The game that most people associate with Terry Cavanagh often varies based on their age. For many, including myself, Super Hexagon stands out prominently. This is largely due to its release coinciding with my final year in college, where it served as a delightful distraction from my academic responsibilities. Even now, the memories of playing this game evoke images of my college library, where I often indulged in this engaging escape from study sessions that frequently stretched longer than intended.
If you have a different frame of reference, you might be more acquainted with Dicey Dungeons. Or perhaps you are familiar with the intricacies of VVVVVV, a title that poses a challenge to pronounce. For those who have yet to experience any of these three remarkable games developed by Cavanagh, there’s some exciting news: your opportunity to dive into them has arrived. It’s highly recommended that you explore at least one, if not all three, of these outstanding titles before considering Terry’s Other Games.
### An Exploration of Terry’s Other Games
Terry’s Other Games offers a compilation of concepts that range from fully developed to unfinished ideas. Each piece is accompanied by commentary from Cavanagh that sheds light on his creative intentions. This collection includes works that were previously available for free on his website or released during game jams. The purpose of this compilation is not only to preserve these creations—some of which may no longer function on contemporary systems—but also to provide insight into the creative journey of the developer. As I engaged with this anthology, I was reminded of George Saunders’ book A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, which offers a deep dive into the art of writing through the lens of classic Russian literature.
### A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: A Literary Parallel
The complete title of Saunders’ work is A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life. For those unfamiliar, Saunders, a notable American humorist, discusses his appreciation for four specific stories by renowned authors Chekhov, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Gogol. While readers are encouraged to engage with these stories, the primary allure lies in Saunders’ commentary that provides insights into his writing philosophy, even if some of the stories may not resonate as strongly.
A similar experience awaits in Terry’s Other Games. Just as Saunders offers his reflections on the Russian literary giants, this compilation may not hold much value for those who aren’t already fans of Cavanagh. However, for devoted followers and those intrigued by the art of game creation, this collection serves as an intimate look into a creator’s thought process, akin to rifling through someone’s personal notebook.
### A Glimpse into the Games
The anthology features a mix of successful and less successful titles. One standout, Tiny Heist, is an entertaining gem theft simulator that can be played for free right now. It possesses a quirky sense of humor in its world-building, which Cavanagh notes adds a touch of magic, as if “a game with the ghost of another game living inside of it.” Then, there’s Naya’s Quest, an isometric puzzle adventure where the apparent ground is deceptive. Players must toggle a scanner to reveal hidden layers, drawing from an aesthetic reminiscent of 8-bit games. Initially, I found its controls challenging and its mechanics puzzling, but soon, I found myself captivated. I agree with Cavanagh’s assessment that after years of refining this game, he has finally allowed players to enjoy the experience.
### The Experience of Playing
Engaging with Terry’s Other Games is reminiscent of an eclectic compilation like UFO 50. What you encounter here isn’t a singular experience but a variety of games, each accompanied by a narrative about their creator. While some may argue that certain titles in UFO 50 lack excitement, I must point out that in Terry’s Other Games, there are indeed games that fall flat, with some not being enjoyable at all. In fairness, these are part of a section humorously titled “Terry’s Trainwrecks.” For example, Radio Silence is audibly jarring enough to make even my dog leave the room, while the visually chaotic memrrtiks, suashem comes with Cavanagh’s own admission that he aimed to create something distinctly unpleasant.
### Final Thoughts on Terry’s Other Games
Despite the mixed experiences, I found myself charmed by Terry’s Other Games. While the gameplay duration is brief, those interested in witnessing the evolution of an artist’s work will find this collection to be an insightful glimpse into the highs and lows of the creative process. Cavanagh even shares a game he developed as a teenager, which I would hesitate to showcase from my own past, highlighting his willingness to expose his artistic journey.
Ultimately, this anthology is best suited for existing fans. However, if you count yourself among them, you will appreciate the rare access to Cavanagh’s creative evolution. It takes a unique blend of confidence and humility to reveal unfinished projects. Now, we can only hope that his next commercial endeavor is on the horizon. Terry’s Other Games was made available on February 13 for Windows PC, and the review was conducted using a code provided by Cavanagh.
