You're an octopus, trying to have a normal life with a human family, not be discovered and not be butchered by a lunatic chef who knows your secret. Also, the controls are deliberately made to work about as well as an octopus on land would be expected to. That's it. The whole game. And I adore it with every fiber of my being.

During an era of gaming that takes itself more and more seriously with each passing year, finding a game this lively and lighthearted brings me unspeakable joy. I'm not joking when I say it'd be difficult to find someone who loves this game more than I do, it's such a fun time during a lazy afternoon. The controls are wack, the story is funny, the only minor issue is the brief length. Other than that, I had an insanely good time, but by far the cooperative mode is the best, just absolutely hysterical. You will have tears in your eyes a few seconds in, and I only played with one more person. If you're not used to it you may not enjoy the mouse and keyboard layout, but I found my way to mastering it, and even then this game is remarkably nice in that...you don't quite want to succeed all the time. This game was made for you to mess around and look hilarious doing it, it's a core mechanic that has been perfected. Few times did I find myself feeling cheated the way I did with other similar experiences. The soundtrack really does help. It's impressive how memorable and catchy some of the tunes are, accompanied by a simple, but sweet style.

And for such a seemingly straightforward game it has a nice undertone that really resonated with me; Octodad is an outsider trying to fit in, yes, but he also relates back to something I experience a lot, which is struggling with the most mundane of tasks. Some people have different talents. Like an octopus, they struggle on land, and you might not even notice. Our main protagonist is so likeable because it's shown how swift and fast he is underwater, how graceful he can move. While this serves to provide a rest for the player, this is pivotal as a heartwarming moment, because this is what he's giving up to be with his family. And sometimes you have to give up a little of who you are for a little of what you want, and learn to adapt, sometimes for the ones you love.

Got to be the leg of an octopus going up an escalator 10/10