Blood, Bananas, Bullets--My Friend Pedro

Every once in awhile a really random game surprises the heck out of you.  For me, that game was My Friend Pedro.  I had seen some very positive exclamation about it, but hadn't looked into it at all.  I was looking for something short-ish to play from the Game Pass library and decided to try it out.

I think the best way to introduce My Friend Pedro is to imagine this line from a classic Eminem song--"hi kids, do you like violence?"--and then just leave it there.  If you said yes, My Friend Pedro is the perfect fit.  There's a bit of a story, but the absolute highlight is the extremely entertaining gameplay.  There's some light platforming but the main feature is the ability to slow time, perform wicked flips and tricks, and to be rewarded for the unique way that you mow down a wide array of enemies.  There's also a strange banana who gives you tips and is your friend (kind of....).

One of the unique levels--falling, shooting, fun!

Pros:
+ Extremely addictive gameplay.  The goal of the game is to rack up a high score by performing tricks, avoiding damage, and creatively killing as many bad guys as you can.  There is a time slowing mechanic that allows you to position your character perfectly so you can perform flips and wall jumps--all while spraying a steady stream of lead into geriatric gangsters or Christmas sweater bedecked bounty hunters.

+Levels are short.  If you're looking for a game where you can just hop on for under 30 minutes and have fun, Pedro is perfect.  These short levels also are perfect for replay--one of the main goals is to improve your score on each level and it's very nice to be able to go straight back into a level to try to beat your score.

+Variety of levels with unique features that add to the fun.  Some levels feature zip lines and ropes to swing from (all while slowing time and blasting the bejeezus out of everything); other levels feature bouncy trampolines which are perfect for flips; others feature glass windows to dramatically smash through like some sort of deranged action hero.

+Creative kills are rewarded.  Kick a gas can into a group of enemies and slow time so you can shoot it right above their heads--the resulting explosion will take them all out!  Stand on barrels and roll them into enemies to rack up special kills.  Hop onto a skateboard and kick-flip your way across levels while gunning down baddies.  It's just so fun.

+Boss levels and challenges.  Certain levels feature a unique fight against a powerful enemy.  You have to use all your time slowing and trick performing prowess to take them down.

+Rating system contributes to great replayability.  Your performance is scored on each level and you are given a rating at the end of the level.  This rating is based on how creatively you kill enemies (extra points are rewarded for performing flips, wall jumps, or using items--higher scores result from keeping the action flowing and earning kill streaks on top of your creativity score).  It's a lot of fun to replay levels to earn a higher score.  There are also collectible modifiers hidden on certain levels which can be activated when you replay a level or start a new game--things like keeping all your weapons.

Surreal and bouncy.

+Highlight gifs provided that the end of each level.  These gifs are super cool and make you seem like you're way better than you actually are.

+Variety of weapons to choose from.  Pistols, machine pistols, twin pistols or machine pistols, shotguns, or an assault rifle.  Each weapon has its own strength or weakness.  Wielding twin weapons allows you to split your aim and take out two enemies at a time.  Shotguns are great for getting up close and personal in a very gory, explosive kind of way.

+Humor.  It's ridiculous and whacky.  It's definitely not meant to be taken extremely seriously.

Cons:
+- Depending on how you feel about violence in video games, you might want to avoid Pedro.  It's over-the-top violent and that might turn off a certain group of people.  If you don't mind the over-the-top aspect of the game, you'll love it.

Recommendation:
My Friend Pedro is so much fun.  I absolutely loved it and am thinking about purchasing it because it is the kind of game that you can just randomly pick up and have a good time.  It's whacky, unique, and way over-the-top...and that's what makes it a blast.