Dum-Dum

Found out about this game through Vinny from Vinesauce. As he was playing it on stream I had to stop watching and just go buy it myself and play it. This game is really good. Thoroughly enjoyed the story and some of the included HOGO OS games are genuinely fun.

I'd like to start off saying that yes, hesitantly I recommend this game for anyone who's interested in these OS/internet/tech simulation/mystery/puzzle games. It's an extremely niche genre, and I think this game did a good enough job to deserve a recommendation (albeit with some caveats) to anyone looking at the genre. That said, there is a serious asterisk at the end of that recommendation, as this game could be absolutely infuriating and opaque as all hell at times. This is despite the fact that when this game is good, it's really good. At best, I think calling it a 7 outta 10 is fair, but those rough patches will really try your patience. So, what is Dum-Dum: The Story of Hogo OS 1985 Edition? This is a game that tries to replicate an old Apple computer, something like an Apple II-GS. You have your AppleLink early proto-internet (HogoNet in this game) where you can browse some forums, go on a click adventure, browse a store catalog, etc. You have some desktop games, some text file...

This OS simulator is going in an interesting direction. It is very different from Hypno Space Outlaw in many ways, such as being less distopian from the get go and having more local features. Im still trying to piece the story together, but the ammount of 1980's and early 90s ideas is pleasing and engaging. There is even a BASIC box, music and animation programs. Full games from the era and a Store mode that allows for expansions. I hope one day the HOGO Company will add some sort of Steam Workshop Integration. For its price I recommend it a lot, im intrigued where this will go. Have fun Dum Dums!

It's a shame this game doesn't have more recognition

Hypnospace but 14 years earlier and more underrated.

If you get past the terrible "command with dum dum" puzzle, it's one of the best puzzle games I've played lately. Insanely underrated. Pls buy!!

Have you played the incredible Hypnospace Outlaw and want more of that? Here it is! It's very good

This game was a crazy ride! I thought I had known where the game was going, story-wise, but it definitely threw me a couple times. Can't say I'm disappointed, though. My favorite part of the entire game was the story, after all. I liked that this game offered a variety of mini games along with a lot of different programs to interact with. I thoroughly enjoyed myself while playing this game. I loved the nostalgic type feel to the game as well, which only added to the fun. My only issue with the game is that some mini games were a bit hard to beat, but if you enjoy a challenge, you won't probably won't mind it. Overall, the price tag is a bit high for this game at first glance (many might not see the appeal or understand why it's so expensive and skip it). However, I feel that the fun does justify the price, HOWEVER, I'm also realistic and would recommend waiting for a sale of some kind (ideally probably $9.99 USD or less). But do I recommend this game? Heck yeah, my friends!

I've always had a soft spot for OS simulators and similar games with an OS-themed UI, and Dum-Dum is a particularly good one. There's a lot to do in the OS itself, but in order to really dive in and unlock more things to do, you need to play through the storyline. The story itself is pretty simple; there's something going on at the Hogo Company headquarters, the employees are locked in and can't escape, and the OS may be used to take over the world. The CEO is too smart and keeps outsmarting the employees, and they need a dummy that can help them. That's where you come in. The best part is that the developers continually add more and more content to the game, from new programs to new levels in the hidden "Hogowiz Keep" game to even entire new storylines. I would recommend picking this up, not only for the content that's on display, but to see where the game goes from here.

This game really took me for a ride. At first I was expecting a short, low-budget game. But boy was I happy to be proven wrong. This game was one of those rare diamonds in the rough that had me laughing out load at certain moments. Combining absurdist humor with a cohesive story is something I haven't seen in a while, this game is a must buy! Plus the dev is really nice from what I've seen!