Mix together a pinch of Wario Ware, a cup of tacky Getty Images stock-photos, and dash of “3AM Adult Swim Show” humor, and you’ve got yourself Salamander County Public Television.

You play as one of two new hires to the Salamander County’s public access television channel - a “hometown” sort of town where everything is as it seems. It must be how it seems, right?

I don’t want to over-hype this, because (as with any media) sometimes settings expectations can hinder one’s experience…
So, I’ll just say this:
When the game’s “loading” screens are SO funny that you don’t “press X to continue”… you know you’ve got something special on your hands.

Why 5 stars?
Is this game Elden Ring?
No.
Do both Elden Ring and Salamander County completely deliver what they promise in their premise?
Absolutely.

This game knows what it is, and leaves you questioning, “…. What IS this?…?”

It’s a perfect “one afternoon” game that you’ll have a blast playing - especially with your kid, dating-person, friend, or spouse.

(It’s single player, but much like watching a fun comedy - it’s always better with someone laughing at your side.)

Typing this, I’m dying to play this game again.