately bringing Punch Out to mind. All of this was packaged in a Mad World style monochrome that practically begged for me to stop and check it out. This odd little game is Pato Box, the story of a fighter named Patobox, who has a man’s body, but a duck’s head.
Pato Box is described as an adventure/fighting game, mixing elements of the exploration of third person shooters (or even old school first person shooters) with the one on one battles of Punch Out. Patobox has been betrayed by those at Deathflock, the company that has been sponsoring the fighters bouts for years. The heroic, duck faced boxer will have to track down the henchmen of Deathflock, learning more about the treason and the mystery behind his duck head. This deep story is all presented in a graphic novel style, geared towards those looking for a narrative filled with secrets.
Truly is was Pato Box‘s art style that drew me to it, as well as the fact that it was being played on PSVita. Those who have followed my work will know just how much I love that little system, so seeing something unique on the console brings me great joy. Primarily though, Pato Box is coming to PC and Mac, with a PS4 version built into the stretch goals of their now live Kickstarter. With just over a couple weeks to go, Pato Box is hoping to raise a little over ten thousand dollars. Those looking to back this one though, should note that the tiers are shown in Mexican Pesos, making it much cheaper than it initially appears. Backers can save themselves a digital copy for about five US dollars.
Overall, fans looking to experience the boxing boss fights that made Punch Out so memorable should check out this strange indie title. The music, gameplay, and visual style make it an experience that deserves a bit of spotlight in this massive industry.
Find Pato Box on Kickstarter, where there is also a link to the Windows and Mac demo of the game. Go try it out!
