Open world game design has never been my cup of tea; I tend to get easily lost. This preference for retro games over modern titles likely roots back to the advanced hardware better suited for expansive environments. Unfortunately, this sentiment might not bode well for “Chantey,” the recent release for Chromatic, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color, touted as an open world rhythm game set during the Golden Age of Piracy in the Caribbean.
That said, the concept is intriguing! The world of “Chantey” is enjoyable. The pirate antics are playful without veering into absurdity. The idea of engaging in pirate battles through rhythm-based shanties, like the classic “What Would You Do with a Drunken Sailor?”, is both creative and entertaining. Surprisingly, the Game Boy hardware manages rhythm gameplay much better than expected. Although the sync may falter at times, the game’s forgiving nature allows for smooth progression. For those seeking a challenge, there’s a harder difficulty level available.
However, the open world aspect leaves much to be desired. Beyond the main and side quests, there is a lack of engaging activities in “Chantey.” With the primary instruction being to visit major ports to recruit your crew, players can easily find themselves wandering aimlessly. The initial quest in Havana is straightforward due to its scripted nature. However, the stealth portions can feel unintuitive, and I experienced a frustrating softlock during a screen transition where my character vanished.
Oddly enough, my unfortunate luck led me to Havana last. The quests in Maracaibo and Tortuga had their own set of issues. In Maracaibo, a cash bribe was required for the quest, but this was only communicated if you already had sufficient funds. As for Tortuga, I had no clear idea on triggering the quest, despite hearing NPCs mention a buccaneer’s impending execution. My efforts to interact with an NPC led to yet another softlock, leaving me stuck and frustrated.
The Havana quest also has its quirks, as it culminates in reaching an unmarked island. While I was fortunate to learn this from a bartender, I still needed to consult a real-world map to find it. This highlights why many Game Boy titles shied away from open world designs and eight-directional movement, often leading to such frustrating bugs.
While I feel harsh critiquing “Chantey,” which has the potential for greatness, it seems ModRetro rushed its release instead of allowing for additional playtesting. This game is difficult to recommend, especially considering my struggles with vague event triggers. After pestering NPCs multiple times, the charm of the witty dialogue fades when all I crave are clearer hints.
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Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
