As some of you might know, most days are pretty busy for old Retro Jake. I have a family, a full-time job, and am trying to figure out how to make a meaningful YouTube channel and Reddit page. I have a lot going on ALWAYS, so free time comes at a premium for me and I use it greedily. 

I have tried mainstream gaming options to decompress/have some fun in the pockets of spare time I find, but it never seems to quite "scratch the itch." 8-64bit gaming, however, hits different. It takes me to a different state of mind where I feel more adventurous, whimsical, and free (not saying I can explain it, but it happens). Revisiting the games from my past is fun, and I do it periodically, but being able to also have completely new experiences with games released for the first time right now, like Chantey, is a magical experience. 

And not only because it is new, Chantey is also a great game!   
  
**The story** is witty and fun without being over the top. It has twists and humor, and a lot of heart. I don't want to get into anything that could turn into spoilers here (seriously, get the game and play it. You won't regret it), but the fact that it is set in a real location, during a real historic period, and that using a real map can help you complete missions and find secrets is just beyond cool to me.   
  
**The gameplay** is surprisingly solid and punches far above its weight class. Aside from occasionally needing to reattempt moving to the next screen (it has Zelda-style screen scrolling) due to transitions failing to trigger, I haven't encountered any glitches. Navigating the overworld is intuitive and there are plenty of opportunities for main-story puzzle solving (including some stealth!) and secret-hunting exploration. Let's not forget the "rhythm-based combat" either. Guitar hero + sea shanties = happy Jake 😁

**The music** is wonderful. The game has what is being called a "pirate metal" soundtrack throughout, not just during the music battles (though it is during these battles that the pirate metal really spreads its wings). 

I am only 50% through the game but I have to say that since I started it, nowadays when I pick up my Chromatic I find myself reaching for Chantey. For a guy like me who has limited time to spare, it has the Goldilocks mix of challenge without overwhelm, progression without needing to grind, and a story that keeps me coming back for more. 

Well done u/Gortyn_Code, this game you've made for us is amazing.

A love letter (and mini review) for Chantey 🏴‍☠️