Love it or hate it, there's no denying that My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic has inspired some truly impressive fan creations, and 4as's short-and-simple but gorgeously moody action-adventure Derpy's Story is no different. Inspired by a piece of art by RizCifra, it centers on a lone little pegasus lost in the dark of the Everfree Forest, where thorns aren't the biggest danger, but you can guide her somewhere safe. Click the screen to start and catch the attention of your little pony, and then hover the bubbles in front of her with your mouse to lead her around hazards. Hold down the mouse button to make the bubbles glow brighter and cause her to speed up, but don't do this too long or you'll temporarily burn out. If Derpy takes damage (represented by the number of tiny bubbles floating around the largest one), she'll spook and temporarily run away. Get her safely to the exit at the end of each level, munching down muffins when you find them to restore health and leading her over ropes to trigger useful paths.

Derpy's Story is not a perfect game. The controls lack a lot of clearer explanation and the fine movement you would really want to guide your little pony around hazards. It's also both short, and simple. But in that brief simplicity, you find that the game really shines, with lovely animated cutscenes and a rich atmosphere that almost make it feel more like a piece of interactive art. There's something weirdly poetic about a game featuring every fan's favourite clumsy gray pegasus being imperfect, but it does sort of make you hope 4as decides to tackle bigger projects in the long run to better refine the craft, because there's clearly a lot of talent there that needs some more polishing when it comes to the gameplay. While it lasts, Derpy's Story is a short, sweet tale about finding both a way home and friends in unexpected places.

Play Derpy's Story