Bigfoot Life is an ambitious indie game that invites players to live life as the legendary creature itself. Developed by a small family team at Planet 47 Games, the game combines survival mechanics, creative exploration, and a touch of humor, offering a fresh take on the simulator genre. While the game has faced its share of development challenges, including significant health issues for lead developer Wes, it remains a heartfelt project full of promise and originality.
What Is Bigfoot Life?
Bigfoot Life places you in the shoes—or rather, the massive feet—of Bigfoot, exploring a richly detailed forest filled with opportunities for adventure, survival, and mischief. Players can catch fish, forage for mushrooms, build shelters, scare off wildlife, and even interact with other Bigfoot. With its charming blend of survival elements and quirky tasks, the game aims to provide an immersive experience that appeals to a wide range of players.
Unlike many other simulator games, Bigfoot Life emphasizes freedom and creativity, allowing players to choose their own path through its three distinct game modes: Normal, Survival, and Free Roam.
Key Features That Set Bigfoot Life Apart
1. Three Engaging Game Modes
- Normal Mode: Take on tasks, level up your Bigfoot character, and ultimately attract a mate. This mode balances survival gameplay with the goal of growing your Bigfoot community.
- Survival Mode: Test your endurance by avoiding humans, maintaining hunger and thirst levels, and surviving the elements for as long as possible.
- Free Roam Mode: Embrace the ultimate sandbox experience. Players can roam the forest without worrying about survival mechanics, experiment with Bigfoot skills, and even control the weather.
2. Bigfoot Skills and Customization
Players can unlock unique abilities, such as:
- Bigfoot Vision: Sharpen your senses to navigate the forest.
- Speed and Climbing: Move quickly and access hard-to-reach areas.
- Fog Creation: Use the weather to your advantage.
- Bigfoot Healing: Aid injured animals, showcasing Bigfoot’s compassionate side.
Additionally, you can customize your Bigfoot’s appearance, creating a unique look for your character.
3. A Dynamic Forest Ecosystem
The game’s forest setting features dynamic weather, changing seasons, and a realistic day-night cycle. Players can interact with the environment by catching fish, foraging for food, building shelters, and even scaring off wildlife. Humans also pose a threat, as Bigfoot hunters seek to photograph you and prove your existence—unless you steal their gear first!
4. Interactions With Humans and Other Bigfoot
Bigfoot Life introduces an interesting social element, allowing you to become friends with a human or interact with other Bigfoot. These connections bring depth to the gameplay, adding moments of humor and emotional resonance.
The Challenges Behind Development
The story behind Bigfoot Life’s development is as heartfelt as the game itself. Lead developer Wes, who works alongside his family under Planet 47 Games, has faced significant health challenges, including a rare disease called VEXAS and blood cancer. As a result, he will soon undergo a life-saving bone marrow transplant, which will temporarily slow development on the game.
Despite these difficulties, Wes remains committed to completing Bigfoot Life. With the support of a small team of developers, work on the game continues even during his recovery. In a recent update, Wes expressed gratitude to fans for their patience and shared plans to release a demo soon.
“I think having players be able to play at least a small portion of the game will be really helpful,” Wes said. “The scope of the game may have to be reduced, but the game will be finished and released.”
A Glimpse at the Demo and Future Updates
The upcoming demo aims to showcase a small map that highlights the game’s features. Players can expect to try out tasks, explore the forest, and get a taste of the dynamic gameplay that Bigfoot Life promises. The demo will also serve as a valuable tool for gathering feedback, helping the team polish the game further.
While the development scope may be adjusted to ensure a timely release, Wes and his team are committed to delivering a high-quality product. The demo will likely offer a preview of the three game modes, allowing players to experience the game’s charm and mechanics firsthand.
Why Bigfoot Life Stands Out
In a gaming landscape dominated by high-octane shooters and battle royales, Bigfoot Life offers a refreshing alternative. Its focus on creativity, exploration, and family-friendly gameplay makes it a standout title. The game’s blend of survival mechanics and whimsical Bigfoot antics ensures a unique experience that appeals to players of all ages.
Moreover, the heartfelt story behind its development adds an extra layer of significance. Wes and his family have poured their passion into this project, and their dedication shines through in every feature.
A Game With Heart
Bigfoot Life is more than just a simulator—it’s a labor of love from a family that’s faced its share of challenges. With its engaging gameplay, unique premise, and commitment to player freedom, the game has the potential to be a standout title in the indie scene.
While development has been slowed by health and funding challenges, Wes and his team remain steadfast in their mission to complete the game. The upcoming demo will give players a chance to experience the magic of Bigfoot Life firsthand and offer valuable feedback to help shape its future.
Are you ready to step into the legendary feet of Bigfoot and explore the forest? Stay tuned for updates on the Bigfoot Life demo, and keep an eye on this heartfelt indie project that’s as unique as the creature it’s based on.
Follow the game’s progress and updates on the Planet 47 Games website and wishlist Bigfoot Life on Steam.
