Recently, I came across a random Game Pass addition I didn’t know existed. I am talking about a game called McPixel 3. McPixel 3 is a puzzle video game developed by Mikołaj ‘Sos Sosowski’ Kamiński and produced by Devolver Digital. It is the sequel to the 2012 game McPixel and McPixel 3 released in November 2023 last year. I wanted to share some short impressions with everyone before I do a full review at some point.
Gameplay
When it comes to McPixel 3 it’s a point-and-click style game. The game is one big parody of MacGyver with lots of different humor. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it and just tried it on a whim, but it is relaxing and super funny. You guide McPixel (main character) through a bevy of different puzzles using objects to try and “save the day.” These puzzles and objects you used to solve the puzzle can be anything and are usually absurd or just crazy. They are replayable it’s a trial-and-error-based thing. For one example you can pick up a person and use them to beat on some controls of a plane. This is just a small instance as things can get way crazier and more funny.
You can interact with most objects and people. Nothing is funnier than walking up to random people and kicking them or breaking potted plants and plenty more. Similar to its prequel, there are 100 timed levels to complete with over 20 microgames, more than 900 gags, and 1,500 interactive items for players to experience. Each time you solve the puzzle to “save the day” you earn gold coins which allow you the purchase other puzzle scenarios to solve. The gameplay doesn’t seem repetitive and is funny and enjoyable from beginning to end.
Graphics and Audio
McPixel 3’s graphics are exactly as you would think they are. You control McPixel and a pixilated environment and world. The pixelation art style works for this game because of exactly what it is, a pixel-based game. The objects such as the buildings and things in the world like arcades, cars, people, etc complement everything. Music for McPixel 3 is enjoyable and keeps you drawn into whichever puzzle you are trying to solve.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t know what to think when I saw this random game in Game Pass. I was just scrolling and on a whim decided to try it out. What a lot of people will argue is the “Game Pass Effect” because I don’t know if I would have never seen McPixel 3 on the Xbox Store. Even if I did see it, I don’t know if I would have bought it originally, but now I can say I will buy it. Everyone that is interested can enjoy McPixel 3 on all platforms. It has a plethora of positive reviews, and if I gave it a score right now before a full review and completely finishing it I would say it’s 9/10, but that could change by the time I finish.
