Have a Nice Death is a snarky 2D action-roguelike that came out in Early Access last March on Steam, and it recently got an exciting update in the form of the Fast Food expansion. The Fast Food expansion is free for all Have a Nice Death players, following the main character, Death, as they deal with the Toxic Food-Processing Department and its overseer Waldo. While the themes of unhealthy food and cholesterol from the Fast Food update are evident, much less so are the sources of inspiration behind the monstrous burgers and other creatures that players will encounter in this new Have a Nice Death chapter.
Fans of this hand-animated sidescroller may recognize some unique traits from Tim Burton's style when looking at characters in the game, as well as the setting and even the themes. Have a Nice Death's creative and animation director, Nicolas Leger, said the universe of Tim Burton was one of the biggest sources of inspiration for his work on the game, and it all originated from a sketch during a meeting. Leger spoke to Game Rant about the origins of Have a Nice Death, as well as its creative approach to unhealthy diets in the Fast Food update.
Inspirations Behind Have a Nice Death's Animations
Before jumping into the games industry, Leger worked on film, which made it difficult to adjust to a new avenue due to its unique set of tools and how many limitations a game's code can impose. Still, Leger has now been in this industry for over 12 years, and has worked on many iconic games such as the yet-released Beyond Good and Evil 2, the classic Rayman Origins, and Unruly Heroes. It was during a meeting for Unruly Heroes that Leger first drew Death, the character at the center of Have a Nice Death.
In a way, Have a Nice Death is a project that allowed Leger's work and career to come full circle, as this stylish 2D game features some hand-animated objects and characters that would otherwise be found in film animation. Ever since Leger started working on this project, the direction was clear: a Burton-like, cartoony action game filled with weapons and spells of all sorts, as well as plenty of monstrous creatures.
"There are incredible things coming from Japan, Korea and now China. Amongst them, Akira remains a masterpiece, just like the work of Miyazaki. Several series have also been real catalysts: Furi Kuri (Gainax), Studio 4°C’s productions, or more recently One Punch Man (Madhouse)."
In terms of sources of inspiration for his animations, Leger mentions One Punch Man as particularly impactful. One Punch Man's animators at Madhouse have been responsible for many other successful anime series over the years, and it notably underwent major changes in terms of animation between Season 1 and Season 2. Have a Nice Death also takes some elements from games such as Hollow Knight and Hades, both big hits among fans of the roguelike genre.
"My characters are inspired by various influences, from comics to anime shows/films, and subconsciously by all sorts of media, like illustrations, movies, shorts, and ads. I wanted to keep a cartoonish style because it gives me so much more freedom."
Overall, Have a Nice Death brings something unique to the table with its charming, yet vaguely disturbing hand-drawn style, and the influence of Tim Burton's worlds show even in the new Fast Food update. The update acts as a criticism of modern society and how people's lifestyles changed over the years, with the Toxic Food-Processing Department being inspired by classic American diners from the 1950s. In this game published by Gearbox Software, burgers can spit out their tomato slices in comical (yet dangerous) ways, whereas the final boss is the perfect mix of an old diner mascot and Burton-esque fiction.
Have a Nice Death is in Early Access on Steam for PC.