An octopus pretending to be a dad
Octodad: Dadliest Catch puts you in control of a dapper octopus trying to pass as a normal human father. The whole game is built around that lie. You have to get through everyday routines and a trip to the local aquarium while keeping your boneless tentacles from giving you away. Your wife's trust is wearing thin, so the pressure is on to act human even though your body is not built for it.
The controls are awkward on purpose. Octodad has no skeleton, so his limbs flail and flop with physics that you cannot fully predict. Simple things like walking, carrying objects, or staying upright turn into a struggle. The result is a lot of accidental destruction, which is where the comedy comes from. Every attempt plays out differently because the physics never quite repeat themselves.
Playing with friends
Co-op mode lets two to four players grab a limb each and steer Octodad together. One person might handle the left side while another takes the right, and the group has to coordinate to walk, grab, or squeeze through tight spots. The shared control makes the awkwardness worse in the best way, since nobody has full command of the body. It is a good fit for a group that wants to laugh at the mess they make together rather than chase a high score.
Remote Play Together is available, so friends can join in even if they do not have the game themselves. The game also supports local co-op for people sharing one screen.
Before you start
Expect a learning curve with the control scheme. It supports several input types, including X360 and DualShock4 gamepads, mouse and keyboard, Mac multitouch trackpads, and Windows 8 touchscreens. For gamepads, XInput works best; DirectInput usually needs manual remapping before it behaves properly.
There is a level editor, but it is Windows only. It is the same tool Young Horses used to build the game, and levels can be shared through Steam Workshop, where you can also play community-made stages. Hidden neckties are scattered around to collect and wear, and the soundtrack was written and produced by Seth Parker with artwork by Chris Stallman.