I launched Fall Beans expecting a harmless, goofy distraction. Something I’d play for five minutes before getting back to “important things” like checking emails or pretending to be productive. Instead, I found myself yelling at colorful bean-shaped characters falling off platforms while laughing like an idiot. If that’s not a sign of a good game, I don’t know what is.

Fall Beans is an online multiplayer party game clearly inspired by the chaotic obstacle-course formula popularized by other games in the genre. You control a clumsy, jelly-like character – a bean – and compete with dozens of other players in a series of fast-paced mini-games. The goal is simple: survive each round, avoid falling into oblivion, and qualify for the next challenge until only a few players remain.

What immediately stands out is how intentionally silly everything feels. Characters wobble, stumble, bounce, and sometimes fail spectacularly for reasons that are only partially your fault. Platforms spin when you don’t want them to. Other players bump into you like they’re paid to be annoying. It’s chaos – controlled chaos – and it’s incredibly entertaining. (more…)