Playdate Season 2: A Weird & Wonderful Start for the Quirky Handheld

The Playdate, Panic's quirky handheld console, is back with its highly anticipated Season 2. After a successful first season in 2022, the device is ready to show off more indie titles with its unique seasonal format.

Season 2 brings a fresh batch of games, promising a mix of experiences that highlight the Playdate's capabilities. The new season will roll out over six weeks, delivering two games each week for a total of twelve. The entire collection is available for $39.

The initial offerings include Fulcrum Defender, developed by Subset Games (the studio behind FTL: Faster Than Light), it’s a twist on the Asteroids formula. Players control a ship using the Playdate's crank to aim and fend off enemies. The game incorporates roguelike elements, allowing players to unlock upgrades to bolster their defenses. Praised for being both challenging and surprisingly relaxing, it encourages headphone use for its immersive lo-fi soundtrack.

In contrast, Dig Dig Dino!, from Dom2D and Fáyer, offers a more relaxed puzzle experience. Players explore dig sites, uncovering dinosaur bones, artifacts, and the occasional piece of trash. With a limited number of moves per dig, players can upgrade their capacity and tools, leading to a satisfying and laid-back gaming session. The game is described as a cute, casual take on Minesweeper, perfect for short bursts of play.

However, the most intriguing addition is Blippo Plus. It's described as a series of bizarre TV channels accessible via the Playdate's crank. These channels range from static to strange FMV videos, one of which called Tantric Computing features close-up shots of someone using a computer mouse and Werf’s Tavern is a musical talkshow. It also includes a messaging tool and fax service. Panic, the creators of Playdate, hint that Blippo Plus will evolve and unfold as a mystery throughout Season 2, with weekly updates for owners who tune in. This element of mystery is what sets Playdate it’s own peculiar parallel video game universe.

Beyond the initial launch, other intriguing titles are coming during the playdate S2 season, including the point-and-click adventure Shadowgate PD and Long Puppy and Tiny Turnip. The FMV mystery that unfolds over the course of weeks is unique to this format.

Overall, Playdate Season 2 looks to further cement the handheld's reputation as a haven for quirky, innovative indie games. The mix of genres and the evolving mystery of Blippo Plus provide a compelling reason to tune in each week.

What are your initial thoughts on Playdate Season 2? Which game are you most excited to play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Indie Games
• Panic
• Playdate