Tag the city and own it

SLUDGE LIFE is a free open-world adventure game. In this game by Terri Vellman, you’re thrust in a highly-urbanized location filled with all sorts of characters. You’re tasked with rising to the top of the underground graffiti community, and there’s only one way to do it: by tagging the city.

Don’t get fooled by its cartoonish graphics and colorful world with a VCR-looking filter. SLUDGE LIFE contains mature content and topics comparable to Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. Its story options also have something as deep as Watch Dogs, but you’re free to do whatever you want.

Pursue tagging, or something bigger

The main focus of SLUDGE LIFE is to let you experience life on the edge of the law, centered on vandalism of private and public property–all from the safety of a virtual experience. As GHOST, you’re an up-and-coming tagger looking to make his own name. For those unfamiliar, tagging is the act of leaving your mark or signature. In this case, in the form of graffiti scattered across the city.

Character designs are varied and inconsistent, which adds to the urban vibe of this game. Of course, you interact with them to move the story forward. You can treat them fairly or you can mess around with them, your choice. This same freedom is in the story: you can keep on tagging or you can take down GLUG corporation. This is the company responsible for your “sludge life.”

Mature concepts might not be for everyone

SLUDGE LIFE is a game that explores mature themes, which may not be appropriate for all audiences. As you progress through the game, you may encounter scenes that include nudity, drug and alcohol use, and cartoon violence. These elements add to the unique and gritty atmosphere of the game, but it’s important to note that some players may find them uncomfortable or unsettling, so prepare yourself if you have a weak heart for such concepts.

While the game has a number of minigames and side quests for you to enjoy, the main game has a surprisingly short playthrough. If you’d only focus on getting the city tagged and the corporation brought down, you can finish the game in an hour or two. Otherwise, you can enjoy everything the game has to offer and spend a few more hours loitering around.

A short yet fun experience

Despite its short playthrough, SLUDGE LIFE is a work of art deserving of your attention, especially if you’re into life in the streets: graffiti, hip-hop, some sports, and a bit of danger. Its progression looks loose and senseless at the beginning, but reveals a grander mission later on. With colorful graphics and a variety of side activities to do, you can still get your money’s worth and it makes it worth a try.