Referencing or retelling stories from historical literature isn’t a new thing in video games, with titles likeDante’s InfernoandAmerican McGee’s Alicebeing two prime examples. Borrowing characters or narratives from other video games and movies is a different story, making it harder to draw the line between paying homage and copyright infringement. When it comes to games likeGoat Simulator 3, however, the rulebook is thrown out the window in the name of comedy.
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Goat Simulator 3is a game that really doesn’t take itself seriously and won’t hesitate to poke fun or pay homage to other franchises. It may be hard to believe that a goat could wield a lightsaber or be responsible for pushing the big red button and causing aFallout-like apocalypse, but when it comes to Pilgor, anything’s possible.
8Skyrim’s Opening Cart Scene Parody
The first Easter egg ofGoat Simulator 3is found right at the start, as Pilgor and the other goats are transported to their fate in the back of a cart - sound familiar? Even the iconic line fromSkyrim’s introduction scene, “you’re finally awake,” is said.
The farmer goes on to explain what expositions are and how they are used far too often in video game intros, all the time refusing to turn around, as was the case with the driver inElder Scrolls 5. If players hadn’t recognized the reference during the ride, they certainly do when the farmer instructs Pilgor to get out of his ‘Skyrim’ cart.
7Bisohock Infinite’s Secession Celebrations
While wandering around CosCon, Pilgor finds a setup remarkably similar to the fairground Booker Dewitt stumbles upon during the anniversarycelebration of Columbia’s secessioninBioshock Infinite. Of course, this event takes place in the present day, and Pilgor has no Tonics to get his hooves on.
The ‘Hit The Peasant!' axe-throwing game is in reference to the controversial decision the player can make inBioshock Infinite- whether to throw the ball at an impoverished couple or launch it into the face of the host, Jeremiah Fink, instead.
6CosCon - Dragon Ball Z, The Simpsons, Pokemon, And More
Being theGoat Simulator 3version of Comic-Con, CosCon is absolutely full of pop culture references. Here, Pilgor can become likeCaptain Americaby leaping into the glass box to retrieve the familiar-looking circular shield.
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Making his way around the Con, the little goat meets people cosplaying as Goku, Homer Simpson, and the Joker. Pilgor can also find theFly-Manfilm set along with a poster in the style of a Marvel movie; only this one has been produced by ‘Wonder.’ No Con is complete without a vast array of collectibles to take home. At Shirley’s Goodies and Gear, the player will find the ‘Lots-O-Huggin’ bear fromToy Story 3, several palantír fromLord of the Rings, andGoat Simulator’stake on Pikachu.
5Play Wolfenstein 3D With A Bazooka Shooting Grandma
There are several references to other video games inGoat Simulator 3, withWolfenstein 3Dbeing one of them. After being dropped off at the farmland, Pilgor will find the Seedson Homestead, where a cranky grandma is seen in her rocking chair. If Pilgor tries to get close, the woman shoots balls of yarn from her bazooka, knocking the Goat all over the lawn.
Once the player manages to get close enough to deal with the grandma, the basement of her home will open up, allowing access to a blue pixelated door. This leadsto aWolfenstein-inspired level, with the soldiers replaced by bazooka-equipped grandmas.
4Pilgor Becomes A Ghostbuster
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood… it’s probably Pilgor. InGoat Simulator 3, the player can discover theghost trap fromGhostbusterstucked away in the Cyborg’s Lair shop in the Downtown area.
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The ‘Ghost Movie Prop’ will allow Pilgor to release an angry poltergeist that will possess the unfortunate citizens nearby. The ghost will shroud the person in wisping energy and toss them around while making noises similar to thePac-Manarcade game, only reinforcing the 80s nostalgia of the reference.
3Pilgor Visits Silent Hill P.T.
WhileSilent Hill P.T.wasn’t meant to be,Goat Simulator 3has paid homage by adding a creepy sequence where Pilgor must loop around the claustrophobic hallways of a house. While the scene will look very familiar to those who played the interactive trailer back in 2014, the haunting sounds of a crying baby are replaced by those of a flatulent citizen.
TheSilent Hill P.T.easter eggis located in the Mornwood falls area, following the most western road leading to Libertarian Island. On the left, the player will find an offroad with a sign for ‘Quiet Hill.’ Soon after entering, Pilgor will be shrouded in the iconic white fog.
2Pilgor Becomes a Jedi
In Brumehill Cemetery, there are church bells with chimes that may sound familiar toStar Warsfans. If Pilgor hits them in a specific sequence (Middle, Middle, Middle, Left, Right, Middle, Left, Right, and Middle), he can play the Imperial March theme.
Once successfully played, the mausoleum doors will open, and Pilgor can equip a double-sided lightsaber known as the Pridesaber 2.0. Considering how much mischief the goat gets into inGoat Simulator3, it is surprising that the weapon doesn’t glow red.
1Pilgor Presses The Big Red Button
Pilgor, Pilgor never changes. InGoat Simulator 3,if the player reaches the top of the water tower, which is located north of Brumehill Cemetery, they will find a secret nuke launch pad. By setting the missile to ‘too high’ on both the latitude and longitude, the launch button will fire a large nuke right in front of the player.
Luckily, the bomb fails to go off, reminiscent of the nuke found inFallout 3’s Megaton. Just like the decision given to players inFallout 3, Pilgor can detonate the bomb by headbutting it. This will send a mushroom cloud into the air, obliterate the ground and cover the area in a sepia color.
Goat Simulator 3is available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
