Papo & Yo
Storytelling Reinvention:
utilizes metaphorical game mechanics and aesthetics to communicate and reinforce a complex relationship between two characters
Game Information
Release Date: August 14th, 2012
Developer(s): Minority
Publisher: Minority
Rating: Everyone 10+
Genre(s): Exploratory, Metaphorical, Role-Playing, Strategy
Price: $14.99
Website: http://www.weareminority.com/papo-yo/
Developed by Vander Cabellero and Montreal-based studio, Minority, Papo & Yo follows Quico, a young Brazilian boy who is taken to a dream-world favela while hiding from his abusive father. Despite many warnings, Quico befriends a docile creature named Monster. Together, they manipulate their surroundings to complete puzzles and befriend other children. Designed with intention by Vander Caballero, Papo & Yo resembles the predicament of dealing with an abusive parent. Similarly, Quico's friend Monster is kind and helpful but can turn into a beast when he chooses to feed his addiction to poisonous frogs. Quico is able to calm Monster by feeding him fruit.
Papo & Yo reinvents storytelling by utilizing metaphorical game mechanics and aesthetics to communicate and reinforce a complex relationship between two characters. To progress, IGN explains that "players will need to learn to use Monster's emotions, both good and bad, to their advantage if they want to complete their search for a cure and save their pal" (1).
Through Papo & Yo, the player begins to understand the complex dynamics of relationships with those consumed by addiction. Papo & Yo features a captivating soundtrack composed by Brian D'Oliveira, available on its own or as a bundle.
References:
1. "Papo & Yo." IGN. Ziff Davis LLC. n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. <http://www.ign.com/games/papo-yo-139039/ps3-110267>
Researcher: Anna Hixon
