Beastfolk Barber, an upcoming hairdressing simulation game, offers a charming experience that extends beyond simple styling. Players step into the shoes of Freddie, a salon owner in Starfish City who rebrands her business to cater to the growing beastfolk population. Armed with a magical mirror, Freddie must navigate client requests and evolving trends to compete with larger establishments.
The core gameplay loop involves using the magical mirror to present clients with up to three potential hairstyles. However, clients don't always explicitly state their preference. Players must observe their reactions and use their own judgment to select the best style. Despite the potential for misinterpretation, the game aims to make pleasing customers an achievable task.
Beyond the styling minigames, Beastfolk Barber weaves in a surprising amount of narrative depth. Each client has personal stories and concerns that they share with Freddie. These range from romantic pursuits and family gatherings to significant social and political issues within the beastfolk community. For instance, a two-headed dragon duo, Luca and Varo, are working to challenge human-centric regulations that disadvantage other beastfolk, such as short lifespans impacting pension eligibility for bees and voting age disparities for mice. They seek Freddie's help to boost their confidence for this endeavor.
The game also introduces a demonic client named Edi, whose requests come with unique conditions. Instead of monetary payment, Edi offers a magical 're-do,' allowing Freddie to alter or undo a previous styling choice. To even get a chance to cut Edi's hair, Freddie must first establish a customer base by acquiring ten regular clients. While the demo concluded before this goal was fully realized, Freddie managed to secure repeat business from at least three clients, suggesting a promising progression system.
Beastfolk Barber's blend of lighthearted salon simulation with compelling character narratives and societal commentary suggests an experience that could resonate beyond its adorable presentation. The game is slated for a future release.