Overview of Little Misfortune
Little Misfortune is a narrative-focused adventure game developed by Killmonday Games, the creators of Fran Bow. Released in 2019, the game is a story-rich experience filled with dark humor, emotional undertones, and a strong focus on player choices. It follows the journey of an imaginative 8-year-old girl named Misfortune Ramirez Hernandez, guided by a mysterious narrator, as she embarks on a quest to find “Eternal Happiness” for her mother.
The game is known for its unique art style, quirky characters, and unsettling themes. Despite its seemingly innocent appearance, Little Misfortune tackles serious topics like loss, abuse, neglect, and death, blending these themes with surrealism and moments of humor.
Plot Summary
Introduction
The story begins with the narrator, who introduces himself as Mr. Voice, speaking directly to the player. He explains that Misfortune will die by the end of the day but keeps this information hidden from her. He invites her to play a game where the ultimate reward will be “Eternal Happiness” for her mother.
Misfortune, an optimistic yet naive child, agrees to the game, eager to make her mother happy. She embarks on her journey, guided by Mr. Voice, who often comments on her actions and nudges her toward specific decisions.
The Journey
Misfortune sets off from her home, encountering a series of surreal and unsettling situations. Throughout the game, she interacts with strange and ominous characters, including:
- Benjamin the Fox: A silent, mysterious fox who seems to be trying to protect Misfortune, though Mr. Voice portrays him as an enemy.
- Various creatures and entities: Some friendly, others dangerous or eerie, including ghosts, talking animals, and odd supernatural occurrences.
The journey involves small, seemingly trivial tasks that Misfortune completes with her characteristic charm and innocence. She frequently “glitters” her surroundings with sparkles, a coping mechanism that allows her to transform grim or unpleasant situations into something magical.
As the story progresses, the tone becomes darker. Misfortune begins to notice inconsistencies in Mr. Voice’s behavior, questioning his intentions.
Revelations
Misfortune discovers that Mr. Voice is not what he seems. He is revealed to be Morgo, a parasitic entity from a dark dimension that feeds on human despair and suffering. Morgo’s ultimate goal is to lure Misfortune into his dimension and claim her soul.
Benjamin the Fox, initially framed as a villain, is revealed to be her true protector. He belongs to a group called the “Protectors of the Prime Reality,” who combat beings like Morgo. Benjamin tries to guide Misfortune away from Morgo’s traps and helps her uncover the truth.
The Climax
Misfortune confronts Morgo and realizes that her choices throughout the game have influenced her fate. However, her death is inevitable, as foretold at the beginning of the story. Despite her tragic end, Misfortune’s bravery and kindness shine through.
The Ending
The game concludes with Misfortune’s spirit crossing into another plane of existence. She is reunited with her beloved dog Bim-Bim (who had died earlier) and begins a new journey beyond the mortal realm. Though the ending is bittersweet, it emphasizes themes of resilience, hope, and finding peace in the face of adversity.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Narrative Choices: The player makes decisions that affect how the story unfolds. While the ultimate outcome (Misfortune’s death) is fixed, choices influence interactions, scenes, and details.
- Exploration: The player guides Misfortune through various environments, solving simple puzzles and uncovering hidden items.
- Mini-Games: Throughout the journey, there are small, arcade-like mini-games that add variety to the gameplay.
- Collectibles: The player can find and interact with items that reveal more about the characters and the world.
Themes and Symbolism
- Childhood Innocence vs. Harsh Realities: Misfortune’s playful perspective contrasts with the dark, often grim world around her.
- Death and Acceptance: The inevitability of Misfortune’s death is a central theme, exploring how she approaches life and its challenges despite knowing her fate.
- Resilience: Misfortune’s ability to face adversity with optimism reflects the strength of the human spirit.
- Duality of Characters: Mr. Voice/Morgo and Benjamin symbolize deception and protection, challenging players to question appearances.
Reception and Legacy
Little Misfortune received praise for its unique art style, engaging narrative, and emotional depth. Critics lauded its ability to tackle heavy topics through the lens of a child, though some criticized its lack of complex gameplay mechanics. Its blend of dark humor and heart-wrenching moments left a lasting impression on players, earning it a loyal fanbase.
The game stands out as a poignant exploration of life’s hardships, seen through the eyes of an endearing and unforgettable protagonist.