This writing Tinykin review is a bit bittersweet for me. On the one hand, I get to rate an exceptional and endlessly creative video game. On the other hand, it is my last review for The Game Crater. One of the many highlights of my career at The Game Crater was a preview Tinykin in February of this year. At the time, I called it “brilliantly innovative and extraordinarily unique”, claiming I just couldn’t “understand how much I would enjoy another title this year”. Luckily my prediction came true and I am incredibly grateful that my last review on this site may be devoted to such a phenomenally beautiful work of art.
“What is perhaps more impressive than Tinykin’s overwhelmingly impressive attention to detail is his ability to create dynamic and awe-inspiringly large levels.”
I fear that, for those who read my preview of Tinykin all those months ago, I might sound like a broken record. My feelings after playing the first level of the game haven’t changed in the least after finishing the whole game. It remains a visual marvel, so vividly vibrant, so creatively sound in the execution of both its 2D and 3D models. It was a real pleasure bouncing through the different levels, not least because the gameplay is so immersively exciting, but because I was left stunned at how wildly exciting every intricate detail was.
What could be more impressive than Tinykin’s overwhelmingly impressive attention to detail, is the ability to create dynamic and awesomely large levels. The sheer size of each area is overwhelming at first, yet invites you to explore the myriad of secrets hidden within. Just like a good escape room, Tinykin lures you in with the promise of intriguing puzzles and a well-appointed space before being surprised with even more detail, ingenious design and – on occasion – even rooms.
“I have often wished that it would go on forever and allow more of its finely crafted worlds to be discovered.”
One of the many aspects that struck me when I first played Tinykin was the unique approach to level design. Instead of having an open space that felt like a cohesive whole, Tinykin chooses to have open spaces filled with much smaller worlds connected together to create an entirely new entity. This dynamic approach to building each level meant that I was constantly discovering something new and exciting, rather than feeling like I had seen and done everything in the first few moments.
It’s exciting to see what Tinykin’s masterful levels in store for you. Whether it’s a beautifully designed bar serving drinks to a colorful cast of characters or a chic food scene hidden in a cupboard, I was always left with a smile on my face. Perhaps my only criticism of Tinykin is that this sense of wonder diminishes slightly as the game progresses. Some levels apply this design philosophy a little loosely—although thankfully they don’t do away with it altogether—making their worlds feel a little less coherent or purposeful.
Nevertheless, exploring each of them Tinykin’s levels was a real pleasure. They all offer something completely new, both in terms of decoration and tone, which makes the progression of the game all the more exciting. I kept wishing that often Tinykin would go on forever, bringing me more and more of his finely crafted worlds to explore.
“Tinykin knows exactly when to help you and when to let you discover a world of truly exciting wonders as a child.”
In terms of game, Tinykin does not disappoint. This is arguably one of the most accessible platform games I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. The level design is clear enough to never get lost, with new routes unlocked as you progress, allowing you to easily travel back to hub areas. The platform itself is undeniably smooth and never feels too weightless or heavy. Each jump feels perfectly balanced, so you’re sure to reach your intended destination as long as you align yourself correctly.
In addition, the open approach to achieving each of his objectives allows the player to explore at his own pace. You are never forced to take a certain route, which means that the way you approach a level can be very different from mine. Tinykin really respects the time and inquisitorial spirit of the player. It wants you to have fun in its playground of endless joy and knows that for that to happen, it must set you free. That does not mean Tinykin don’t hold your hand if you want to. This is not a game of frustration. Far from. Rather, Tinykin knows exactly when to help you and when to let you discover a world of truly exciting wonders as a child.
“It’s the first game ever that I really wanted to play 100%, even if it took a little longer to do so.”
The central objective is by far the easiest, requiring you to do some basic platforming and puzzles. These are not joyless or boring. I really enjoyed the creative stories that went into each story and the thrill of completing them. However, I liked the optional content more. For example, if you collect all the nectar, you can explore every nook and cranny of a level and even participate in some of the Tinykin’s more difficult platform segments.
For completeists, Tinykin is quite an enjoyable experience. It’s the first game ever that I really wanted to play 100%, even if it took a little longer. I found myself engrossed in finding the last three pieces of nectar in a level. My girlfriend, who was also equally invested, jumped for joy when I found the very last piece of nectar in the whole Tinykin. Suffice it to say, we both felt a bittersweet feeling as the game’s credits rolled.
“I can confirm that Tinykin is not only the best game of 2022, but also one of the best games of all time.”
As I write this review I am listening to the soundtrack of My Neighbor Totoro. Like Tinykin, My Neighbor Totoro meant the end of something. I listened to it quite a lot while studying for my senior year of college. It practically played me out the door of my university when I hopped on the train home, ready to explore a whole new, unpredictable, frankly scary but exciting world.
While I was playing Tinykin, I didn’t know I was going to continue with this incredibly fun job. I have surrendered with a smile on my face the whole time to the childish pleasures it offered. However, like My Neighbor Totoro, it has subconsciously become an incredibly important part of my life. It’s a game I’ll remember for the rest of my life, a game that got me through one of the toughest transitions I’ve ever experienced.
I bring all this up not to complain about how my life is changing, but to emphasize how incredibly and beneficially wonderful Tinykin is. I only attach so much importance to this magical game because I enjoyed it so much. How much it inspired and moved me. This experience of playing Tinykin is only important to me because of how awesome it really is. when i said that Tinykin In my preview it looked to be the best game of 2022, I was hopeful. Now that I’ve played the whole game, I can confirm that not only Tinykin the best game of 2022 but one of the best games of all time.
Pick up is possible Tinykin on PlayStation, Xbox, Xbox Game Pass, PC and the Nintendo Switch now.
*Disclaimer: Rated on PS5; code is provided by the publisher.
Overview
Tinykin is arguably the best game of 2022. It’s a satisfying platforming action coupled with the open approach to mission design, allowing for some of the best exploration in a video game. Plus, the phenomenal visuals and sense of scale offer higher levels that are a joy to explore. Tinykin is perfect in every way and masterfully executes each of his creative mechanics. It is a satisfying and highly rewarding experience, not to be missed.
Pros
Truly exceptional images
Phenomenal level design
Extremely satisfying platforming
Extremely unique in every way
Fantastic soundtrack
0 Comments