Tinykin PS5 Review
| Game: | Tinykin |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | TinyBuild |
| Developer: |
Nintendo’s impact resonates strongly in Splashteam’s Tinykin, especially drawing inspiration from Pokemon. The game truly captures the lively and family-friendly spirit reminiscent of the Japanese gaming giant. The Tinykin, the colour coordinated creatures in the game, unmistakably evoke a Pikmin feel in their role throughout this vibrant platforming adventure.
Tinykin doesn’t delve deeply into a complex plot, but what narrative exists is generally infused with wit (including some amusing references to everything from House to Titanic) and provides context for the game’s events. Set in the year 2748, the diminutive protagonist, Milodane, or Milo for short, lands on Earth wherein he encounters a house trapped in the year 1991. In this house, Milo embarks on a journey to locate various components in order to repair his ship to head home. The creatures known as Tinykin obviously play their own part.
The Tinykin are categorized into five types, gradually unveiled as you progress through the game, each possessing distinct colours and abilities. Pink Tinykin, for instance, have the muscles to carry objects, Red Tinykin are sacrificial and detonate to destroy obstacles, the green type can stack on one another, creating a ladder for Milo to ascend. Blue Tinykin can be linked from a power socket to wires, forming a live circuit, and lastly, yellow Tinykin can be deployed to construct a bridge.
At the start of each level, you find yourself without any Tinykin, but the abundance of their eggs within each room of the expansive house ensures a growing company for your adventure. These one-eyed creatures prove to be quite useful, prompting you to utilize their varied abilities and, at times, even combine them. The presence of a bustling crowd of Tinykin adds to the inherent charm of the game, which is already brimming with its own delightful appeal.
Instructing the Tinykin remains straightforward; once given a task, they autonomously carry it out unless obstructed, even if it involves transporting vital items over considerable distances. This streamlined approach enhances the gameplay experience, and a simple whistle beckons any unoccupied Tinykin to promptly rejoin you at your location.
Tinykin’s other side is a 3D platformer, and a remarkably well-designed one at that, featuring large and distinct levels. The construction of the house is nothing short of fantastic, providing an environment that not only allows you to reach greater heights but also encourages extensive exploration. The gameplay involves various traversal methods, including the standard running and jumping, floating in a bubble, and even sliding on a bar of soap for added speed as well as the ability to grind along objects. Each level is rich with activities and discoveries, enticing you to pursue side missions, uncover letters, locate every Tinykin egg, and gather all the pollen for extended bubble floating. The game also manages to thrive without the need for enemies, as the focus on exploration and simple puzzles proves more than sufficient for an engaging and delightful experience.
With that in mind, this game embraces a remarkably laid-back attitude, going so far as to eliminate the concept of “dying” in the traditional sense. Any misfortune simply results in a swift respawn, emphasizing that it’s not intended to be a challenging experience. Instead, it thrives on providing a fun and relaxing atmosphere, where the joy of exploration remains a constant source of delight.
Drawing inspiration from titles like Paper Mario, Tinykin opts for 2D character models. The cartoonish aesthetic is not only vibrant but also visually striking, creating levels that are bustling with a plethora of things to see and do, accompanied by a growing number of Tinykin companions. While the framerate does experience occasional dips (at least on PS5), it generally maintains a smooth performance. In the auditory department, the game boasts characterful music and sound effects, contributing to its overall charm.
In summary, completing Tinykin took approximately 11 hours, and every moment was infused with joy and vibrant colours, reminiscent of the experience found in many Nintendo games. While the game may lack intense challenges or traditional enemies, this design choice lends the game a universal appeal. Navigating the lovingly crafted levels, meticulously combing through them to collect items, forms an addictive and engaging gameplay loop.
