The Last Tinker: City of Colors

76%
Game Brain Score Based on 367 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
The Last Tinker: City of Colors Game Cover
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The Last Tinker: City of Colors is a charming 3D platformer adventure game. Players control Koru, the last tinker, as he sets out to save his city from being consumed by a mysterious shadow. Solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and unite the scattered tribes of color in this nostalgic journey.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 367 reviews
story69 positive mentions
grinding9 negative mentions
  • The game features stunning visual design and vibrant colors that create an enchanting atmosphere.
  • It offers engaging gameplay mechanics with unique platforming and puzzle-solving elements.
  • The story addresses important themes such as racism and unity, making it relatable and thought-provoking.
  • The lack of a jump button and reliance on automatic platforming can make the gameplay feel simplistic and unchallenging.
  • Combat mechanics are often repetitive and can become tedious over time.
  • The game may feel too short and linear, lacking the depth and exploration found in classic platformers.
  • story178 mentions

    The game's story is generally perceived as simple and child-friendly, often featuring themes of friendship, unity, and social issues like civil unrest and racism, which resonate with both younger and mature audiences. While some players find the narrative engaging and heartwarming, others criticize it for being predictable and lacking depth, leading to limited replay value once the main story is completed. Overall, the vibrant visuals and whimsical presentation enhance the storytelling experience, making it enjoyable for those seeking a light-hearted adventure.

    • “The story is adorable and the gameplay is challenging yet still fun for all levels of players.”
    • “The story is very enjoyable for all ages.”
    • “The story is light-hearted without being childish, yet the theme is deep in ways that are very clear.”
    • “The story is definitely not the best thing about this game; it's a bit incoherent and simple (it's a kid's game after all), but it does convey a nice message and is definitely heartwarming.”
    • “The story was fairly predictable, but considering the generally childish theme of the game, my expectations were low.”
    • “I kind of felt like I was tricked into buying it, comparing it to Banjo-Kazooie in its description and from what I saw in videos it looks awesome but unfortunately the platforming is extremely simple, and controls like Assassin's Creed where you just hold down a button and the guy platforms automatically, such a letdown because the world, characters, and story have all the charm you could want out of a 90s style BK-like game.”
  • gameplay127 mentions

    The gameplay of "The Last Tinker: City of Colors" is characterized by engaging mechanics that blend platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat, though many players find it simplistic and lacking in depth. While the game offers a visually stunning world and varied challenges, it suffers from a lack of innovation and can feel formulaic, with some mechanics being overly simplistic or frustrating. Overall, it appeals more to younger audiences or those seeking a casual experience, but may disappoint players looking for more complex gameplay.

    • “🎮 Engaging gameplay mechanics with its unique platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics, the game offers engaging gameplay that keeps players hooked.”
    • “Fluid, varied, and fun gameplay.”
    • “Beautiful and engaging game with good gameplay mechanics, involving narrative and a sweetheart of visual aesthetics.”
    • “The detection mechanic on that enemy was a mess, and it revealed the inconsistent way the game handles hit points and respawning.”
    • “It was a lie from the developers to compare or say this is a modern take on Banjo-Kazooie because despite the mumbo-jumbo language and the light-hearted vibe, this is more comparable to a Lego game than anything else. You just walk around and fight enemies in a pretty linear way; there's no specific hub world or different stages, you're always going to an objective marker. The gameplay is so simplistic it gets repetitive.”
    • “Ignoring the fact that the game is falsely advertised as a platformer (read: there is no actual platforming in this game), the actual gameplay is pretty mediocre—too dumbed down for adults (brainless button-mashing combat + no actual platforming, again) and too annoying for kids.”
  • graphics71 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their vibrant colors, charming art style, and engaging visual design, reminiscent of classic 3D platformers. Many reviewers noted the beauty and uniqueness of the visuals, although some mentioned minor graphical glitches and performance issues. Overall, the game's aesthetic is considered a strong point, contributing significantly to its appeal despite some gameplay shortcomings.

    • “As far as graphics go, that's where this game excels.”
    • “The overall art style is just absolutely charming which marries beautifully with the OST in this game.”
    • “Beautiful graphics + good story.”
    • “Lots of glare in the oversaturated visuals.”
    • “I had some serious frame rate drops and had to toggle the graphics settings and turn some stuff off to even have the game in a playable state.”
    • “While the aesthetics of the game hit the mark dead on, gameplay falls far short in my opinion.”
  • music64 mentions

    The music in "The Last Tinker: City of Colors" receives mixed reviews, with many praising its cheerful and immersive qualities that enhance the gameplay experience. While some players find the soundtrack to be catchy and well-suited to the game's vibrant visuals, others criticize it for being sparse or repetitive, suggesting that a more diverse score could elevate the overall experience. Overall, the soundtrack is generally regarded as a highlight, contributing positively to the game's charm despite some calls for improvement.

    • “The music is also cheerful and enjoyable.”
    • “The overall art style is just absolutely charming which marries beautifully with the OST in this game.”
    • “Great gameplay, beautiful environments, adorable character designs, enjoyable story, and groovy music!”
    • “The soundtrack of The Last Tinker™: City of Colors is somewhat sparse, failing to fully complement the game's visual splendor.”
    • “The music is extremely bland and repetitive.”
    • “Imho somewhat repetitive music.”
  • humor22 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as colorful, whimsical, and often silly, appealing to both younger audiences and adults. Players appreciate the funny character interactions, humorous references, and light-hearted mechanics, which contribute to an enjoyable and entertaining experience. While some find the humor subtle or not overly complex, it effectively enhances the game's vibrant atmosphere and charm.

    • “Lot's of humor and cute characters.”
    • “Nice intuitive mechanics and lots of humorous references, from Monty Python to Bob Ross.”
    • “The game is very atmospheric, colorful, funny and is addressed to younger players, although adults can have fun with it too.”
  • optimization9 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many users noting significant issues such as crashes during resolution changes and alt-tabbing, as well as poor performance on certain graphics drivers. While some players enjoyed smooth graphics and gameplay, others experienced stuttering and bugs that hindered progress, indicating that further optimization and bug fixes are needed for a better experience.

    • “Improved optimization and bug fixes would be beneficial.”
    • “Lots of fun and the graphics run smoothly; it's not too short.”
    • “There were occasional performance problems.”
    • “Crashes on alt+tab, crashes on resolution change... doesn't save progress properly and it's poorly optimized.”
    • “Optimization could be better, controls are a pain sometimes and in-game puzzles are way too monotonous, in my opinion, but it's a good game overall.”
    • “But has some broken spots in the game such as stuttering and unable to progress through certain areas.”
  • grinding9 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and often frustrating, primarily due to its reliance on luck and the lack of meaningful rewards for the effort. While the gameplay offers some variety, the collection mechanics and the grind for extra moves feel unnecessary and detract from the overall experience, leading to a sense of mediocrity in both challenge and enjoyment. Additionally, unskippable cutscenes during repeated failures exacerbate the grind, making it feel even more laborious.

    • “Not hard, but because of how it's set up, it's based on pure luck and I found it painfully tedious for no real reason.”
    • “The 'collection' aspect of this game is also pretty weak, and the unlocking of extra moves/power-ups is grindy to the point of being not worthwhile.”
    • “On that note, cutscenes were generally unskippable (at least, as far as I can tell while playing), so dying repeatedly in some areas felt especially tedious.”
  • emotional8 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heart-wrenching story that, while aimed at a younger audience, addresses heavy themes like anxiety and depression. Players report feeling deeply connected to the characters and their journeys, particularly in moments of bonding and personal growth, making for a touching and nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic games. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to convey a heartfelt message despite its simplicity.

    • “The story was really heart-wrenching and, despite its aim towards a younger audience, touches on some heavy subjects.”
    • “I got super emotional in the [spoiler] green [/spoiler] and [spoiler] blue [/spoiler] section, as I could relate, since I know what it means to be gripped by anxiety and depression, respectively.”
    • “[spoiler] I got super emotional watching the reds and the greens bonding after finishing the green section, and it was equally emotional when, at first, you made Admiral Bluebeard feel safe, but later, you feel safe in his presence, further showing how the blues, at their best, are the color of fortitude.”
  • replayability7 mentions

    Overall, the game has been criticized for its limited replayability, with players noting that once the main story and side quests are completed, there is little incentive to return. While there are some replayable missions and unlockable content, many find these additions insufficient to enhance the game's longevity or excitement.

    • “Additional content or replayable modes could improve its longevity.”
    • “Replayable missions if anything was missed.”
    • “While the game's pretty short, there's a bit of replay value in the form of upgrades and unlockable concept art.”
    • “🕹️ Limited replay value: once players complete the main story and side quests, there's limited incentive to revisit the game.”
    • “While it may lack innovation and replay value, it offers an enchanting adventure for those seeking a vibrant gaming experience.”
    • “Little to no replayability.”
  • stability6 mentions

    Overall, players report mixed experiences regarding stability, with some encountering technical issues like bugs and long loading times, while others experience smooth performance with no significant problems. Minor graphical glitches have been noted, but they generally do not hinder gameplay progression. A troubleshooting beta version has been helpful for some users in resolving these issues.

    • “It looks great, it runs great, it's fun, it's entertaining for all ages, it sends a positive message, and above everything else, it's a very interesting game.”
    • “Some players may encounter technical issues, such as bugs or glitches, which can disrupt their enjoyment of the game.”
    • “I will say that I had some difficulties booting up the game; the current version would take 10 minutes to load and then not register my keystrokes during the first cutscene, so I had to load the 'troubleshooting' beta (which works great).”
    • “I encountered minor graphical glitches, but nothing too jarring, or which would stop progression.”
  • character development6 mentions

    Character development in the game is marked by a mix of unique and appealing designs, particularly for the main character, which stands out amidst a generally bright and colorful aesthetic. While the writing may be simplistic, it aligns with the game's kid-friendly tone, and the overall presentation contributes positively to the character experience. However, opinions on character designs vary, with some finding them unappealing despite the game's vibrant visuals.

    • “The character design is brilliant, bright, and frankly adorable, and the story premise has some obvious morals but not so much it's preachy, and the presentation made me smile many times.”
    • “Unique character designs, bright and colorful color palette, overall upbeat game with an interesting twist about halfway in.”
    • “Great platforming, wonderful environment, excellent character design, and filled with amazing colors.”
    • “I don't like any of the character designs, with the exception of the main character, simply because he looks the most unique in the game.”
    • “The writing is pretty lame (for kids though, so it's not that big a deal). The soundtrack is decent, and the presentation and look of the game world are actually quite good for the most part, although the hero himself has probably one of the ugliest and most unappealing character designs ever.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with anyone in the game.”
  • atmosphere5 mentions

    The game is praised for its enchanting and colorful atmosphere, which captivates players of all ages. Its imaginative environments and humorous elements contribute to a fun and engaging experience, making it a standout feature that encourages exploration. Overall, the atmosphere is a significant draw for players.

    • “The colorful environments and characters create an enchanting atmosphere for players to explore.”
    • “The biggest draw for me was the atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The game is very atmospheric, colorful, funny, and is aimed at younger players, although adults can have fun with it too.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

13hMedian play time
13hAverage play time
13-13hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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