Maize is a paid adventure game from Finish Line Games. In this first-person sci-fi experience, you play an anthropomorphic bear scientist who misread a government memo. The fluffy researchers developed a sentient race of corn plants following a misinterpreted command and an abandoned farm. 

More than a wacky encounter with monstrous crops, Maize also manages to insert a journey of self-discovery about you and the government that gave you the orders. Featuring detailed graphics and impressive set environments, this adventure feels like a cross between Chex Quest HD and Subject 65 with The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe.

Enter a maze of maize

For those unaware, Maize is another term for corn, which serves as the central element in this game. It feels like it tries to be a horror game—with the abandoned farm setting and the seemingly perpetual dusk skies—but actually gets wacky and fun. Its fully realized set location gives it an air of realism, making it easy for players to lose themselves as they search for key items all throughout.

Its serious-looking graphics contrast well with the animation, which comes as a pleasant surprise. From the movement of the bears to the quirky movements of the mutated corns, it feels like something taken out of Five Nights at Freddy’s. This cartoonish approach to the overall game surprisingly contributes to the progression and delivery of the story, which leads to a satisfying gut-punching climax.

However, certain features, or lack thereof, come across as challenging or outright frustrating for players. For starters, there is no minimap to help the player. In a game where finding stuff and backtracking are non-negotiable gameplay mechanics, either you start memorizing the entire map or spend additional minutes looking for stuff. Also, the puzzles themselves are too easy, posing no challenge after the lengthy parts finding process.

A fun comedy skit

If you’re a fan of comedy in all its forms, Maize will be a delight. Its cartoonish approach to design and animation, using the supposedly creepy and gloomy set design, makes for a perfect vehicle for driving its story.. It is fun, yes, but the same can’t be said for the puzzle part. Finding stuff takes too long, and the puzzles themselves are too easy. Still, recommended.