Review — Beeny (2022)

Beeny is a game about a Very Round Bee.

Taking clear cut cues from vertical platformers and the aesthetics of Donkey Kong Country, Beeny, the Very Round Bee in question, must traverse hazardous treetops in order to gather honey for her friend Kiwi. While very much a small promo game in anticipation of their upcoming Super Kiwi 64, Siactro has cemented themselves as amongst the finest in a niche dedicated to homely send-ups of finely vinted mid-90s platformers.

Overall, there’s only around 10 short stages in the game, with the whole experience clocking in at under an hour. Don’t let that put you off — Beeny numbers among a growing number of indie games kicking back against the bloated quagmire that many blockbuster titles have become enmeshed in, as they grow bigger and bigger with seemingly no end in sight. Much like Siactro’s other titles, Beeny is of great interest to players low on both time and money, being both succinct and well-rounded.

Of note is the game’s difficulty — or rather the absence of it. Beeny does not care to pose much of a challenge to the player, nor, I think, should it. Again, with many games and opinions on them tending toward a higher level of difficulty, Beeny bucks the trend. Mainly it means you’ll spend more time smiling at the little bee hopping from branch to branch, rather than cursing a few scant seconds lost in a time trial.

The most pleasant surprise was, upon gather all my honey, unlocking a short demo of Super Kiwi 64! It’s a nice little bonus, accompanying the ever-present time trials and a new bonus challenge for Beeny. The time trials add a little more flavour, making you consider the particular challenges of each stage and giving an appreciation of the diversity of their style and theming.

It’s impressive to see so much charm packing in to such a simple game. Some particular favourites of mine include the graveyard themed level, and the Bigger But Still Very Round Bees that appear as platforms in some levels. And perhaps because of rather than in spite of its simplicity, the game is honed to a gleaming point. It’s tightly balanced, joyful, comfortable and warm in a way that many video games seem to lack.

I am not shy in commending Beeny, and recommending it. Shout it from the rooftops: “our bees a rounder than your bees!” — and they will see the truth.