Tin Can
- May 12, 2022
- Tin Can Studio
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"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.
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and intense survival experience, requiring players to troubleshoot and manage multiple systems under pressure.
- The graphics and sound design create an immersive atmosphere that enhances the feeling of being trapped in a malfunctioning escape pod.
- The developers are active in the community, responding to feedback and continuously updating the game with new content and features.
- The learning curve is steep, and the tutorial does not adequately prepare players for the challenges they will face in the main game.
- The game can feel repetitive after a few playthroughs, as the limited number of events and systems may lead to predictable outcomes.
- Some players have reported issues with controls and UI, making it difficult to interact with components effectively during high-pressure situations.
- gameplay82 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 curve. Overall, the game offers a unique experience that can be rewarding for those willing to invest time in mastering its mechanics, despite some optimization issues and gameplay inconsistencies.
“Fun gameplay with a lot of things requiring quick reaction.”
“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 a rage-inducing impossibility.”
“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.”
- story29 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal, primarily revolving around survival missions in a space station about to explode, with players tasked to gather components and survive until rescue. While some players appreciate the challenge and gameplay mechanics, many express disappointment in the lack of a rich narrative or diverse missions, indicating that the game is more focused on interactive systems than storytelling. Overall, it caters to those who enjoy technical puzzles rather than those seeking a compelling story.
“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.”
- stability26 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag; while it is not overly buggy, many players report significant optimization issues leading to frequent freezes and crashes. The troubleshooting mechanics, although intended to add depth, often frustrate users due to a lack of clarity and helpful guidance in the manual. Overall, players who enjoy complex systems management may find the game rewarding, but the unpolished experience detracts from its potential.
“Not only is this early access title working and fun, but it is almost entirely bug-free and has enough content that it feels much more finished than many other completed games out there. The game is new, innovative, and I haven't 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 rage-inducing.”
“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.”
- replayability21 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag among reviewers. While some find it lacking due to scripted modes and a short overall experience, others appreciate the randomness and variety in gameplay, particularly in survival modes, which offer opportunities for extended play and unique scenarios. Overall, many agree that despite its brevity, the game has high replayability potential, especially as more content is expected to be added.
“Very short game, but infinite replayability for its randomness.”
“Every game is different and it's very replayable.”
“What a unique little title, obviously it's 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.”
“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.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 74 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their high quality and impressive visuals, contributing to a strong hard sci-fi aesthetic. Players appreciate the detailed 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.”
“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' esc feel.”
“For example, they promised a repair rework that never materialized, because they started working on the VR port right after they made that promise.”
“A graphically sound game with realistic voice acting.”
“High quality graphics with well over reasonable performance; would buy again.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is highly immersive and interactive, focusing on the critical management of oxygen, CO2, and pressure within the pod. Players experience a sense of urgency and tension as they navigate the challenges of maintaining life support systems, which enhances the overall atmosphere. While initially confusing, this complexity contributes to a compelling and engaging environment that players find captivating.
“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.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is polarizing; while some users praise it for being well-optimized with no crashes or frame drops, others report severe issues, including constant freezing and crashes that detract from the gameplay experience. Overall, the feedback highlights a significant divide in performance quality.
“It is well optimized, with no crashes or issues and no frame drops.”
“High quality graphics with well over reasonable performance, would buy again.”
- grinding3 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 can feel overwhelming and unengaging, detracting from the initial appeal of its problem-solving elements.
“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.”
- monetization2 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 appreciate that it doesn't feel like a typical low-effort clone. Overall, there is a sense of frustration among players who want to enjoy the game but feel hindered by its development quality.
“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.”
“Not a cash grab or a stale UE or Unity clone.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be an emotional roller coaster, filled with intense and often unfair situations that challenge their perceptions. The experience is heightened by moments that reveal deeper emotional connections, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the right systems to fully appreciate the narrative.
“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.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively blends technical complexity with absurdity, creating a humorous experience that balances common sense and madness, all while maintaining a claustrophobic atmosphere.
“The game is so technical, yet common sense, yet madness, yet claustrophobic and very funny too.”
“The humor in this game is brilliantly absurd, making even the most serious moments feel lighthearted.”
“I can't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and hilarious character interactions throughout the game.”
