Reviewing League of Enthusiastic Losers was a bit tough for me as I was torn on my thoughts about the game. Initially, I was harsh in my criticism, but my intuition told me to do some research on the developer first. As it turns out, I was right to do so because Yan Basharin was only a student when he developed the game, and this game was his diploma project and took two years to complete:
“I want people to feel at home. And safe. And I don't even know what I want them to take away. It is a small silly game after all, just have a nice time.”
With this in mind, I feel it would be unfair to judge a game that didn't have the same level of support as most labels. As a student developer, Basharin likely had limited resources and time to work on League of Enthusiastic Losers, and it is important to consider this when evaluating the game.
League of Enthusiastic Losers is a game about self-care, friendship, and not letting others define you as a loser. Set in Moscow, the game follows Vitya and Volodya as they navigate through challenges and learn the importance of supporting each other.
Vitya and Volodya are two best friends who find themselves in a difficult situation when they are faced with eviction from their apartment due to non-payment. With no money to pay the rent, the friends decide to search for treasure while also going about their daily activities. Along the way, they encounter a variety of adventures and unexpected meetings.
Pros
The visuals in the game are stunning and have a handmade feel to them. This adds a unique and personal touch to the game, making it stand out from others with more polished graphics. The handmade aesthetic gives the game a charming and nostalgic feel, drawing the player into the world of the characters.
No tedious tutorials or unnecessary exposition at the beginning. Instead, you are immediately thrown into the story and can start exploring and experiencing the game immediately.
Although the story in this game is linear and relatively simple, it is still quite powerful. It touches on the idea that life is not always easy, even when you are in your 40s and may have thought that everything was set in stone. This is a relatable and thought-provoking portrayal of a hidden aspect of our society, where some people at the age of 40 are still searching for themselves or are struggling with issues like not having children or being fired from their jobs. It's a powerful reminder that life is not always easy but that we should keep searching for our own "treasure," whatever that may be. The themes are wholesome: family comes in different shapes and sizes, and friends are here to help, not just to vent to.
“I want everything to work on the first try. But that’s not possible.”- I’ll leave that there for all my millennials out there.
Cons
The conversation doesn't feel natural and seems to have been translated rather than written in English. This can sometimes make the dialogue feel stilted or awkward, which can take the player out of the game's immersive experience. There aren’t many language options.
One issue with the game was the buggy text and dialogue layout, which was visually unpleasant and strained my eyes.
The audio work is minimal, with little to no sound effects, voice acting, or music. While this may be disappointing for some players, it is important to consider the work and budget that goes into creating these aspects of a game.
The game is in English or Russian, there are no other language choices.
All in all, the game remains a wonderful addition to your library. The game's message is powerful, and it is clear that a lot of love and hard work went into its creation. However, when compared to other games in my library, I have to consider the different price points and whether the gaming time and enjoyment I got from the game were worth the cost. That being said, I do have to praise the quality of the work, especially considering that it was Basharin's first game and was created alongside his university classes and assignments, as well as a full social life.
Total Game Time: 1h30
Games similar to League of Enthusiastic Losers: Old Man’s Journey, My Child Lebensborn, The Stillness of the Wind
Want to learn more about Yan Basharin and his journey as a solo game developer, artist, and teacher? Read my interview with him to find out more about his passion for creating cozy games and illustrations that bring a sense of hope and home.
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