- December 3, 2013
- StarQuail Games
Tiny Barbarian DX
Tiny Barbarian DX may look like just another indie platformer on the surface, but it is so much more than that.
Platforms
About
Tiny Barbarian DX is a retro-style action platformer game with pixel graphics. Play as a mighty barbarian, battling through hordes of enemies across four epic episodes. With fast-paced combat, screen-shaking boss battles, and cooperative multiplayer, it's a love letter to classic arcade games.











- Solid retro 2D action gameplay with a charming aesthetic.
- The game features a wonderful chiptune soundtrack that enhances the experience.
- The level design is varied and creative, keeping the gameplay interesting.
- Gameplay can be very frustrating, especially with some poorly designed boss fights.
- The campaign is extremely linear, with stages that can feel tedious and repetitive.
- Controls can be irritating at times, leading to unnecessary deaths.
- music80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
The music in *Tiny Barbarian* is widely praised for its charming chiptune soundtrack, which captures a nostalgic retro vibe reminiscent of classic games like Castlevania. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's catchiness and ability to enhance gameplay, with many noting that it keeps players engaged and energized throughout their experience. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, elevating the game's appeal and providing a memorable auditory backdrop.
“The real star here is the music though.”
“Jeff Ball (our musical lord and savior) went 120 percent effort on every single track and it really shows.”
“It's definitely a musical masterpiece.”
“Repetitive looping music.”
“I probably died in this section more than any other (the serpent lord battle being a close second), and it wasn’t so I could keep listening to the music.”
“The graphics are pixelated, the sound effects minimal and the music pure chiptunes.”
Tiny Barbarian DX (Switch) Review
A solid offering for retro fans everywhere
80%Tiny Barbarian DX (Switch) Review
Tiny Barbarian DX may look like just another indie platformer on the surface, but it is so much more than that.
90%Tiny Barbarian DX Review
Tiny Barbarian DX is an extremely enjoyable action-platformer that has lasting challenge to it. The refined mechanics and the way the story unfolds is most of why this is so much fun to play. It may not win any beauty contests and the lasting appeal comes up a bit... short because of lacking incentives. Thankfully, the local two-player co-op rounds out the value making this a pretty fun game at parties. Tiny Barbarian DX may not be as memorable or as appealing as the likes of Shovel Knight or Hyper Light Drifter, but it is every bit as good and is clearly a product of a lot of passion put into it. The barbarian-fantasy sub-genre just does not click with people like it did once upon a time in the 1980s and it seems most gamers refuse to play a 2D action title that is not a Metroidvania derivative. Tiny Barbarian DX will most certainly satisfy anyone looking for a thrilling and focused 2D sword 'em up.
80%