Being stuck inside sick with the FLiRT variant of Covid-19 recently, I decided to indulge in some mindless entertainment by binge-watching the US version of Love Island. Reality TV has always been a guilty pleasure of mine, especially when feeling under the weather, and this show provided much-needed distraction for 36 hours straight. As a first-time viewer, one particular scene from the show has stuck with me: a group of contestants huddled around a phone, watching videos of their partners interacting with others, leading to tears and cries of betrayal.
This moment encapsulates the essence of voyeuristic entertainment, where actions and consequences collide in real-time, revealing the taboo of cheating in a public setting. It is a manipulative yet effective tactic by the producers, making for compelling reality TV.
When Nerial introduced Crush House, a video game centered around a reality TV show, it seemed like a light-hearted take on a genre often not taken seriously. Players assume the role of a producer tasked with managing the cast members to create drama, romance, and competition.
However, beneath its cheerful exterior, Crush House delves into the darker aspects of reality TV, questioning the symbiotic relationship between performers and viewers. Are audiences complicit in the exploitation of reality stars, lured by the promise of fame at any cost?
The game’s objective seems simple at first: maintain the show’s ratings to prevent cancelation by catering to the audience’s preferences.
As the seasons progress, players face increasing challenges in satisfying different audience demands and network pressures. The addition of quirky props and managing castmates’ requests adds to the complexity of balancing drama with commercial success.
The mix-and-match casting, along with procedurally generated dialogue, keeps the gameplay unpredictable, offering a blend of humor and strategy. Characters like Ayo and Emile bring distinct personalities to the dynamic mix, ensuring plenty of entertainment for audiences.
While a mode exists for players to explore the game without worrying about failing ratings, the real thrill lies in navigating the chaotic world of reality TV production, capturing every moment with precision and humor.
Crush House is a fast-paced, comical adventure that captures the absurdity and intensity of reality TV, providing a unique and engaging gaming experience.