Simulator titles have a hardcore following of players thanks to their ultra-realistic approach to many scenarios. However, occasionally, the odd absurd title breaks the mould while receiving cult status. Most famously, the silliness of Goat Simulator has won hearts the world over. So, it comes as no surprise that other developers would try to get their piece of the pie. DEEEER Simulator: Your Average Everyday Deer Game is the latest title to muscle in on this cramped genre. Will it be a flop, or will it be enDEEERing?
Developed by Gibier Games and published by Playism, this is a floppy, physics-inspired simulation title. Thanks to its unusual concept, the developers were free to be as immature as possible, and they were. Therefore, players can expect some nonsensical action that’ll make you chuckle throughout.
DEEEER Simulator is undeniably stupid.
I’m no simulator genre aficionado, but I admit I love to play them. The ability to take on different jobs and lose hours of my life appeals to me. Sometimes, however, I just want a bit of mindless fun, and this is why I enjoyed Totally Reliable Delivery Service and Just Die Already. Sadly, though, I wasn’t so keen on Goat Simulator, so I was a little apprehensive when taking on DEEEER Simulator.
You start the game as a human who bravely saves a deer from almost certain death. Unfortunately, though, this heroic act has dire consequences and your stint as a human is over in the blink of an eye. Luckily, reincarnation is a ‘thing’ as you become a mighty stag. Having been killed in the accident, you are understandably a little peeved. You take your anger out on any human you encounter and this is the core concept behind the game.
A loose story hidden in the madness.
DEEEER Simulator effectively demands that you smash anything in sight. You’ll hit cars with your hoofs, butt buildings with your antlers, and run at humans. Destruction and mayhem are key, and as cars blow up and buildings tumble you will find guns, grenades, and samurai swords. You arm yourself with as many weapons as you can, and continue your destructive spree. The more damage you cause, the more your Deersaster level increases. It is ranked from E to A and each time the gauge is filled, you will face an army of powerful police animals. You’ll battle sheep, polar bears, rabbits, and finally a giant dog. Sadly, though, the waves of enemies don’t pose much of a threat, and within moments the danger is thwarted.
The lack of difficulty never bothered me as I thoroughly enjoyed the madness that ensued. Moreover, I liked how this bizarre title hides a story under all its madness. Hidden around the city are portals and puzzles that must be solved to progress the plot. In true DEEEER Simulator style, unlocking and solving them isn’t straightforward. Whether you must ride a flying cow across the ocean, defeat a giant dog and drag it to a temple, or better a ‘Cursed Deer’ , there is plenty to do. Alongside this, you must overcome a giant fish, dodge the lasers of a building hugging koala, and deerify humans. The latter option was the epitome of stupidity, but I loved it. You can convince your army of humans to destroy the surrounding world, or simply follow you in a groovy dance. It was unnecessary, bizarre, but will make you chuckle repeatedly.
DEEEER Simulator lacks polish, but who cares!
I’m never bothered by graphics, yet I do expect a game to be well optimised. Fortunately, DEEEER Simulator runs smoothly even though its unbearably hectic throughout. With cars moving, police officers chasing you, and buildings falling, there is plenty that can go wrong. Luckily, the developers prioritised performance over beauty. This doesn’t mean that the game looks awful. No, it’s simply very dated and looks similar to Goat Simulator. It utilises vivid colours, basic structures and rudimentary character models. Subsequently, it won’t win an award for style but it is perfectly serviceable.
So, I wasn’t amazed by the visuals, but I never expected to be. Luckily, the audio fares much better! The ear-piercing sound effects are loud, crass, and match the actions wonderfully. These brain-rattling noises are complemented beautifully by the high-energy soundtrack. Furthermore, it’s a wonderful experience to shoot and trample your enemies as hard-hitting tunes play out. The developers balanced the audio and the action perfectly to enhance the hectic madness.
Simple to pick up and play.
DEEEER Simulator is so easy that a child could play it. This is fortunate as my kids found it hilarious from start to finish. Its immature humour and softcore violence won’t be for everyone, but kids will adore it. Furthermore, the simple and responsive controls make this a pleasure to play and easy to pick up. Subsequently, you’ll be a badass deer who kills everyone before you know it.
It’s fair to say that destroying everything in sight does become tedious. However, while it’s fun, it is hilarious. I loved increasing my Deersaster levels, finding secrets, and solving the puzzles. Furthermore, the story is both bizarre and enDEEEERing and it kept me interested throughout. It does have limited longevity and replay value, but the developers have added DLC to counter this. Moreover, a moderate achievement list will keep you entertained long after the story is completed.
DEEEER Simulator is nonsensical but great fun.
I question the accuracy that this is indeed a real to life simulation of a deer’s existence. However, I could be wrong and every deer roams the plains like Rambo. If you can accept the bizarre and nonsensical manner at which the action unfolds, you’ll discover a hilarious and hectic game. Its strange story is hidden under the layers of madness, but it’s there if you look hard enough. Free to play on Game Pass, you have nothing to lose except maybe your sanity. I enjoyed it and I recommend you to buy it here! Will you be a peaceful, loving deer, or will you get revenge against mankind? Grab some guns, and cause some DEEEERsaster.
