The indie developer behind the cozy game “Honcho” found an ingenious and budget-friendly solution to address player feedback regarding the game’s initial female-only protagonist. While some players expressed dissatisfaction with the prospect of exclusively playing as a woman, the developer, facing limited resources, drew inspiration from a classic gaming bonus to offer an alternative.
Unable to invest months in creating a fully detailed male character with unique animations, rigging, and storylines, the developer cleverly decided to introduce “Mr. Tofu” as a playable option. This sentient block of tofu, a beloved bonus character from the “Resident Evil 2” franchise, serves as a witty stand-in that can even conceal the player’s hands.
The developer explained their rationale: “This game is funded by hopes and dreams, so it’s unlikely I can add a fully fleshed-out male character with separate unlockable costumes and storylines. I hope this is a reasonable compromise.” They further elaborated on their decision, highlighting their fandom for Resident Evil 2 and the practical constraints: “[…] who am I to tell others how to enjoy their project? I can’t spend months creating animations, rigging, and testing an entirely new character model. Tofu fit these limitations, and I chose him because I’m a big fan of Resident Evil 2.”
This creative approach offers a lighthearted and practical solution, allowing players who prefer a different character model to enjoy the game without requiring the extensive development resources for a traditional male character.