Honcho: Indie Game Responds to Criticism with Unexpected Character Option

The upcoming indie automobile sim, Honcho, developed by Minskworks, is generating buzz not just for its unique premise – a vending machine tycoon simulator set in Japan – but also for its unconventional response to player feedback. The game centers around Keiko, a young woman who inherits her grandfather’s business and navigates the competitive world of vending machine ownership.

From Deliverywoman to Mogul: The Story of Keiko

Honcho promises a “heartfelt story of betrayal, mystery and hope” as players guide Keiko from a simple delivery driver to a powerful property magnate . Still, the decision to make Keiko the sole playable character initially sparked criticism from a segment of the player base.

The Backlash and the Tofu Solution

Some players expressed disappointment that the game didn’t offer a male protagonist option, with one Steam user stating that playing as a female character “ruins my immersion.” Developer Greg Pryjmachuk acknowledged these complaints, noting they were voiced across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Discord. Rather than dedicate significant development resources to creating an entirely new character model, Minskworks opted for a creative solution inspired by Resident Evil 2: Mr. Tofu.

Meet Mr. Tofu: A Sentient Block of…Tofu

Mr. Tofu is a playable character described as a “sentient block of Tofu” that obscures the player’s body, with an optional setting to hide hands as well. Pryjmachuk emphasized that the addition wasn’t born out of negativity, stating, “While I may not have any interest in self-inserting in the games I play, who am I to dictate how someone else enjoys their media?”

About Honcho

Honcho is an automobile sim that places players in 1980s Japan, tasked with building a vending machine empire. The game is currently available on Steam and has garnered attention for its unique setting and gameplay. Gameplay footage is available on YouTube , showcasing the game’s distinctive aesthetic and mechanics.