Thank Goodness You're Here! (2024)

Thank Goodness You're Here is a unique title, able to bring the essence of satirical cartoons to the screen, pairing it with a skilled and irreverent dissection of English society. Despite its short length and uncertainties around replayability, its undeniable strengths make it a comedic experience not to be missed.

Thank Goodness You’re Here is a crazy, hilarious but short game that perfectly encapsulates the strange inhabitants of Britain. Whilst it may not be for everyone, and it’s definitely a bit short for the price it’s asking for, its writing, jokes and charm make this a hilarious, unique game that takes you on such a bizarre journey through good ol’ England.

It’s a strange game that’s probably not going to appeal to everyone’s sensibilities – but if it appeals to your sensibilities and sense of humour, there’s a good chance it might be your game of the year.

Players must navigate Barnsworth (sometimes tricky without a map or quest log) while helping its scattered citizens with various whimsical tasks. These folk are beautifully animated and voiced with utter charm by comedy performers including Matt Berry, Em Humble and Chris Cantrill. Each is imbued with an exacerbated cadence so they sound like adult versions of the supporting players from Wallace And Gromit. Standout characters include a pair of bickering young supermarket workers, a handyman trying to avoid the advances of a randy fish and chip shop owner, and a conspiracy theorist demanding ‘bring back asbestos’. A particular highlight is the convoluted backstory of Roger the greengrocer and his oddly shaped head. Thank Goodness You’re Here! is a sublime piece of entertainment, as much cartoon as game, with a hilarious script performed by an absolutely top-drawer cast. Developers James Carbutt and Will Todd (who also contribute to the performances) have a style that’s unlike anything else around.

A truly rare example of pure absurd comedy in the video game industry.