Ballshit, developed and published by FUNTOO Studio and Liquid Meow, is an eccentric and experimental live-action visual novel that blends absurd comedy, self-awareness, and heartfelt moments in a surprisingly cohesive package. It stands out immediately for its unusual presentation, combining real actors and filmed sequences with anime-inspired stylization and dialogue-driven storytelling. The result is a bizarre yet charming hybrid—part visual novel, part live-action comedy, and part social commentary on gaming culture and identity. Beneath its ridiculous premise lies a genuine attempt to explore themes of transformation, acceptance, and self-perception, wrapped in humor that never lets the story take itself too seriously. What could have easily been dismissed as a mere novelty project instead becomes an endearing and oddly thoughtful experience. The story begins with Eggy, a small-time streamer whose overconfidence and mischief lead him into trouble after he cheats in an online game. His arrogance catches the attention of a mysterious force calling itself “I Am God,” which punishes him in the most unexpected way—by turning him into a girl. From this ridiculous setup emerges a narrative that oscillates between slapstick comedy and introspective character development. As Eggy navigates life in this new body, the player makes choices that determine how he—or now, she—approaches this transformation. Does Eggy attempt to reverse the change and return to normal life, or accept the new reality and explore what it means to live as someone else entirely? The branching structure supports multiple perspectives, with different endings depending on the player’s choices, and these narrative divergences give the game a sense of replayability despite its short runtime. The tone of Ballshit is intentionally all over the place, and that’s part of its charm. On the surface, it’s filled with exaggerated humor, gaming memes, and over-the-top character interactions that feel pulled straight out of an internet comedy sketch. Eggy’s encounters with other characters—like the confident and mysterious Wu Yangyang or the affable yet awkward roommate nicknamed Monkey—create a blend of humor and awkward tension that gives the story its unique energy. Yet behind the chaos, there’s a surprisingly sincere undercurrent about self-discovery and empathy. The narrative uses absurdity to talk about real emotional topics, particularly how people define themselves and the expectations society places on gender and identity. It’s never preachy or sentimental, but it occasionally catches the player off guard with moments of honesty amid the laughter. Visually, the game is one of the most distinctive indie visual novels in recent memory. The use of real actors sets it apart from the animated art styles that dominate the genre, and while the production values are modest, the developers cleverly compensate through stylized editing and creative presentation. Scenes are structured like short vignettes, with expressive acting, playful transitions, and text overlays that evoke the feel of a live-action anime parody. The blend of real performance and digital effects results in a strange but fascinating visual rhythm that keeps the experience engaging. The actors themselves clearly embrace the absurdity of the script, delivering performances that range from deliberately exaggerated to surprisingly heartfelt. There’s an undeniable sense of fun behind the production, which gives the game an infectious energy even when the pacing falters. Mechanically, Ballshit remains simple and traditional, as expected from a visual novel. The gameplay consists mainly of reading dialogue, making occasional choices, and watching how those decisions alter the flow of the story. There are two primary routes, each exploring different character relationships and outcomes, and the overall playtime is relatively short—perfect for a single evening’s session. The limited scope works to the game’s advantage, focusing attention on the characters and their ridiculous situations without overstaying its welcome. Players looking for puzzles, intricate branching, or heavy replay incentives may find it lacking in complexity, but those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences will likely appreciate its focused design. The writing is snappy and self-aware, peppered with internet slang and comedic timing that fits the tone perfectly. Where Ballshit really succeeds is in its personality. It’s unapologetically strange, brimming with confidence in its own weirdness, and never afraid to lean into its absurd premise. There’s a refreshing sincerity to the way it approaches its themes through comedy—what could have been a crass joke about transformation instead becomes a story about growth, humility, and the power of perspective. The humor can be juvenile at times, but it always feels intentional, as though the developers are inviting players to laugh both at and with the characters. Even when the story meanders or the pacing slows, the sheer unpredictability of what will happen next keeps the experience entertaining from start to finish. For all its eccentricities, Ballshit manages to deliver a cohesive and surprisingly heartfelt experience. It’s not a deep or complex visual novel, nor does it try to be. Instead, it embraces its limitations and transforms them into a strength, offering something light, funny, and refreshingly different in a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. Its mix of live-action storytelling, anime sensibilities, and bizarre humor makes it a standout experiment that succeeds through sheer creativity and personality. While its short length and minimalist gameplay might not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate unconventional storytelling and indie experimentation will find in Ballshit a delightfully strange gem—one that’s not afraid to laugh at itself while still saying something meaningful about what it means to change, both literally and figuratively. Rating: 9/10
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