Bloody Hell, My Brain Just Met a Talking Pig: Why *Hermit and Pig* is the Indie RPG Revolution We Actually Needed
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Step aside, corporate giants – *Hermit and Pig* is the quirky indie RPG from Heavy Lunch LLC that’s redefining what 'retro-inspired' means with its charming narrative, genuinely clever humour, and surprisingly innovative turn-based combat, proving that fresh ideas can still breathe life into familiar genres.
Right, so I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. You know that feeling when you cast a spell, and it works a bit too well, transforming something mundane into a genuine marvel? That's precisely what Heavy Lunch LLC has done with their debut title, *Hermit and Pig*, an indie RPG that Polygon's Josh Broadwell describes as a '90s cartoon on mushrooms. And honestly, mate, that's spot on. It's the kind of unexpected gem that reminds you why we bother sifting through the endless digital noise.
At first glance, you might think, 'Oh, another retro-inspired RPG.' And yeah, you wouldn't be wrong. It wears its *Earthbound* influences proudly on its sleeve, but rather than just aping a classic, *Hermit and Pig* spins the familiar into something genuinely fresh. Forget your *Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined* for a moment; this is where the real accidental hero tale unfolds. Our titular duo? An old man, Hermit, and his truffle-hunting pal, Pig. They’re just living their best off-grid life in the forest, minding their own business, turning outhouse produce into… well, let’s just say *new life* and leave it at that. It’s wonderfully, wonderfully weird right from the jump.
But then, the world starts acting a bit wonky. Animals are getting strange, and a talkative child rocks up, seeking help from the 'local weirdo' (her words, not mine, but I reckon Hermit might agree). Turns out, some nefarious corporation has shut down her town’s factory, leaving everyone out of work and hungry. Who better to help than the legendary truffle hunter of the woods? Except, plot twist: that person doesn’t actually exist. So, it falls to Hermit, who's honestly not much for people. They make him nervous, bless his cotton socks. Big conversations are even framed like battles, where choosing the 'cringe' option literally dents his HP. It's a brilliantly quirky take on social anxiety, isn't it?
He'd much rather hang out with Pig, but a legend about a giant shroom that could feed everyone? Well, that's enough to get this reluctant hero and his trotter-toting companion on an adventure. It's not about grand heroics, though. *Hermit and Pig* subtly critiques capitalism and corporate greed, sure – and plenty of indie games do that, it's an easy target with an eager audience. But what truly makes this game shine is its quiet, powerful message about the value of small acts. Even the strange, anxious man in the woods, who doubts he can do much, can contribute. Maybe it won't fix everything. Maybe it won't even work. But it’s *something*. And that, mate, is a refreshingly optimistic take in a world that often feels overwhelmingly broken.
The humour is another area where Heavy Lunch really proves their wizardry. Comedy in games is notoriously tricky; too often, 'funny games' or *Earthbound*-likes end up copying the style without the soul. But *Hermit and Pig* takes a reserved approach to dialogue that lets the characters speak for themselves, not the writers. Hermit isn't trying to be funny; his awkwardness just *creates* comedic scenarios. And Pig? He could have been a tired stoner-bro cliché, but he's amusing because he’s completely nonplussed by everything, lost in his own naive (and often profound) thoughts about life and death. Oh, and yeah, the fact that he's a talking pig probably helps too.
Not every gag is a side-splitter, but I was genuinely surprised by how often jokes I thought were flat at first circled back with purpose. An early grave marked 'Arthur,' saying 'the snapping turtle got him,' felt a bit random until *five minutes later* you're facing down the game's first boss: a truly violent snapping turtle. Poor Arthur, indeed! It’s this kind of clever, sustained absurdity that reminds me of classic '90s cartoons like *Dexter's Laboratory* or *Cow and Chicken*. The weirdness always fits, never overstays its welcome, and just feels natural. You simply accept that quiche-baking man-pigs, cat detectives, and post-industrial witches are just… part of the tapestry here. This game is confidently silly, and it oozes through every character expression and carefully timed conversation, building a distinct identity far beyond 'just another retro RPG.'
And the combat, mate? This is where indie developers truly show major publishers how it’s done. It starts off looking like a standard turn-based system, very *Earthbound*-esque, with Hermit in the foreground and menu options. But then the first wrinkle appears: you have to string together key inputs to attack, almost like a streamlined fighting game. A cane lash, a slap, a punch – each needs a specific input. Coupled with a timer, this adds a brilliant sense of urgency and strategy. It’s a small twist, but it transforms what could be a tired mechanic into something genuinely engaging. And if it's too much, you can even turn off the timer and quick-time events, which is a neat bit of accessibility.
But wait, there's more! Every enemy has specific weaknesses tied to its nature, which can even change mid-fight. A spider dangling on silk? Slingshot time. On the ground? Stomp it! A snake? Hit it from a distance. Birds attacking your feet become vulnerable to physical attacks; porcupines curl up and become invulnerable. Heavy Lunch expects you to pay attention, to learn, and it rewards you for it. It's a masterclass in making limited skill sets feel expansive and strategic. While the big studios are convinced that traditional combat is dead, forcing us into cinematic quick-time events or endless action loops, *Hermit and Pig* is proof to the contrary. Sometimes, all you need is a little guy, his talking pig, and a whole lot of inventive spirit.
It’s a real breath of fresh air, a testament to what passion and genuine creativity can achieve. Definitely one to keep an eye on, if you ask me. Fair dinkum, it’s a cracker.
*Original reporting by Josh Broadwell for Polygon.*
Tags: Indie RPG, Turn-Based Combat, Retro Gaming, Gaming Innovation, Earthbound-inspired
Original article: Polygon