Teddy Floppy Ear - Kayaking
I saw a trailer for this game last year and for some reason found it amusing. I did some digging around online and discovered that Teddy Floppy Ear or Miś Uszatek was an established character from Polish children’s literature. There was a TV show using stop motion animation, which ran from the mid-seventies to the late eighties similar to the likes of Paddington or The Clangers. There’s also a statue dedicated to Miś Uszatek Piotrkowska Street in Łódź, so it would seem that he’s held in high regard and considered to be cultural significance in Poland. So when a gaming bundle appeared recently at Indie Gala, including the above game and two others featuring Teddy Floppy Ear, I considered it rude not to buy them.
So to begin with, Teddy Floppy Ear – Kayaking is a children’s game aimed at five to eight year olds, according to the developers notes but certainly it has appeal beyond those parameters. This point and click adventure game mixes an enjoyable story with puzzles and healthy dose of learning. There’s a strong moral subtext to the proceedings and good manners are extoled at all times. During this particular adventure, Teddy Floppy Ear takes advantage of the beautiful spring weather and goes on a kayaking trip with his friend Piglet. He soon finds out that there is a problem with Mr. Catfish who acts a little too bossy, and needs to be taught a lesson in kindness. During his trip, our hero solves numerous puzzles testing mathematical skills, eye-hand coordination, logical thinking and perceptiveness.
The game can be completed in a few hours but could be spread out over a week or so, if played in measured sessions. I must admit I did enjoy this concise, amusing adventure and found the central character rather likable. Some of the time based puzzles proved challenging to a gentleman of my mature years but children will more than likely complete them with ease. The simple kayaking sections of the game are restful, as is the ambient sound track by Michał Wasilewski. Overall I think the phrase “charming” is very appropriate for Teddy Floppy Ear – Kayaking. I look forward to playing both the Mountain Adventure and The Race, which seems to be a Teddy Floppy Ear themed kart game.