Bugsnax Teases Underlying Horror Elements In New Gameplay Trailer

The new gameplay trailer for the upcoming indie title Bugsnax shows how players will trap, collect, and document Bugsnax on their adventure, but it also leans further into the darker narrative hidden behind the colorful and inviting cast of Snaxburg. While a sinister undertone was very lightly teased in the game's announcement trailer, the gameplay trailer also gives a look at the game's storyline which shows the player-character is in pursuit of the dark secrets of Bugsnax.

Bugsnax are half bugs, half snacks which, when eaten, transform a portion of the eater's body into that snack. This bizarre idea has been brought to life by indie studio Young Horses, which is also responsible for creating Octodad. The Bugsnax announcement trailer introduces players to the concept of Bugsnax, which are recently discovered species only found on the island on which the game takes place. All is fun and games until the mayor of Snaxburg sets the town on fire due to his inadequate weenie hands, and the camera documenting the experience is left behind. A few moments later, Bugsnax start to combine with one another to form an angry Bugsnax-Frankenstein, which attacks the camera.

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The incident that closed out the first trailer was enough to peak players' interest, but the Bugsnax gameplay trailer recently released by PlayStation takes this dark narrative a step further. It is quickly revealed the player character is a journalist who wants to go investigate the island of Bugsnax. The player's editor-in-chief, C. Clumby Clumbernut, disapproves of the story entitled "Bugsnax Demystified," and insists that Elizabeth Megafig (the woman inviting people to the island) is a "2-bit con artist."

The next scene shows the journalist ignoring their editor's wishes and visiting Bugsnax island. Upon arrival, the mayor of Snaxburg requests that the player catch Bugsnax in order to bring everyone back to Snaxburg. It's never made clear why everyone left Snaxburg in the first place, but context clues would insinuate that the reason is somewhat sinister. The trailer highlights different characters and methods of catching bugs, and also shows a gentleman who is standing in front of a wall of conspiracy theories, which further implies a darker mystery awaiting the player.

Once again, the ending of the trailer takes a darker turn and gives a glimpse of whatever is haunting the island of Bugsnax. The editor's voice can be heard stating, "Say you do find these Bugsnax and make it back alive, you just might keep your job." She also advises the player not to fall off a cliff right before the player is distracted by a giant flying pizza and - falls off a cliff. The trailers give serious Don't Hug Me I'm Scared vibes as the game is presented as a kid-friendly bug collector, but continues to present these potentially dark narratives. While a bug collecting game could be fun, a more sinister storyline would make Bugsnax a lot more interesting.

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Source: PlayStation/YouTube

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