Joy Mechanic
By Ric Cowley
Joy MechanicJul 24, 2022
Special Report: Stray
In a special episode, Joy Mechanic explores the entirety of Stray in about seven minutes, and examines how a game full to the brim with joy mechanics might not actually have any at all.
Hiding the Game in Gal Gun
In the glorious return of Joy Mechanic, we begin a short season on sex in video games with a look at the ecstasy-'em-up Gal Gun series, the wild world of UK ratings boards, and being able to hide your game at a moment's notice.
Episode Five: Burnout in Driver
In episode five, we explore the burnout button in Driver, and why its largely useless function brings more frustration than it does joy.
Episode Four: Bailing in Skate 3
In the fourth episode, we fall off our skateboard,and refuse to get back on until we've broken every bone in our body in Skate 3.
Episode Three: Opening Doors in Resident Evil 4
In the third episode, we examine how opening doors with our hands and feet brings us joy in Resident Evil 4.
Episode Two: Visitor Cam in Planet Coaster
In the second episode, we look at the ability to see through the eyes of your visitors in Planet Coaster.
Episode One: Sitting Down in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
In the first episode, we look at the history of sitting down across the Animal Crossing series, and the advancements in seating brought in by New Horizons.
Episode Zero: What is a Joy Mechanic?
In this explainer episode, we look at what exactly a joy mechanic is, and what the show Joy Mechanic is all about.