Hohokum

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Hohokum is a 2014 art video game by British studio Honeyslug, with artist Richard Hogg. It was published by Sony for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita, and later released for Windows by Annapurna Interactive in 2022.

In the game, you control the Long Mover, a colorful snake-like creature, and explore 17 whimsical worlds with no set goals. There is no score, time limit, or tutorial. The aim is simply to relax, wander, and enjoy the atmosphere and music. The controls are minimal: two buttons slow or speed up, and the triggers give the Long Mover a boost. The creature changes color as it moves, and the PlayStation 4’s light bar matches its color.

Each world has a unique look and small, optional activities. Examples include Lamp Lighting, where lighting silhouettes adds layers to the music, and Sponge Land, an underwater world where you gather fish. All worlds are available from the start, and there isn’t a single overarching story, though there is a loose thread that connects the places. The game ends when you free a hidden multicolored serpent during the credits.

Development began in 2008 and drew inspiration from flying a kite, free London museums, Portmeirion, and festival costumes of the Selk’nam people. The team wanted a game about enjoying a space and the music rather than chasing objectives. The title Hohokum comes from a misspelling of the Hohokam culture, and the Long Mover’s name nods to a Mighty Boosh joke. The soundtrack, created with Ghostly International, mixes licensed and original tracks and responds to gameplay. Santa Monica Studio helped with publishing and development.

Release and reception:

Hohokum released on August 12–13, 2014, for PS3/PS4/Vita, and for Windows on July 28, 2022. It received generally favorable reviews, praised for its art and music but some critics found the gameplay vague or lacking depth. Some called it a relaxing, visually striking experience, suitable as a screensaver. It was briefly free on PlayStation Plus in May 2015. Honeyslug disbanded in 2015. The game also earned several award nominations, including the D.I.C.E. Sprite Award.