This Casual Shooter for Mobile Satirizes Pandemic Behavior in the Funnest Way

A few short years ago the world suddenly seemed to be running out of toilet paper at an alarming rate.

On that occasion, the shortage was due to panicking pandemic stockpilers unwilling to countenance a future without luxurious cleansing material for their soiled privates.

According to New Zealand developer Mad Carnival Games, the idea for Bustin’ was born in that dark period, when toilet roll availability was sky high on the index of global concerns.

It started out as a bit of throwaway fun, to bring a bit of joy to the world, but now Bustin’ is a fully fledged, highly polished arcade shooter for mobile. Still fun, but definitely not throwaway. 

Bustin’ sees you play as a heroic boycalled Jesse Latreen, delivering toilet rolls to the swarming, desperate, zombie-like crowds, using special equipment mounted on top of a van.

While Jesse’s mum drives, you get to do the fun bit: operating the roof-mounted bogroll cannon. 

Bustin’ is an on-rails shooter crossed with an endless runner. Each attempt sees you firing toilet rolls at delirious pedestrians by aiming your cannon, pulling back, and letting go. 

You’ve only ever got a limited supply of toilet rolls on the van, so you have to check in at refuel spots at regular intervals to restock. If you run out before reaching one of these checkpoints, the hordes catch up and destroy your van in a desperate attempt to pillage any remaining toilet paper stock.

It’s an odd, tongue-in-cheek concept, perfectly executed. As you play you’ll meet new regulars with various toilet paper requirements. Karen, for instance, only demands one roll at a time, while the mask-incompetent Nosey Shopper requires two. 

There are several different power-ups to unlock, too, including Spread Shot, Chain Reaction, and—gulp—Explosives.

Plus, there are new vehicles to commandeer and upgrade, along with a variety of locations to explore. You can even customize your TP with a ton of different designs, because luxuries are important too. 

Download Bustin’ for free right now on the Google Play Store or the App Store. 

Johnny Peterson