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'''''Happy Wheels''''' is a [[ragdoll physics]]-based [[browser game]] created by [[Jim Bonacci]] in 2010. The game features several [[Player character|playable character]]s who use different, sometimes atypical vehicles to traverse the game's [[Level (video gaming)|levels]]. The game is best known for its [[graphic violence]] and the amount of [[user-generated content]] its players produce on a regular basis.
'''''Happy Wheels''''' is a [[ragdoll physics]]-based [[browser game]] created by [[Jim Bonacci]] in 2010. The game features several [[Player character|playable character]]s who use different, sometimes atypical vehicles to traverse the game's [[Level (video gaming)|levels]]. The game is best known for its [[graphic violence]] and the amount of [[user-generated content]] its players produce on a regular basis.


==Characters==
==Characters==
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*Explorer Guy
*Explorer Guy
*[[Santa Claus]]
*[[Santa Claus]]
*[[Pogo stick|Pogostick]] Man<ref>{{cite web|last=Bonacci|first=Jason|title=We are alive|url=http://www.totaljerkface.com/index.php|accessdate=22 August 2012|quote=Thanks to Nova for providing vocals.}} Vocals provided by YouTube user UberhaxorNova who frequently uploads ''Happy Wheels''-related content.</ref>
*[[Pogo stick|Pogostick]] Man<ref>{{cite web|last=Bonacci|first=Jason|title=We are alive|url=http://www.totaljerkface.com/index.php|accessdate=22 August 2012|quote=Thanks to Nova for providing vocals.}} Vocals provided by YouTube user UberhaxorNova who frequently uploads ''Happy Wheels''-related content.</ref>
*Irresponsible Mom
*Irresponsible Mom
[[File:Happywheelsfeaturedlevels.png|thumb|A screenshot of the featured levels of ''Happy Wheels'' in February 2012.]]
[[File:Happywheelsfeaturedlevels.png|thumb|A screenshot of the featured levels of ''Happy Wheels'' in February 2012.]]
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''Happy Wheels''{{'}} [[tagline]] is "Choose your inadequately prepared racer, and ignore severe consequences in your desperate search for victory!"<ref name=Eric></ref> The actual mechanics of gameplay vary because of character choice and level design.<ref name=Meunier></ref> However, the player always faces to the right and their vehicles can move forward and backward. Characters can also be ejected from their vehicles, however after leaving their vehicle, they lack the ability to stand upright or walk.
''Happy Wheels''{{'}} [[tagline]] is "Choose your inadequately prepared racer, and ignore severe consequences in your desperate search for victory!"<ref name=Eric></ref> The actual mechanics of gameplay vary because of character choice and level design.<ref name=Meunier></ref> However, the player always faces to the right and their vehicles can move forward and backward. Characters can also be ejected from their vehicles, however after leaving their vehicle, they lack the ability to stand upright or walk.


The goal of the game also differs depending on the level. In some levels, the goal to reach a designated finish line. However, some levels have no finish lines, and have alternative goals (or no goals at all), such as ones requiring that the player attempt to kill a target.<ref name=Meunier></ref><ref name=Holmes>{{cite web|last=Holmes|first=Kevin|title=Severed Limbs and Slam-Dunked Toddlers: An Interview With The Creator of "Happy Wheels"|url=http://www.thecreatorsproject.com/blog/severed-limbs-and-slam-dunked-toddlers-an-interview-with-the-creator-of-happy-wheels|publisher=The Creators Project|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref>
The goal of the game also differs depending on the level. In some levels, the goal to reach a designated finish line. However, some levels have no finish lines, and have alternative goals (or no goals at all), such as ones requiring that the player attempt to kill a target.<ref name=Meunier></ref><ref name=Holmes>{{cite web|last=Holmes|first=Kevin|title=Severed Limbs and Slam-Dunked Toddlers: An Interview With The Creator of "Happy Wheels"|url=http://www.thecreatorsproject.com/blog/severed-limbs-and-slam-dunked-toddlers-an-interview-with-the-creator-of-happy-wheels|publisher=The Creators Project|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref>


Reviewers have noted that ''Happy Wheels'' exhibits [[graphic violence]] in its gameplay.<ref name=Eric>{{cite web|last=Caoili|first=Eric|title=Happy Wheels: Bloody, 'Severe Consequences'|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/10/happy_wheels_bloody_severe_con.php|publisher=GameSetWatch|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=Meunier>{{cite web|last=Meunier|first=Nathan|title=Best Free Games&nbsp;— Happy Wheels|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/115/1151892p10.html|publisher=IGN|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=Holmes></ref><ref name=Gamoc>{{cite web|first=Gamoc|title=Cheap PC Gaming: Three More Cheap Distractions|url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2012/02/01/cheap-pc-gaming-three-more-cheap-distractions/|publisher=Cheap PC Gaming|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref> For instance, players can be [[Decapitation|decapitated]], shot, or crushed by different obstacles.<ref name=Gamoc></ref> Loss of limb<ref name=Eric></ref> and animated blood loss<ref name=Meunier></ref> are also graphic elements.
Reviewers have noted that ''Happy Wheels'' exhibits [[graphic violence]] in its gameplay.<ref name=Eric>{{cite web|last=Caoili|first=Eric|title=Happy Wheels: Bloody, 'Severe Consequences'|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2010/10/happy_wheels_bloody_severe_con.php|publisher=GameSetWatch|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=Meunier>{{cite web|last=Meunier|first=Nathan|title=Best Free Games&nbsp;— Happy Wheels|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/115/1151892p10.html|publisher=IGN|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=Holmes></ref><ref name=Gamoc>{{cite web|first=Gamoc|title=Cheap PC Gaming: Three More Cheap Distractions|url=http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2012/02/01/cheap-pc-gaming-three-more-cheap-distractions/|publisher=Cheap PC Gaming|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref> For instance, players can be [[Decapitation|decapitated]], shot, or crushed by different obstacles.<ref name=Gamoc></ref> Loss of limb<ref name=Eric></ref> and animated blood loss<ref name=Meunier></ref> are also graphic elements.


Players also have the choice to upload [[Instant replay|replay]]s of their level attempts.<ref name=Meunier></ref> Replays can be then be viewed and rated by other players.
Players also have the choice to upload [[Instant replay|replay]]s of their level attempts.<ref name=Meunier></ref> Replays can be then be viewed and rated by other players.


''Happy Wheels'' contains a built in level editor, and allows players to create custom levels of their own. Users are given a large variety of tools and objects to build their levels. Users are able to submit their maps, whereupon they can be played by all users.<ref name=Gamoc></ref>
''Happy Wheels'' contains a built in level editor, and allows players to create custom levels of their own. Users are given a large variety of tools and objects to build their levels. Users are able to submit their maps, whereupon they can be played by all users.<ref name=Gamoc></ref>


==Development==
==Development==
Indie game developer Jim Bonacci, who was largely the programmer and artist for the game,<ref name=Holmes/> began work on the game in 2006.<ref name = "TJFToday">[http://tjftoday.webs.com/apps/blog/show/13399601-interview-jim-bonacci Interview: JIM BONACCI]. TJF Today. March 21, 2012. Accessed from March 8, 2013.</ref> Bonacci has said that his inspiration for the game came from other ragdoll physics-based games in the [[Browser game|Flash]] community;<ref name=Holmes/> his friend and former boss, Alec Cove, had made a verlet physics engine for flash.<ref name = "TJFToday"/> Bonacci said,
Indie game developer Jim Bonacci, who was largely the programmer and artist for the game,<ref name=Holmes/> began work on the game in 2006.<ref name = "TJFToday">[http://tjftoday.webs.com/apps/blog/show/13399601-interview-jim-bonacci Interview: JIM BONACCI]. TJF Today. March 21, 2012. Accessed from March 8, 2013.</ref> Bonacci has said that his inspiration for the game came from other ragdoll physics-based games in the [[Browser game|Flash]] community;<ref name=Holmes/> his friend and former boss, Alec Cove, had made a verlet physics engine for flash.<ref name = "TJFToday"/> Bonacci said,
"I was messing around with it, and eventually created a guy in a wheelchair that would endlessly fall down a random hill. I thought it was funny and stupid, so I kept expanding on it. It was only meant to be a very small game, but eventually it became my main focus."<ref name = "TJFToday"/>
"I was messing around with it, and eventually created a guy in a wheelchair that would endlessly fall down a random hill. I thought it was funny and stupid, so I kept expanding on it. It was only meant to be a very small game, but eventually it became my main focus."<ref name = "TJFToday"/>


In addition, he explained the violent nature of the game in terms of his frustration with how consequences of certain actions were not treated realistically in other game titles:<ref name=Holmes></ref>
In addition, he explained the violent nature of the game in terms of his frustration with how consequences of certain actions were not treated realistically in other game titles:<ref name=Holmes></ref>
Line 62: Line 62:
Bonnaci also noted that because gameplay would often involve the player dying repeatedly, he put a great deal of effort into making that part of the game enjoyable.<ref name=Holmes></ref>
Bonnaci also noted that because gameplay would often involve the player dying repeatedly, he put a great deal of effort into making that part of the game enjoyable.<ref name=Holmes></ref>


The full version of ''Happy Wheels'' is only available on Bonacci's original website,<ref name=Avalib>{{cite web|first=Avalib|title=Totaljerkface.com - Home Of Happy Wheels - Happy Wheels Full Version|url=http://www.totaljerkface.com/happy_wheels.php|publisher=Fancy Force|accessdate=29 August 2012}}</ref> and demo versions of the game are licensed to other websites. These demo versions only include featured maps and select characters.
The full version of ''Happy Wheels'' is only available on Bonacci's original website,<ref name=Avalib>{{cite web|first=Avalib|title=Totaljerkface.com - Home Of Happy Wheels - Happy Wheels Full Version|url=http://www.totaljerkface.com/happy_wheels.php|publisher=Fancy Force|accessdate=29 August 2012}}</ref> and demo versions of the game are licensed to other websites. These demo versions only include featured maps and select characters.


There is more than 5.6 million user generated contents.<ref>http://thehappywheels.net/ fan website</ref>
There is more than 5.6 million user generated contents.<ref>http://thehappywheels.net/ fan website</ref>
Line 69: Line 69:


==Reception==
==Reception==
''Happy Wheels'' has received generally positive reviews. It has been recommended by GameSetWatch.com<ref name=Eric></ref> and considered one of the "Best Free Games" by [[IGN]].<ref name=Meunier></ref> Its level editor and amount of user-generated content have received praise from reviewers.<ref name=Eric></ref><ref name=Hindustan>{{cite web|title='LittleBigPlanet' Vita dated for September|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/Game-Reviews/LittleBigPlanet-Vita-dated-for-September/SP-Article1-908245.aspx|publisher=Hindustan Times|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref> The over-the-top nature of the violence is also considered humorous;<ref name=Meunier></ref> one review stated that "It so genuinely difficult to play ''Happy Wheels'' and not just laugh and laugh at the ridiculous ways in which your character can be torn into pieces."<ref name=Gamoc></ref>
''Happy Wheels'' has received generally positive reviews. It has been recommended by GameSetWatch.com<ref name=Eric></ref> and considered one of the "Best Free Games" by [[IGN]].<ref name=Meunier></ref> Its level editor and amount of user-generated content have received praise from reviewers.<ref name=Eric></ref><ref name=Hindustan>{{cite web|title='LittleBigPlanet' Vita dated for September|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/Game-Reviews/LittleBigPlanet-Vita-dated-for-September/SP-Article1-908245.aspx|publisher=Hindustan Times|accessdate=22 August 2012}}</ref> The over-the-top nature of the violence is also considered humorous;<ref name=Meunier></ref> one review stated that "It so genuinely difficult to play ''Happy Wheels'' and not just laugh and laugh at the ridiculous ways in which your character can be torn into pieces."<ref name=Gamoc></ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 02:23, 9 April 2013

Happy Wheels
The Happy Wheels logo
Developer(s)Jim Bonacci, Jason Schymick
Publisher(s)Fancy Force
EngineBox2D Physics Engine
Platform(s)Web browser
ReleaseJune 4, 2010
Genre(s)Ragdoll physics
Black comedy
Indie game
Platformer
Splatter
Mode(s)Single-player

Happy Wheels is a ragdoll physics-based browser game created by Jim Bonacci in 2010. The game features several playable characters who use different, sometimes atypical vehicles to traverse the game's levels. The game is best known for its graphic violence and the amount of user-generated content its players produce on a regular basis.

Characters

Players can choose from a number of characters to play as:

File:Happywheelsfeaturedlevels.png
A screenshot of the featured levels of Happy Wheels in February 2012.

Gameplay

Happy Wheels' tagline is "Choose your inadequately prepared racer, and ignore severe consequences in your desperate search for victory!"[2] The actual mechanics of gameplay vary because of character choice and level design.[3] However, the player always faces to the right and their vehicles can move forward and backward. Characters can also be ejected from their vehicles, however after leaving their vehicle, they lack the ability to stand upright or walk.

The goal of the game also differs depending on the level. In some levels, the goal to reach a designated finish line. However, some levels have no finish lines, and have alternative goals (or no goals at all), such as ones requiring that the player attempt to kill a target.[3][4]

Reviewers have noted that Happy Wheels exhibits graphic violence in its gameplay.[2][3][4][5] For instance, players can be decapitated, shot, or crushed by different obstacles.[5] Loss of limb[2] and animated blood loss[3] are also graphic elements.

Players also have the choice to upload replays of their level attempts.[3] Replays can be then be viewed and rated by other players.

Happy Wheels contains a built in level editor, and allows players to create custom levels of their own. Users are given a large variety of tools and objects to build their levels. Users are able to submit their maps, whereupon they can be played by all users.[5]

Development

Indie game developer Jim Bonacci, who was largely the programmer and artist for the game,[4] began work on the game in 2006.[6] Bonacci has said that his inspiration for the game came from other ragdoll physics-based games in the Flash community;[4] his friend and former boss, Alec Cove, had made a verlet physics engine for flash.[6] Bonacci said, "I was messing around with it, and eventually created a guy in a wheelchair that would endlessly fall down a random hill. I thought it was funny and stupid, so I kept expanding on it. It was only meant to be a very small game, but eventually it became my main focus."[6]

In addition, he explained the violent nature of the game in terms of his frustration with how consequences of certain actions were not treated realistically in other game titles:[4]

It always bothered me when...you’d fall off your vehicle and harmlessly bounce around. In other cases, you would have the same canned animation over and over. I’m not sure if it was a lack of detail or concern on the part of the developer, but the consequences of your in-game actions were often improperly illustrated. For me, half of the fun of playing a game that imitates life (sort of), is making mistakes and seeing the end result.

Bonnaci also noted that because gameplay would often involve the player dying repeatedly, he put a great deal of effort into making that part of the game enjoyable.[4]

The full version of Happy Wheels is only available on Bonacci's original website,[7] and demo versions of the game are licensed to other websites. These demo versions only include featured maps and select characters.

There is more than 5.6 million user generated contents.[8]

Currently, the only other person who helps Bonacci work on the game is Jason Schymick, although few other people he has met through Happy Wheels has helped Bonacci with some parts.[6]

Reception

Happy Wheels has received generally positive reviews. It has been recommended by GameSetWatch.com[2] and considered one of the "Best Free Games" by IGN.[3] Its level editor and amount of user-generated content have received praise from reviewers.[2][9] The over-the-top nature of the violence is also considered humorous;[3] one review stated that "It so genuinely difficult to play Happy Wheels and not just laugh and laugh at the ridiculous ways in which your character can be torn into pieces."[5]

References

  1. ^ Bonacci, Jason. "We are alive". Retrieved 22 August 2012. Thanks to Nova for providing vocals. Vocals provided by YouTube user UberhaxorNova who frequently uploads Happy Wheels-related content.
  2. ^ a b c d e Caoili, Eric. "Happy Wheels: Bloody, 'Severe Consequences'". GameSetWatch. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Meunier, Nathan. "Best Free Games — Happy Wheels". IGN. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Holmes, Kevin. "Severed Limbs and Slam-Dunked Toddlers: An Interview With The Creator of "Happy Wheels"". The Creators Project. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  5. ^ a b c d "Cheap PC Gaming: Three More Cheap Distractions". Cheap PC Gaming. Retrieved 22 August 2012. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  6. ^ a b c d Interview: JIM BONACCI. TJF Today. March 21, 2012. Accessed from March 8, 2013.
  7. ^ "Totaljerkface.com - Home Of Happy Wheels - Happy Wheels Full Version". Fancy Force. Retrieved 29 August 2012. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  8. ^ http://thehappywheels.net/ fan website
  9. ^ "'LittleBigPlanet' Vita dated for September". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
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