The Works of Yoko Taro

👋 Hi there! Welcome to the latest edition of SUPERJUMP Weekly. This week, we're delving into the creative mind of the great Yoko Taro, an undoubtedly enigmatic figure in the games industry. His work is defined by both its innovation and depth. Our Story Showcase includes an interview with the man and a couple of his collaborators, along with some beautiful deep-dives on his creations. In this issue, we also showcase the works of SUPERJUMP Managing Editor Bryan Finck and feature Barraka in our latest On the Radar update.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Please consider becoming a Backer if you would like to support our unique brand of independent games journalism. Thank you.

IN THIS ISSUE

✍️ Story Showcase: Yoko Taro
⭐ Author Showcase: Bryan Finck
📡 On the Radar: Barraka
📅 This Week on SJP
🏆 Backers

As game discovery has shifted more and more to shortform video, distinctive graphical styles have become increasingly important. While a lot of games have that interesting look, none stand out quite like the plasticine world of Barraka.

Young Ainhoa didn't know what she was getting into with the Barraka fair. What should have been fun and games has turned into a deadly gauntlet full of traps, killer clowns and ghosts, all set in motion by the evil witch that's secretly running the show. Getting out in one piece will mean working with some of the friendlier carnies to find a way through Barraka's killer attractions.

Barraka's primary gameplay is a top-down action/puzzle game, resembling a lot of hybrid puzzle titles from the '90s. Ainhoa collects toys that can be used to solve puzzles and incapacitate or defeat enemies. That's just the core gameplay, though. Many of the attractions feature completely different gameplay styles, such as a driving-oriented bumper cars challenge or a merry-go-round that turns into a horizontally scrolling shooter.

But it's Barraka's visual design that's the most striking aspect. The game employs a blend of different animation techniques to create a world that looks like no other game out there. Most character animations are based on stop motion, but this isn't your old-school claymation - the animations are still fluid, with plenty of detail. The result is a game that feels like it has a material reality beyond the screen.

Barraka is pending a release date.

💻 Created by Zomorro Studio
✍️ Andrew Johnston

Thank you to Berke, Brandon, CT, Cathie, Claire, Geena, Lexi, Nick, Oren, Peter, Troy, Radha, and Wes for supporting independent, cynicism-free games publishing.