Deep words play puzzle game "BABA IS YOU" with a simple rule

　This time, I will introduce a puzzle game "BABA IS YOU" with a 2D viewpoint.A unique game system has been a hot topic, and has won many awards at the 2020 Game Designers Awards for the Japan Game Awards 2020 and overseas game events.Currently on sale on Steam, it can be purchased at Nintendo Switch.

　The history of puzzle games on a PC is quite old, and some of them take advantage of the actions such as collecting gold nuggets in the field and heading for the goal like "LODE RUNNER".There are a wide variety of things, such as moving the luggage in the warehouse to the predetermined position."TETRIS", which gains score by arranging blocks that fall from above, established a new genre called falling puzzle.

　These puzzles are all common.That means the rules are decided in advance.In the first place, there is no game without rules, and players cannot change the rules.

　"BABA IS" introduced this time, a revolutionary puzzle game that opened a new frontier by confronting such a matter of course and opening a new "rule" to "change the rules in the game while playing game play".It's you ".Let's play it immediately to see what kind of puzzle game the player is easily overturned the common sense of the player.

シンプルなタイトル画面ステージ内にクリア条件などすべてのゲームルールが表示され、これらルールを変えてクリアを目指すユニークなシステムだステージを進めていくと、どんどん新たなオブジェクトやルールの文言が増えていく

　The rules of the game of this work are very simple, and the main character "BABA" is operated by the player (You) to meet the victory conditions (Win) for each stage and aim for clearing.That's all."BABA" is a mysterious white animal with a four -legged four -legged walking, and is expressed in a simple dot picture.

　The screen is a 2D -looking perspective, with rivers flowing in the stage, walls and rocks are placed, blocking the "BABA".Apart from these easy -to -understand objects, it is clearly different from the objects of words written.It can be seen that these are in English by arranging them in the vertical and horizontal.For example, three objects, "BABA", "IS", and "You", are "Baba IS YOU" (BABA is you).Other objects such as "Flag IS Win" (flag wins), "Wall is Stop" (walls stop), and "ROCK IS PUSH" (rock is pressed) can be found.

　The English sentences that connect the objects with this character are all "rules" in this stage.And the biggest point of this work, the unique point is that you can freely change the rules by moving the objects of words that make up the English sentences of this rule.In other words, it is a very unique point that the rules are aimed at clearing the stage by changing the rules to a convenient content for players (You), which is a gimmick for puzzles.

　By the way, all these rules use English words, but I don't care much if I'm not good at English.It should be noted that the vertical and horizontal arrangement is more important, and the rules will not be effective unless they are arranged in a form that can be read properly, from top to bottom or left to right.

画面設定では、画面上の演出のオン/オフやフィールドのグリッド表示、ズームのオン/オフなどが設定できるズームモードをオフにした状態では、小さなステージの場合でも画面中央に等倍でオブジェクトが表示されるズームモードをオンにするとこうした小さなステージの場合は拡大表示するようになる言語設定はデフォルトは英語でメニューの日本語表示にも対応する。ただしゲーム内のルールに使用するオブジェクトはアルファベットのままだ英語設定の場合のみ、表示のフォントがゲーム内と統一された物になる日本語表示ではかなりカッチリしたフォントが使われるので文字が読みやすい

　Anyway, it's quick to play, so let's start playing immediately.The settings can be adjusted not only in the language, but also in various productions such as shaking the screen.Objects in the game remain English words, but menu screens are Japanese.The operation is only the cursor movement on the up, down, left and right, and in the keyboard operation, it is returned from the beginning of the stage with the "R" key, and the "Z" key is rewinded.By hitting the "Z" key repeatedly, it is possible to return one step at a time to the beginning of the stage.

　After the game starts, you will enter the tutorial stage after a simple opening movie.In this stage, there are three rocks (Rock) in the center, and there are walls (WALL) on the top and bottom, which cannot be escaped here.The rock can be pressed (Push), pushing the rock, shifting it, and moving to the flag (flag) to clear the stage.

　If you judge only the information on the screen normally, you will see the above play, but if you look closely at this screen, you can see that there is no wall at both ends.In other words, it is possible to rotate to the other side of the wall.Therefore, even if you do not press the rock, you can go around the wall and head to the flag.

　It is also important to experience the rule modification here.For example, if you press the "Wall" character object up and down here, this operation will release the "Wall is Stop" rule, so that the wall can be slipped through.Furthermore, the object of "Wall" is replaced with "Baba" of "Baba is you" above to make "Wall is you".Then, the entire wall in the screen starts to move by cursor operation.

　It is also possible to replace the "Flag" of the victory.For example, if the object of "Wall" is replaced with FLAG and "WALL IS Win", the stage will be cleared when you touch the wall.By changing the rules in this way, the point of this work is to make it possible to clear even a stage that can not be cleared normally.

チュートリアルでは、基本的な操作やルールが確認できる。まずは壁の両端が塞がれていないので、そこからルールのオブジェクトに直接移動できることに気が付けるかがポイントだ。「WALL IS STOP」のルールを解除することで、壁の中も普通に歩けるようになるチュートリアルでは是非「WALL」になって動き回ってみてほしい。画面のように「BABA IS YOU」を「WALL IS YOU」に変更することで、壁自体が自分となるため、すべての壁が同時にカーソル操作で動くようになる「FLAG IS WIN」の勝利条件を「BABA IS WIN」に変更、「FLAG IS YOU」に変更することで、FLAGを動かしてBABAに触れることでゲームクリアとなった。勝利条件すら変更することを考慮してプレイする。とにかく変更可能なルールは色々試していくことが本作の最大のコツといえる

　As for the precautions in this work, the objects with only letters are the subject, and the objects that are filled with the background are supplemented, and only IS connects them.It's a point.By using "AND", multiple objects can be specified in the same subject or multiple complements can be set for one subject.And since these sentences are formed both sideways and vertical, the rules are applied at the same time as the sentence is established.

　In addition, objects that are not specified by the rules will not change or restrict the actions on the screen, such as touching and pressing, but the objects that formulate the rules can always be pressed, and "Sink".It sinks under the influence of (sinking).On the other hand, "Defeat" (defeat) has different effects of objects depending on the wording of the rules, such as no influence on the player (You).

　Regarding the unwanted game mechanisms around here, it is better to proceed with various try -and -error.All rules in the stage are located in the stage, and the rules that cannot be changed on the stage are placed in a position where players can not reach.Therefore, it is important to determine what the rules that can be changed immediately after the stage starts.

　And the rule modification occurs when the object moves.Therefore, when creating the "Wall is you" sentence described above, if you shift "BABA" before this, the game will not continue at the moment of shifting.This is because the existence of the player (You) is gone due to the rules.In this case, you can resume the game by retry with an R key or one step back with the Z key.It is important to note that the subject must be replaced in one step only when changing the target of the player (You).

　In addition, it is difficult to notice if it is only a tutorial, but in this work, there is only a movement operation, so it is inevitable that "pull" or "grab" can be performed.While playing halfway, there are two rules for "Push" and "Move", and the objects formulated with "Push" can be moved by pressing, and "Move".The formulated object is moved up and down or left and right for each action here.

「BABA IS YOU」と「WALL IS STOP」の2つのルールが設定されたステージ。このままだと壁は抜けられない上に、そもそも勝利条件が確定していない「WALL」の単語をズラすことで壁が何の影響ももたらさなくなるため、あとはやりたい放題だ。そこで壁に触れたらクリアになるように「WALL IS WIN」の勝利条件を設定し、おまけにプレイヤーの操作オブジェクトを「BABA」ではなく、「FLAG」にしてみた。あとはカーソルで旗を移動して壁に触れればクリアとなる1つの「IS」を2つのルールで使用する分かりやすい例がこちら。このステージはよく見ると、操作できるオブジェクトがルールの文字オブジェクトのみで、さらに「FLAG」と「WIN」しかなく、「IS」が足りないため、そのままだと勝利条件のルールが策定できないため、「BABA IS YOU」のISを中心に縦読みと横読みで2つのルールを同時に策定する骸骨オブジェクトの「SKULL」は「DEFEAT」のルールが策定されており、そのままBABAを激突させると消滅させられてしまう。ところが岩のオブジェクトは対象になっていないため、PUSH可能な岩を押し込むことでルールを解除してしまえばクリアは容易だ

　Based on the above rules, if you continue playing this work, the stage is made with this rule modification, so it is not possible to clear the rules without changing the rules like the previous tutorial.The possible stages will continue, and some stages will gradually seem to be impossible just by modifying the rules.

　However, by changing the position of the object and changing the rules each time, it may gradually approach the purpose, so it is very pleasant to pack it little by little for such clearing.

　This work can usually be cleared with actions such as trying to do various things, and if you can't do it, rewind in steps and search for other things you can do.At first, the selection stage is limited, but in the second half, it is possible to challenge another stage for a change of mind without sticking to one stage, so stress is Oita.It will be reduced.

　The stage selection is a format where you can select the stage you want to go from the map screen, and a new stage is released by clearing the stage.By collecting multiple "cotton hair of dandelions" that can be obtained when clearing the stage, there are stages that are released by collecting multiple flowers by gathering multiple flowers.Each stage has a theme, and you can check it when selecting the stage.

本作ではマップ画面が用意され、ステージをクリアすることで行ける場所を増やしていく。マップ上にあるクラゲのマークや島のマークなどは別のマップが用意されており、それらマップ内のステージを一定数クリアすることで、メインマップで行ける場所が解放されていく。トータルのステージ数はかなり多い湖のマップでは、カニなどの水棲生物のオブジェクトが新たに登場する島のマップでは新たに「FLOAT」(浮遊)のルールが新たに追加される島のマップの最初のステージは「FLOAT」(浮遊)のルールをステージ内で解説するチュートリアルのようなステージだ。「BABA IS FLOAT」が変更不能な左端に設定されており、このまま進めるとゲームがクリアできない。なぜならBABAが浮いてしまっているため、そのままだと旗に触れられないのだ。正解はいくつかあるが、ポイントは「BABA IS FLOAT」だが、逆に言えば「BABA」以外は浮いていないという点だ

　As you can see, this work is a unique device that makes you want to proceed on the stage anyway.In particular, it is interesting that the types of objects and rules are increasing rapidly.The "lake" stage has objects and rules related to aquatic creatures and water.For example, in the first stage of the lake, "Cold Water", "Flag is Win", "Jelly is Sink", and "Wall is Stop" are fixed, and "BABA IS YOU AND SINK" at the bottom of the center.It seems that only the rules can be changed.In addition, water is flowing in the center of the screen, and if you try to pass this with the same rules, the SINK rule is applied and sinks.There is also a Wall character object in Nakase of the river.

　In this case, only the central rule "BABA IS YOU AND SINK" can change, so first release "SINK".As a result, there was no need to worry about sinking in the water.However, it is difficult from here.When "BABA is you and wall", "BABA" suddenly became a wall and became unable to move.Because "BABA" has changed to "Wall", the "BABA" corresponding to YOU is gone.

　Then I try to rule "Wall is you", but in this case, there is no way to replace "Baba" objects and "Wall".In addition, I try to modify the rules using AND, but none of them work.So, when I hit the "Wall" object to "Jelly" as it was, the object sank and filled one "Jelly".As a result, we reached the flag and cleared the stage.I wrote in the above -mentioned explanation that I could sink the character object, but I noticed it while playing this stage.

変更可能なルールが「BABA IS YOU AND SINK」のみ。変更不可のルールで「JELLY IS SINK」があるため、JELLYのどこかを埋めないとステージがクリアできないが、PUSHできるオブジェクトが存在しない。色々ルール改変を試みようとするが、どれもうまくいかないため、一か八かWALLの文字オブジェクトをそのまま「JELLY」にぶつけてみたところ見ことに「JELLY」に「WALL」の文字が沈んで埋められたため、FLAGに到達してクリアできた。川のオブジェクトについてのルールの記載がなかったり、文字オブジェクトの扱いの説明が不足しているなど、細かいツッコミどころは多数あるので、実際のトライアンドエラーは重要だ本作のユニークなところは同じようなオブジェクト構成のステージであっても、ルール1つ変わることで、攻略パターンも全く別の物に変化することだろう。分かりやすい例として、このステージはルールの文言オブジェクトを示す「TEXT」が「FLOAT」(浮遊)している。そのため、「ROCK IS PUSH」の文字オブジェクトを水に沈めて埋めることができない。このステージはそのまま岩を沈めて水を埋めることでクリアできる見た目はほぼ同じだが今度は「ROCK IS FLOAT」となっており、このルールにより岩が浮いているため、岩を使って水を埋められない。この場合は、「ROCK IS PUSH」の文字オブジェクトで水を埋めればクリアできる

　In the latter half, you need techniques such as converting objects and techniques such as the emphasis on rules.For example, when the rule of "Baba is crab" occurs, "Baba" changes to "crab", and all "Baba" in the stage becomes "crab".Therefore, if the rules of "Baba is you" are not changed, the games will not be able to continue any more because the object corresponding to the player will be absent at that time.On the other hand, if there is a rule of "Crab is you" before, multiple crabs will be able to move at the same time, so even if the object disappears by colliding with "SINK" or "DEFEAT", it will collide.An unusual object will survive.

　Also, if the rule of "Baba is baba" is prepared before generating the rules of "Baba is crab", even if the rule of "Baba is crab" is then formulated, the "Baba is crab" rule is set earlier.Baba is baba has a priority, so BABA can continue the game without changing CRAB.The change of such an idea is necessary every time the stage progresses.

このステージでは「BABA IS YOU AND OPEN」のルールと、1つのFLAG、1つのKEY、そして「FLAG」と「KEY」の文字オブジェクトが配置されていた。そこで「IS」を利用して「FLAG IS KEY」のルールを策定してKEYを2つにしてから「KEY IS YOU AND OPEN」のルールに変更する。この変更により、2つのキーが等間隔のまま移動できるようになるので、2つのうち1つのキーを犠牲にして水を埋めて穴を作り、そこから「WIN」の文字オブジェクトを取り出してクリアできたルール変更不可のエリアに「BABA IS YOU」があるため、普通に「BABA IS CRAB」のルールを設定してしまうと、その瞬間、BABAがすべて「CRAB」になってしまい、続行不能となる。そこで「BABA IS BABA」のルールを先に設定することで、後から設定した「BABA IS CRAB」が無効になるようにすることで、「CRAB」の文字オブジェクトを奥まで運べるようになる本作を象徴するようなシンプルなルール設定のみのステージ。見た目からは壁が通れず、「BABA IS YOU」と「FLAG IS WIN」の2つのルールのみが変更可能の状況だが、答えは非常にシンプル。勝利条件を「BABA」に変えるだけだ。ただそのまま変えるとYOUが外れてしまうため、「IS」と「WIN」をそれぞれ「BABA」の下に配置してやればいい

　This work is a very simple rule, but it is a title that reminded that the possibility of the game is still infinite.The idea of deciding on the rules in the stage using the text objects is a little idea, but it has not been in the world, or it has not been well made up of ideas, or cannot be spread.That's why I feel the possibility that there are still many such buried ideas in the game world.

　What I was a little worried about was that when I was boiled down, I felt that there was a mechanism to go to various stages a little more due to a change.In the case of this work, if you do not flash the arrangement of the object, you may not be able to move forward, no matter how long you play.I think it would have been more likely to be more addictive if there were a few more gimmicks that could play another stage by playing another stage.

　This work, which has a simple rule, is a light content that can be easily played even if you do not usually play games such as games.Why don't you play in between things and change your ideas?

　The operating environment is also a very light one of this time.Therefore, even if there is no environment such as a gaming PC, it can be easily played using a notebook PC at hand.This time, the frame rate and load were measured using the "ThinkPad X1 Nano", but the frame rate was always 60 fps, the CPU load was always around 20%, and the GPU load was maintained less than 30%.Since there was almost no load, it was possible to play comfortably, so it seems that it will work lightly on a notebook PC equipped with a CPU of a little older generation.

スペック要件(最低)OS:Windows 7CPU:2.0GHz以上、32bitからOKRAM:1GBGPU:NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT/AMD Radeon X1300/Intel HD 3000以上ストレージ:200MBサウンドカード: Intel High Definition Audio今回プレイした環境CPU:Core i7-1160G7RAM:DDR4 16GBGPU:Intel Iris Xe Graphicsストレージ:256GB SSD(NVMe/PCIe)TigerLake環境でのゲームプレイ中のグラフの様子。フレームレートは常時60fpsでGPU負荷は30%前後。CPU負荷は20%前後とほとんど負荷が気にならないレベルで快適に動作した歯車のようなCOGはPUSH可能なオブジェクトだ。これを先に消滅させたいSKULLに重ねて置いてから、縦のルール追加で「COG IS SINK」を策定してやることで、COGを重ねたSKULLが消滅する。SKULLは「DEFEAT」のルールがあるため、移動したり触れることができないので、このような発想が重要になってくる移動不可能な壁面に設置された「WALL IS STOP」のルール。これを解除するのは普通の移動では難しかったが、「BABA IS YOU」と「KEKE IS PUSH」を同時に策定して、KEKEを押して「WALL IS STOP」の文字オブジェクトに重ねるあとは「KEKE IS YOU」にルール変更することで、KEKEを動かすと「WALL」と「IS STOP」を切り離すことができるため、壁を自由に抜けられるようになる