I Wani Hug that Gator! Is a choice-driven narrative about teenagers struggling to find their way. Help Inco, loser highschooler extraordinaire, navigate his budding friendships (and romance!) while surviving being the only human in a dinosaur-filled school.
Throughout the story, players make numerous choices that dramatically impact the course of events and relationships between the characters. These choices range from simple dialogue options to more significant decisions that alter the direction of the narrative, such as choosing Inco's approach to making new friends or navigating his budding romance with the bold and brash Olivia. The game's branching storylines and four unique endings are determined by the cumulative choices made by the player, allowing for a high degree of agency and replayability. With each playthrough, players can explore different narrative paths, uncovering new insights, relationships, and emotional experiences.
The text-based visual novel format places the emphasis squarely on the game's rich storytelling and character development. The clean, easy-to-navigate interface allows players to progress through the narrative at their own pace, with occasional visual elements, such as character portraits and subtle animations, enhancing the overall experience.
A significant aspect of the gameplay revolves around managing the relationships between the protagonist, Inco, and the supporting cast of anthropomorphic dinosaur characters. Players' choices can influence the development and progression of these relationships, potentially leading to romantic entanglements or meaningful friendships. The game's well-realized and nuanced cast encourages players to become deeply invested in their individual stories and struggles.
The game's pacing is meticulously designed to balance moments of humor, drama, and emotional weight, resulting in a deeply engaging and impactful experience. The narrative flows seamlessly, with natural transitions between lighter and more somber moments, evoking strong emotional reactions from players, as evidenced by numerous user reviews.
The game's branching storylines and multiple endings provide a strong incentive for players to revisit the narrative and explore the various paths. Each choice made can lead to significantly different outcomes, allowing players to uncover new insights and experiences with each playthrough, further enhancing the game's replayability.