Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition | Xbox Review

For almost as long as I can remember, I’ve admired and appreciated the works of Aardman Animations, the British claymation and stop-motion studio behind such classics like Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run. With its quirky humor and charming characters embarking on creative adventures, Aardman has carved a special place in my heart. From developer Mobile Pie and jointly published by Greenlight Games and Aardman Animation, Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition is a quaint little puzzle adventure that perfectly captures the spirit of the IP in all the right ways, but would be better enjoyed in short bursts or on-the-go.

Wooly Bully

Based on the hit TV series Shaun the Sheep (a spin off character of Wallace & Gromit), Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition is a simple yet challenging adventure puzzler that also adds a new multiplayer element in the form of random minigames. Though this game is mostly a collection of simple obstacle courses, there is a general story thread that ties them all together. As the player you control Shaun, Shirley and Timmy, the show’s three lead characters who find themselves separated from their flock. Their journey takes them to different environments and settings like the English countryside, the concrete jungles of London, and even alien spacecrafts.

The story campaign (which can be played cooperatively with a second player) is split into different episodes, with each episode containing about 20-25 stages that’ll run you an average of 30 seconds in length to complete. While the narrative might not be at the forefront of a game like this, it serves as connective tissue to what would’ve otherwise just been a bunch of random scenes and scenarios.

A Shear Delight

The primary objective is simple: guide the wooly protagonists from one side of the screen to the other. The challenge is, of course, derived from the various puzzles and obstacles to keep players engaged throughout the game. Shaun, Shirley, and Timmy possess distinct abilities that are crucial for progressing through the game. Shaun is agile and can jump higher, Shirley is strong and can push heavy objects, and Timmy is small and can fit through narrow passages. Utilizing each sheep’s abilities, and working in tandem with one another, is key to solving puzzles and reaching the objectives.

For a kids game, I must admit the puzzles do get challenging. Despite the presence of a handy hint system, I’ve been pleasantly challenged and caught off guard numerous times during my gameplay, and when the solution eventually presents itself, I playfully chastise myself for not unraveling them sooner. It’s a testament to the game’s ability to keep players of all ages engaged and entertained, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment when those “Aha!” moments finally strike. 

As for the multiplayer “party” aspect, in a nutshell… it’s Mario Party. This mode consists of eight different minigames that can be played either cooperatively or competitively. The negative I have to say about it is there aren’t a lot of stages in multiplayer mode with only eight total. Especially when compared to the multitude of stages on offer in the story mode. At least that can be played with two players.

What the Flock?

In terms of graphics, the developers decided to forego the plasticine/claymation style of the IP it’s based on, and instead went with a more hand drawn art style, like a children’s storybook. I think it’s a good style to go with. It’s not graphically intensive and it compliments the “for kids” aesthetic it was likely aiming for. In a word…it’s cute.

As for the sound, there’s nothing that really stands out. You’ll more often just hear the ambient background noise of the environments and the occasional bleating of sheep. However, the little tune that plays after you complete each stage will inevitably get stuck in your head, much like when completing a mission in GTA.

Final Thoughts…and Running Out of Sheep Puns

In conclusion, Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition is a delightful and highly entertaining puzzler that flawlessly captures the endearing charm of the beloved Shaun the Sheep franchise. With its engaging gameplay and whimsical characters, this game appeals to players of all ages and skill levels. While the multiplayer party mode could have offered more stages, the story campaign delivers a satisfying amount of content, ideally suited for short bursts of play. For optimal enjoyment, I recommend experiencing this game on platforms like Android, iOS, or Nintendo Switch. It’s the perfect companion for quick gaming sessions during breaks or while commuting. Don’t miss out on this captivating and enjoyable experience – I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try and discover Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition for yourself.

To hear me talk more about Home Sheep Home: Faramageddon Party Edition, be sure to listen to the May 31, 2023 episode of the Gaming Outsider podcast around the 55:18 time stamp.

This review is based on an Xbox copy of Home Sheep Home: Farmageddon Party Edition provided by Decibel-PR for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.