Bad Parenting

Bad Parenting is Here to Test Your (Lack of) Skills!
Ever wondered what it would be like to raise a virtual hellion? Or maybe you secretly suspect your own parenting could use a… shake-up? Well, buckle up, because Bad Parenting, the delightfully devilish simulation game, is here to let you explore the wild side of childcare. Forget gentle discipline and organic snacks – this game embraces the mayhem and asks: how far can you really go?

Developed and published by the independent studio TabGames, Bad Parenting officially launched on Steam in July 2023. It’s not your average parenting simulator; it’s a tongue-in-cheek, unapologetically chaotic experience designed to make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even question your own life choices.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the rule book and embrace the beautifully disastrous world of questionable childcare, let’s dive into what Bad Parenting has to offer.

What is Bad Parenting All About?
At its core, Bad Parenting is a sandbox simulation game where you take on the role of… well, a bad parent. Your objective? To keep your virtual child (or children, depending on how brave you are) alive, entertained, and… mostly out of jail. The game emphasizes player freedom and encourages experimentation. There are no real "win" conditions, only varying degrees of hilarious failure and potential CPS intervention.

The gameplay loop revolves around responding to your child’s needs and whims, but with a twist. Instead of providing nurturing and guidance, you’re presented with a plethora of questionable and often downright irresponsible options. Want to teach your toddler how to play with explosives? Go for it! Think giving your infant a chainsaw is a good idea for independent play? Why not!

The game uses a physics-based engine, meaning that every action has consequences. The more reckless you are, the more chaotic the environment becomes. Think exploding toys, houses on fire, and a constant stream of frantic 911 calls.

Getting Started: How to Play Bad Parenting
Jumping into Bad Parenting is relatively straightforward, but surviving the experience is a whole other ball game. Here’s a breakdown of the basics:

Character Creation: Start by choosing your avatar. You can customize your character's appearance to some extent, but honestly, you'll be too busy causing chaos to worry about your digital hair color.
Meet Your Offspring: The game then presents you with your virtual child. They come with their own unique set of needs, wants, and a surprising knack for getting into trouble.
The Open World: You're dropped into a fully interactive environment, usually a house or neighborhood, filled with objects to manipulate and experiments to conduct (on your child, mostly).
Responding to Needs (or Not): Your child will express needs through visual cues and, let’s be honest, a lot of screaming. These needs range from hunger and boredom to the more concerning, like being covered in gasoline. It's up to you (or rather, down to you) to decide how to respond.
Embrace the Chaos: This is where the Bad Parenting magic truly shines. Instead of opting for responsible solutions, you can choose from a range of absurd and potentially dangerous options. This is the heart of the game.
Consequences: Every action has a reaction. Giving your child a loaded weapon will likely result in property damage, injury, or even (gasp!) simulated death. But hey, that’s part of the fun (or at least, the dark humor).
Survival (Maybe): The goal isn’t necessarily to “win,” but to survive the chaos you create. Can you keep your child alive (or at least relatively intact) while pushing the boundaries of responsible parenting?
Pro Tips for Aspiring Bad Parents
Think you're ready to embrace the dark side of childcare? Here are a few tips to help you navigate the treacherous terrain of Bad Parenting:

Experimentation is Key: Don't be afraid to try things. The joy of Bad Parenting lies in discovering the absurd consequences of your actions. What happens if you leave your toddler alone with a chemistry set? Find out!
Physics are Your Friend (and Enemy): The physics engine plays a crucial role in the game. Use it to your advantage (or disadvantage, depending on your goal). Launch your child into the air with a trampoline, or create a Rube Goldberg machine of destruction.
Embrace the Humor: Bad Parenting is a comedy game at its core. Don't take it too seriously. Laugh at the absurd situations and embrace the over-the-top chaos.
Learn from Your Mistakes (or Don't): Sometimes, the best lessons come from spectacular failures. Did your attempt to teach your child how to fly with a rocket launcher end in disaster? Great! Now you know what not to do (or maybe do again, with slightly different results).
Explore the Environment: The game world is filled with interactive objects and hidden surprises. Take the time to explore and discover new ways to inflict… uh, I mean, entertain your child.
Don't Forget the First Aid Kit (You'll Need It): While the game doesn't necessarily reward good parenting, a little first aid can go a long way in keeping your virtual offspring alive long enough to cause even more trouble.
Is Bad Parenting Right for You? A (Slightly Biased) Review
Bad Parenting is definitely not for everyone. If you’re easily offended, squeamish about simulated violence, or believe that children should be protected at all costs, this game will probably give you nightmares. However, if you appreciate dark humor, enjoy sandbox games with emergent gameplay, and are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Bad Parenting might just be your cup of… questionable parenting choices.

The game’s strengths lie in its unbridled chaos and freedom. The physics-based engine creates a dynamic and unpredictable environment where anything can happen. The sheer number of interactions and possibilities ensures that each playthrough is unique and memorable. It’s a game that encourages you to break the rules, push the boundaries, and laugh at the absurdity of it all.

However, Bad Parenting isn’t without its flaws. The graphics are somewhat basic, and the gameplay can sometimes feel repetitive after extended periods. The humor, while often hilarious, can also be a bit crude and offensive. The lack of a clear objective might also deter some players who prefer more structured gameplay experiences.

Overall, Bad Parenting is a flawed but ultimately entertaining game that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It's a game that you'll be talking about (and probably apologizing for) long after you've stopped playing.

Here's a quick summary:

Pros:
Unapologetically chaotic and hilarious
Extremely high degree of player freedom
Dynamic physics-based engine
Emergent gameplay and surprising moments
Cons:
Crude humor that may not appeal to everyone
Basic graphics
Repetitive gameplay after extended periods
Lack of a clear objective
Final Verdict: Embrace the Madness!
Bad Parenting is a guilty pleasure, a digital playground for those who secretly (or not so secretly) enjoy watching things go horribly wrong. It's not a game that will teach you anything about real parenting, but it will definitely provide you with hours of laughter, cringe, and maybe a little bit of existential dread.

So, are you ready to unleash your inner bad parent? Are you prepared to face the consequences of your questionable decisions? If so, then Bad Parenting is waiting for you. Just don't blame us when CPS comes knocking on your virtual door.

Ready to Dive into the Deep End of Bad Parenting?
Head over to Steam and grab your copy of Bad Parenting today! We dare you. And be sure to share your most hilariously disastrous parenting moments in the comments below! We want to hear all about the time you accidentally launched your child into orbit with a malfunctioning jetpack. Happy… uh… parenting!

What are you waiting for? Go be a terrible parent! The internet demands it!