Tinykin: small in size, big in panache (Gamekult)

Tinykin does not seem, at first glance, to bring great novelties to the world of video games. It is part of an endless list of platform and exploration games, with gameplay mechanics inspired by pikmine. The pitch is basic, even already seen. The story follows the (mis)adventures of Milo, an intergalactic archaeologist from the future and stuck on Earth in the 90s. But the French studio Splashteam once again proves all the complexity that underlies video games. It is not enough to have new ideas, but good ideas. And Tinykin is full of it.

The power of simplicity

Milo must find the missing parts of his ship in order to be able to take off. For this, he will have to explore every corner of a house. Ridiculously tiny, he will still have to comb through each room, and therefore each level, from top to bottom. And no need to understand more than that to play, since the strength of Tinykin lies in this measured simplicity. In the same way that everyone understands what is at stake, everyone can play the game. The fluidity of movement brings a real desire to explore in levels enhanced by a level design without errors, as reported by Gamekult.

At no time does frustration get involved in the game since no fall is punitive. There is always a way to find your way back, or even to discover something by chance. Accessibility which is also explained by the absence of enemies who, even after a certain time of play, are really not missing. Tinykin is not against the player, but with him.

All this simple and pleasant environment is also magnified by a unique graphic style: 3D sets explored by 2D characters facing us. In addition to letting the player sail easily, the mechanics provided by the tinykin, these little critters openly inspired by the Pikmin, give back a unique depth and playability. These little beings that are collected as you go along have powers that depend on their color and offer the player new possibilities during exploration. If the pinks have uncommon strength, the yellows form bridges while the greens stack up so that Milo can climb them. Everyone is therefore free to live their own experience according to their use of the tinykin.

Despite some camera shortcomings in tight spots, Tinykin has few weaknesses. The only thing that could be criticized for it is that it does not last long enough as the appearance feel good makes you want to never stop. With six rooms to explore, it takes about ten hours of play to get to the end. But even this duration translates a measure and an accuracy controlled until the end. If we add to that a catchy and really detailed soundtrack, the defects of Tinykin are like their protagonist: tiny. See you on August 30 to approach the start of the new school year with simplicity and lightness. For more details, discover the full test of Gamekult here.