Summary
- Release Year: 2015
- Genres: Adventure, Indie, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Tin Man Games
- Publishers: Tin Man Games
To Be or Not to Be: A Hilarious and Innovative Twist on Shakespeare’s Hamlet
Released in 2015, To Be or Not to Be is a chooseable-path edition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that injects fresh and often hilarious new life into the classic play. The game was developed by Ryan North, the creator of the popular webcomic Dinosaur Comics, and is available on iOS, Android, and PC.
Gameplay
To Be or Not to Be follows the story of Hamlet, Ophelia, and Hamlet Sr. as they navigate the treacherous world of Elsinore Castle. Players are presented with a series of choices that determine the course of the story. These choices can lead to a variety of different outcomes, including Hamlet’s death, Ophelia’s madness, or even the overthrow of Claudius.
The game is full of humor and wit, and North’s writing is sharp and clever. The game also features a number of anachronisms, such as references to modern pop culture and technology. These anachronisms add to the game’s humor and make it more accessible to modern audiences.
Characters
The characters in To Be or Not to Be are all well-developed and relatable. Hamlet is a complex and tragic figure, but he is also capable of great humor and self-awareness. Ophelia is a strong and independent woman, and she is not afraid to speak her mind. Hamlet Sr. is a wise and loving father, but he is also haunted by the ghost of his murdered brother.
Themes
To Be or Not to Be explores a number of themes, including the nature of death, the power of love, and the importance of choice. The game also examines the nature of reality and the role of the audience in shaping the story.
Critical Reception
To Be or Not to Be received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its humor, wit, and innovative gameplay. Many critics also praised North’s writing, calling it “sharp” and “clever.”
Awards
To Be or Not to Be won a number of awards, including the 2016 Webby Award for Best Mobile Game. The game was also nominated for a BAFTA Games Award for Best Mobile Game.
Conclusion
To Be or Not to Be is a hilarious and innovative take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The game’s clever writing, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-play for fans of Shakespeare, interactive fiction, and comedy.
Additional Information
- Developer: Ryan North
- Publisher: Choice of Games
- Release Date: 2015
- Platforms: iOS, Android, PC
- Genre: Chooseable-path adventure
- Setting: Elsinore Castle
- Characters: Hamlet, Ophelia, Hamlet Sr., Claudius, Gertrude, Polonius, Rosencrantz, Guildenstern
- Themes: Death, love, choice, reality, audience
Hashtags: #Shakespeare #Hamlet #ChooseablePath #InteractiveFiction #Humor #Wit #Innovation
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
