FixFox Review

Developer: Rendlike

Publisher: Joystick Ventures

Release date: March 31st, 2022

Price: $14.99

Platform: Windows/Steam (reviewed)

FixFox is the story of the predictably named Vix your POV character. Vix is a far-future human-fox genetic hybrid created as a counter to climate change, rather than being the product of a furry convention gotten out of hand. Vix ends up stranded on the planet Karamel which is surprisingly not at the center of a tootsie pop, and must accomplish the usual contrived Sci-Fi tropes to escape, and of course uncovers a greater mystery to solve along the way while dodging space pirates. I am being a bit flippant (yes, this is my idea of “a bit”) about the story because the story is not the game's strong point. That said, the story is only the framework for the game, and here is where Fixfox begins to stand out.

The Future is now with Jalapeno Banana Doughnut.

The narrative is quite linear and largely delivered via dialogue with various machines. As stated, the story is nothing new, but the dialog is well written and sometimes funny. Unlike many adventure games where the conversations with various NPCs are about as engaging as trying to talk to Siri, FixFox manages to make these more unique and interesting. The dialogue is usually rather casual, such as chats with Tin (your sentient toolbox) during meals, each bite prompting more dialogue that adds to the laid-back interlude.

Okay, now that I have abused the story a bit and patted the dialogue on the head, what is the actual game like? The introduction is a comprehensive tutorial of the game's mechanics and controls, which are refreshingly intuitive. Vix must travel around Karamel on some kind of space scooter, exploring and wait for it, fixing and crafting things which requires tools and materials that must be gathered by receiving rewards for completing jobs, finding pirate stashes and purchased from traders. Refreshingly this is not the usual “find the tri-wing Philips screwdriver to repair the MacBook,” you will need to MacGyver your way through conducting repairs with an assortment of available objects such as a spatula for a screwdriver and a plaster for electrical tape. Annoyingly, though, when you find a new item, you must take it to an oracle for identification before it can be used even if you darned well know it’s a spatula.

Annoyingly the maps is only accessible from the scooter.

This isn’t without a bit of menace though; pirates don’t like you looting their stashes and will turn up if you get too bold, when this happens they will (wait for it) loot your inventory in reprisal. Further complicating your life, Karamel’s natives believe that repair things is blasphemous. Not only is this a bit of a pain, it turns out they are correct as fixing too many things will result in the arrival of another set of foes called “The Order” who will also (wait for it) loot your inventory as revenge for your impiety. Other more complex items like brushes can only be obtained as rewards for completing jobs, which almost disappointingly produces neither pirates nor blasphemy charges.

As previously stated, the main story in FixFox is linear, but this is redeemed a bit by opportunities to explore the sizable map which has a fair number of characters to talk to, jobs to complete, and of course stashes to loot and machines to repair. The game also features puzzles as you proceed, giving you some variation to the otherwise linear game-play.

I said the toolbox was sentient, not agreeable.

The music is an acquired taste, resembling the guitar and synth heavy soundtrack from a 80s Sci-fi B-Movie but honestly is well done and relaxing for the most part, it can get more moody or atmospheric if the scene requires. Sound effects are well implemented, particularly the mechanical noises which vary in volume as appropriate, which can occasionally startle the player. Art is consistent with the pixelated retro style now fashionable and well done if unremarkable, except to say it is impressive to see this level of detail from a a solo developer who obviously worked their tail off.

Bottom line, FixFox is a well-executed non-violent adventure game with decent art, music, and game-play. It is laid-back and relaxing, and I found it a nice occasional counterbalance to my usual habit Valheim. The developer successfully mixes elements from multiple genres, and most people will find it entertaining.

A special shout-out to the multi-talented developer, Jaroslav Meloun (aka Rendlike) This is quite the project for a solo developer and while there are things I like and things I don’t about the title, I am personally impressed by their work.

The Good:

Laid-back
Solid game-play
Strong dialogue

The Bad:

Maybe too Laid-back
Story is formulaic
Lack of obvious furry puns

FixFox (PC) Review