Bits and Brews 10/16/22
Welcome welcome once again to the column that attempts to pair video games and craft beer together. What started as a simple writing challenge has morphed into a space to chat about two of my favorite things, video games and good beer. Sometimes retro, sometimes modern, sometimes local, sometimes national, there is something here for every gamer and every drinker. I hope you’ll subscribe, comment, and share.
Finding videogames tied to specific holidays is rather difficult. Finding videogames tied to specific holidays that are enjoyable, well made, and replayable is next to impossible. And it makes sense right? There’s a very fine line to walk when making a game that would encourage players to return year after year, play through to completion, and walk away ultimately satisfied with the experience. Savage Halloween manages to do just that. The story goes that every Halloween, the ghouls and ghosts make their way to earth for a killer dance party, then return through the portal from whence they came. Well, this year, Dracula, who is in charge of said dance party obviously, is having exactly none of that. He decides to keep the party going forever. Our heroes, James the Pumpkin farmer, Lulu the Werewolf, and Dominika the vampire’s daughter, set out to put things right and send the baddies back through the portal. What follows is a gorgeous retro style run ‘n gun game consisting of seven total worlds, six levels per world, huge boss fights, and some tricks and treats thrown in along the way. (A shump level here, a turbo tunnel inspired level there…) The three playable characters are essentially the same with only their stats and special moves varying slightly. Ammo pickups throughout the game add variety to basic run ‘n gun formula like a Contra style spread shot that fires bats or Crash Man inspired chicken combs that stick to surfaces and enemies before they explode. There is just enough challenge to keep the game interesting however, it feels made to complete in one sitting. The music is solid, the controls are tight, and the level design has lots of little references to old school platformers. Savage Halloween is a worthy addition to your gaming library and holiday rotation.
One of the simple joys of Halloween in the Northeast, and other parts of the country I’d imagine but particularly the north eastern United States, is sitting in your driveway with a firepit blazing, spooky music playing, a bowl full of candy waiting to be passed out, and a good beer to keep yo warm. One of the most enjoyable styles for this type of experience is the imperial stout and one of the best versions is brewed by the good people of Clown Shows brewing. Originally released for their second anniversary, Undead Party Crasher has become a yearly, though limited, release. And that’s a good thing. One of the most enjoyable aspects of this hobby of craft beer drinking is the seasonality of it. UPC is not a beer I want to drink in the sweltering summer months. But once the air turns crisp, and the leaves turn to reds and yellows and oranges, and the days get short, there is almost nothing better. While the claim of holy water being used in the brewing is up for debate, cheeky or factual?, the smoked woods used give UPC an almost whiskey like finish that is perfect for those chilly fall nights. All the tasting notes are here with chocolate and coffee and malt and booze and just a bit of hops. It’s a bit on the sweeter side of stouts but does not cross into the pastry stout lane even a smidge. A big boy at 9%, the alcohol is well balanced making Undead Party Crasher a relatively dangerous sipper.
So why these two together? Other than the obvious bit about the story of the game being an undead party and the beer literally being called Undead Party Crasher, these are two experiences that manage to capture the season they are intended for and provide more than enough joy to return to again and again. One of the most enjoyable parts of our collective journey, at least in my opinion, is the observance of tradition and ritual. We mark the passing of time with signature moments and experiences, often shared with friends and family but sometimes solitary, that just feel right at that particular moment. And while the world of craft beer certainly has these moments in spades, the world of video games is sadly lacking by comparison. So, when a game comes along that so expertly captures that moment in time, it adds a spoke to the wheel of tradition. An Undead Party Crasher or two will last you just long enough through Savage Halloween. And another tradition can be observed. So grab a controller and raise a glass and enjoy.
Prost!