Tin Can

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"Tin Can" is a physics-based puzzle game where players control a sentient can, navigating through various environments by manipulating and interacting with objects. The game features a minimalistic art style, challenging players to solve increasingly complex puzzles using the can's unique abilities, such as magnetism and momentum. With no time limits or penalties for experimentation, "Tin Can" encourages creativity and strategic thinking in its problem-solving approach.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,095 reviews

gameplay54 positive mentions

story8 negative mentions

Unique and engaging gameplay that combines problem-solving with survival mechanics.
Active developer community that is responsive to player feedback and regularly updates the game.
High replayability due to random events and the challenge of surviving longer each time.

Steep learning curve that can be frustrating for new players, with limited guidance in the tutorial.
Gameplay can feel repetitive after a while, as the core mechanics may become predictable.
Some players experience issues with controls and UI, making interactions feel clunky.

gameplay
164 mentions
33 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of intense problem-solving and survival mechanics, requiring quick reactions and critical thinking to navigate various challenges. While many players appreciate the depth and potential of the systems involved, some express frustration with the lack of clarity in tutorials and the overwhelming difficulty spikes. Overall, the game offers a unique experience that can be rewarding for those willing to invest time in mastering its mechanics, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its steep learning curve and occasional technical issues.
- “Great game, it manages to combine immense stress with fun and casual gameplay.”
- “The survival mechanics are top-notch and kept me on the edge of my seat.”
- “The systems and resource management coupled with the mad dash for components at the beginning of rescue scenarios makes for some truly compelling gameplay.”
- “A solid premise for a game and one that should have been a lot of fun, but there are several gameplay features that suck the fun out of it.”
- “The cause of the refund is that this game is so terribly optimized that it constantly freezes and crashes to make the already terrible gameplay ramp to rage-inducing impossibilities.”
- “I'm not sure if there is a clear idea on where the developers were headed with this game, but the game feels clunky and the gameplay mechanics don't seem to work well together.”
story
58 mentions
7 % positive mentions
79 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The game features minimal story elements, primarily revolving around survival missions where players must gather components from a failing space station. While the gameplay is engaging and challenging, many reviewers noted the lack of narrative depth and diversity in missions, suggesting that those seeking a rich story experience may be disappointed. Overall, it caters more to fans of interactive systems and technical puzzles rather than traditional storytelling.
- “Rarely would I recommend off the tutorial alone, but they really did their homework here. It's like beyond Derail Valley simulator levels of fidelity, and the tutorial is part of the story.”
- “While I've only played for six hours, I've gone through all the main 'campaign' missions, those that give you the challenge of surviving in your escape pod for increasingly lengthening time until you are rescued.”
- “A great little indie game concept that puts you in the boots of possibly Jebediah Kerman from KSP, on a space mission gone wrong.”
- “Fun, challenging, initially frantic game that does not explain much, may become repetitive, basically no story.”
- “There is basically no story - the space station you are on is about to explode, you grab things you think you will need and hop into the tin can - the not so well maintained escape pod - and try to survive for rescue.”
- “There is little story, this is not a story game; it's for those who love interactive systems in games.”
stability
50 mentions
8 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while some players find it mostly bug-free and enjoyable, others report significant optimization issues leading to frequent crashes and freezes. The troubleshooting mechanics are seen as both a depth to the gameplay and a source of frustration, with a manual that lacks helpful guidance. Overall, players who appreciate realistic system management may find value, but the game's polish and stability leave much to be desired.
- “Not only is this an early access title that's working, fun, and almost entirely bug-free, but it also has enough content that it feels a lot more finished than many other completed games out there. The game is new, it's innovative, and I've not played anything like it, and I'm loving it.”
- “The cause of the refund is that this game is so terribly optimized that it constantly freezes and crashes, making the already terrible gameplay ramp to rage-inducing impossibilities.”
- “Don't be fooled by the written descriptions or by the demo/tutorial into thinking this game is about thoughtful troubleshooting and problem solving.”
- “The 'troubleshooting' of the game appears to be mainly relegated to interpreting error codes through a manual that is miserable to use.”
replayability
42 mentions
33 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it offers infinite replayability due to its randomness and varied gameplay systems, others feel it lacks long-term value once the core puzzles are solved. The survival mode and challenges provide opportunities for extended play, but scripted elements in certain modes limit replay potential. Overall, many agree that despite its short length, the game remains engaging and replayable, especially as more content is expected to be added.
- “Very short game, but infinite replayability for its randomness.”
- “What a unique little title, obviously its early days but there is already a ton of replayability, the goal is to survive on a doomed escape pod for as long as possible, all you have is a run of the mill manual and your wits, how long you survive is all down to you.”
- “Despite being only a day old, it has some of the best replayability of any game like this.”
- “Tin Can is a fun game, but it unfortunately doesn't have a whole lot of replayability.”
- “Most modes are entirely scripted affairs; so, not much replay value.”
- “In my opinion, it lacks replay value, but the time that you do get is pretty fun.”
graphics
38 mentions
74 % positive mentions
26 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their high quality and impressive visuals, contributing to a well-executed hard sci-fi aesthetic. Players appreciate the stunning in-game environments and clean design, although some minor visual effects could use refinement. Overall, the graphics enhance the gameplay experience, making it a worthwhile investment for players.
- “High quality graphics with well over reasonable performance, would buy again.”
- “Great concept, great graphics, gameplay, etc. Only a few minor quibbles here and there so far, and they're actively adding new content.”
- “The visuals are quite impressive, starting with the loading screen with a clean finish moving onto the menu, the menu could look better [cleaner more compact] but nonetheless gets the job done, in-game is quite stunning with visuals outside your pod's window needing more 'space' feel.”
atmosphere
16 mentions
38 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is highly immersive and interactive, focusing on the critical management of oxygen, CO2, and pressure within the escape pod. Players often find themselves in a tense struggle to maintain life-support systems while navigating the chaos of repairs, which enhances the overall sense of urgency and confusion, contributing to a compelling and engaging experience. Overall, the atmosphere is described as perfect, effectively setting the tone regardless of the player's situation.
- “It's not hard to enter a death spiral where you just can't fix things faster than they're breaking, and even if you do manage to get everything up and running, you'll just suffocate before the systems fix your atmosphere.”
- “You must stay alive and keep your escape capsule intact until help arrives while repairing subsystems, replacing parts, troubleshooting electrical problems, and maintaining an oxygen atmosphere.”
- “It's not hard to enter a death spiral where you just can't fix things faster than they're breaking, and even if you do manage to get everything up and running you'll just suffocate before the systems fix your atmosphere.”
- “You must stay alive and keep your escape capsule intact until help arrives while repairing subsystems, replacing parts, troubleshooting electrical problems and maintaining an oxygen atmosphere.”
- “It takes a lot of getting used to at first, but that general confusion is part of the game's atmosphere, I think.”
optimization
6 mentions
67 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is polarizing, with some users praising it for being well-optimized with no crashes or frame drops, while others report severe issues, including constant freezing and crashes that detract from the gameplay experience. Overall, opinions vary significantly, indicating a lack of consistency in performance across different systems.
- “It is well optimized, with no crashes or issues and no frame drops.”
- “High quality graphics with well over reasonable performance, would buy again.”
grinding
6 mentions
0 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
67 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and repetitive, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment. While the game offers a balance of accessibility and complexity, the overall experience is marred by the need for extensive grinding, making it feel more like a chore than a challenge.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Initially, I thought this would be a fun simulation of sorts that puts your problem-solving skills to a test by putting you into a situation where you're facing a perilous hazard like running out of oxygen or overheating or finding a leak... but the game is just so incredibly tedious and repetitive on top of being flat-out frustrating that I can't find it in me to play any more of this.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
monetization
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users feeling it is a rushed cash grab aimed at the VR audience, while others argue it is not a typical cash grab or a derivative clone. Overall, there is a sense of frustration among players who are eager to enjoy the game but feel hindered by its development issues.
- “This feels rushed for a VR audience cash grab, and now I'm stuck with a title that I really want to play, but just can't because of development.”
emotional
4 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players describe the game as an emotional roller coaster, highlighting moments of intense chaos and perceived unfairness that ultimately reveal deeper, poignant themes. The experience is marked by a blend of frustration and emotional depth, encouraging players to reflect on their choices and the systems at play.
- “It is an emotional roller coaster.”
- “There will also be situations that seem super hectic and unfair, until you realize it wasn't about being too slow, but touching (or ignoring) the wrong systems entirely.”
humor
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its unique blend of technicality and common sense, creating a chaotic yet humorous experience that resonates with players. Its ability to evoke laughter amidst a claustrophobic atmosphere adds to its charm.
- “The game is so technical, yet common sense, yet madness, yet claustrophobic and very funny too.”