New Game of the Week! Bad Cheese is far deeper than a mere 1920s-style nightmare

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As I delved into Bad Cheese, its eerie take on Steamboat Willie’s design seemed simple at first glance. But after chatting with its creator, I realized that the depth of this game goes far beyond what meets the eye.

Starting from January 1, 2024, a legendary figure from human history’s pantheon will be available for public use. The classic version of Mickey Mouse, known as Steamboat Willie, will no longer be under copyright protection, allowing creators to utilize it freely in their work.

Much like we saw with other similar IPs such as Winnie-the-Pooh, it wasn’t long before poor old Mickey was the subject of vile torment. Adopting a child-like creation and morphing it to suit a horror experience quickly became a popular trend, and that’s where Bad Cheese comes into the mix.

At first glance, this appears to be a chilling narrative with elements of body horror and a protagonist reminiscent of Steamboat Willie. However, as we’ve discovered, there’s much more to this intriguing independent production than meets the eye – a hidden depth that might not be immediately apparent.

What is Bad Cheese?

Check out the trailer for “Troublesome Cheese” – Released Today!

Join a mouse on a cozy weekend at home with a quirky father, while the mother is away.

Keep Dad entertained and don’t forget to Wishlist now! 🧀🕛️

— Bad Cheese 🧀 DEMO AVAILABLE NOW! (@BadCheeseGame) May 24, 2025

From first look, Bad Cheese is a horror game presented from a first-person perspective, drawing inspiration from the visual aesthetics of 1920s animation, specifically that of Steamboat Willie. In this game, you take on the role of a distressed mouse whose task it is to keep the house tidy without upsetting your father by misbehaving.

In terms of gameplay, it features first-person shooting elements, numerous shocking surprises, and some level of discovery to help solve the central enigma that lies within.

However, it’s worth noting that what we’ve previously discussed merely touches upon the subject. While the visual aesthetic surely captivates, it’s the storyline that truly lingers in your memory.

badCheese serves as a deeply individualistic game, according to its sole creator, Simon Lukasik. It narrates the tale of a troubled child living under the shadow of an abusive parent.

Drawing heavily on Lukasik’s upbringing with an alcoholic relative, the game mirrors many aspects of his personal struggles and pain. Essentially, creating this game can be seen as a therapeutic outlet for him to share his unique story.

What the solo dev says about it

A horror game in the “clothes” of Steamboat Willie

In a different phrasing: “I associated Mickey Mouse, whom we call Keymick in our game, with overweight and having eating issues, which are indicative of his struggles. The costumes used in the concept work well because they present an intriguing contrast. On one hand, there’s an image of innocent children; on the other, it portrays a troubling domestic drama involving abuse.

His past, marked by a troubled childhood in an abusive environment, prevents him from being as carefree as we usually see. This is the heavy burden carried by children who grew up in such households.

The primary concern about adopting this approach is that it might be perceived as an attempt to quickly capitalize on profits, rather than creating something original. Releasing content into the public domain and then developing a horror game seems to be a strategy aimed at cashing in.

“We were aware of this issue and discussed it from the very beginning.”

Working through childhood trauma

The narrative has three distinct parts. Initially, it’s a horror reminiscent of Steamboat Willie that could grab someone’s interest. Next, you delve into the second level, where it unfolds as a tale about an alcoholic and abusive household. Finally, reaching the heart of the story, it presents a reflection of my personal experiences.

This tale is deeply intimate and revolves around a troubled child living in a home with a violent father. The protagonist is struggling to find his way amidst the turmoil, attempting to endure and survive in an environment marred by alcoholism.

On any given day, you may not be aware of your parent’s emotional state. At times, it may be necessary for you to blend into the background, so as not to upset them further. This is a situation that resonates with many people.

As a passionate gamer, I rarely come across narratives that delve into such unique themes. This game, though deeply unsettling and bizarre at times, ultimately revolves around a beacon of hope.

Disney meets body horror

I went all out with it, constantly changing ‘Daddy’s’ look for each level. My wild ideas were unstoppable, and I had full creative control, with no one impeding on my vision.

At some stage, there’s an allusion to The Binding of Isaac that makes you shed tears. These tears can be utilized as attacks, however, ‘Daddy’ derives strength from your anxieties and suffering.

The game has a touch of BioShock’s style. There’s a device that shoots socks, and another where you make French fries as ammunition to attack enemies. Each part of the game offers its own special tool and activities. You can explore 10 distinct sections throughout the game.

Bad Cheese is set to release this Summer across both PC and PlayStation. You can wishlist the game here and play an early demo.

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2025-06-23 04:48