Developed by Nick Kaman, This is Fine is a 2D web-based video game, available for the Windows operating system. It tells the short story of a wildly popular meme character, the dog in the bowler hat. He sits at his computer with a small smile on his face while the world around him burns. He tries convincing himself that everything is okay. This game focuses on the larger picture as well as the dog.
While the game itself is only about five minutes long, there are many layers to its meaning. The amount of work put into this labor of love shows through almost immediately. Players are presented with the famous meme dog. He starts the computer as we always see him in the past. This time, however, a narrator offers some wise words in an attempt at comfort. The developer says this game is his personal reaction to the 2016 United States of America's presidential election.
This is Fine Features
Sweet and simple pixel art provides great charm. It adds to the emphasis that this is a meme-based game. Players know immediately who they play as and what is wrong. The animation offers smooth transitions. Follow the story and meet some new, unexpected friends. While the video game appears basic, it touches on the emotional feelings of many Americans and people worldwide after the international event of a presidential election. Fear and sadness ran rampant. Capturing these emotions is no easy feat, yet the developer succeeds through simplicity.
The music is completely custom as well. It provides the perfect backdrop to the sadness the video game displays. The statement shows how these emotions affected many rather than only telling. The narrator offers assistant in a variety of ways. The flames threatened to consume beloved computer dog until he is presented with a fire extinguisher. Other beacons of hope come in unexpected ways. This is a powerful statement that alone, there is hopelessness. Together there is progress. While things may be desperate, players still get a sense that they are not completely alone by the end.
In Conclusion
This meme-based video game offers a rare glimpse of political sadness in the modern world. Players far and wide sing its praise on the official website. Many thank the creator for perfectly explaining emotions that humans experience. Even though the flames almost consume him, the bowler hat dog manages survival. Find solutions to seemingly world-ending problems. When things seem the most hopeless is when players are granted a way out. The narrator gives clever advice and snippets. Custom music adds charm in a sometimes sad place. Through teamwork and toughness, the beloved dog bravely fights to see another day.
