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It’s a unique platformer that provides mechanics we haven’t seen executed this well elsewhere, and considering the single-digit number of the Black Pants Studio team members, it’s even more impressive.
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Tiny’s tools are really fun to play with, and the game is wrapped in a beautiful, hip aesthetic. Tiny and Big: Grandpa’s Leftovers is a fabulous, unique gaming experience powered by a fantastic gameplay hook. Fortunately, Black Pants has labeled Grandpa’s Leftovers as “Episode One,” so hopefully we will be getting more sooner rather than later. The length is a mixed blessing, since the pacing is really tight, even if we wish the game was longer. Tiny & Big also touts a short run time, lasting only about 4 hours or so. And the game is fun enough that you honestly won’t mind playing a section again. But auto saves are frequent enough that it isn’t too much of a hassle to retrace your steps. And there are a few times when the game doesn’t recognize your cuts and you will be smushed unfairly. The fall distance that can kill Tiny is a less forgiving than we’d like. The giant rocks are sometimes difficult to manipulate and sometimes you will accidentally push them when you want to rotate them. The comic book-inspired sandy art, minimalistic music, and the dumb-as-rocks characters contribute to the arid, desert feel to the game.ĭazzling gameplay and presentation aside, there are a few elements that hold Tiny & Big back.
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The entire game takes place in a giant desert, but fortunately, Black Pants has taken advantage of the environment to create a world that’s so much more than just sand and cacti. And the collectible tapes add mellow, indie music to your radio’s song library that put you in a good frame of mind. Visually, it doesn’t look too far off from the likes of games like Psychonauts and the aesthetic complements the zany jokes and gameplay. Given the dazzling mechanics on display, one could almost call it a glorified tech demo, but the key word is “almost.” Tiny & Big’s unique art style and goofy pants-centric dialogue really improve the overall game.
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