Tiny Barbarian DX
- December 3, 2013
- StarQuail Games
Get on SteamTiny 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.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- 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
- 60 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
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.”
- gameplay50 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by solid level design and a mix of mechanics that keep the experience engaging, though some players find it simplistic and occasionally frustrating due to long stages and mediocre combat mechanics. While the game offers a nostalgic homage to classic platformers with tight controls and a fair challenge, it lacks depth and variety in gameplay elements, leading to a somewhat linear experience. Overall, it is praised for its fun and polished execution, despite some criticisms regarding repetitiveness and control issues.
“The devs did great with the level design and mixing up the gameplay in different levels, something that I feel is crucial to keep a 2D sidescroller interesting.”
“This game looks and sounds great and the gameplay is fun and exciting.”
“This is a good mix of challenging gameplay, classic platforming, well-scripted boss fights, and stands as a loving homage to the barbaric bash-'em-ups of old.”
“Not a bad game, but very bare bones gameplay mechanics, and incredibly long and drawn out stages and bosses without enough variety to keep it interesting.”
“Another major issue is one of the few game mechanics the game has, grabbing ledges/ropes/etc, feels extremely bad.”
“Gameplay can be very frustrating, extremely linear campaign/stage designs are often tedious and repetitive, some parts have irritating controls.”
- graphics24 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by charming pixel art and a retro 8-bit aesthetic that evokes nostalgia without feeling outdated. While not groundbreaking, the visuals are well-executed and complement the gameplay, providing a satisfying experience alongside a catchy chiptune soundtrack. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's appeal, making it a recommended choice for fans of old-school gaming.
“The graphics and music design are pure retro 8-bit goodness (barring a couple of small anachronisms, like the floating z's of the sleeping barbarian).”
“The graphics and soundtrack are also top notch, some tracks being so good I noticed my feet tapping against the floor.”
“Beautiful, charming pixel graphics but unlike others it doesn’t just look old school, it plays that way.”
“The graphics are pixelated, the sound effects minimal, and the music is pure chiptunes.”
“There's no real experimentation, no high concept, nothing more than a token attempt at narrative, and the Conan-inspired aesthetic is there as window dressing rather than as a means of informing gameplay.”
“The graphics might be simple, but the game is well constructed, with challenging levels.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a strong sense of humor, characterized by tongue-in-cheek elements and humorous scenes that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the combination of beautiful pixel art and a great soundtrack, which complements the comedic aspects effectively.
“Conan with a sense of humor!”
“Tongue-in-cheek humor too?”
“Beautiful pixels, great soundtrack, very funny.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The story in the game is engaging, particularly highlighted by a strong first chapter that sets high expectations for the subsequent chapters. Players control a Conan-like character on a quest that seems to involve saving a princess, though the narrative is described as minimal and somewhat forgettable, with a greater emphasis on action and gameplay. Overall, while the story may not be the main draw, it effectively complements the game's fun and challenging nature.
“The first chapter felt like it was already the full story; it was so well done, and it excites me to see what the other chapters will bring.”
“If you want a fun, challenging game that’s low on story to the point of forgettable, high on action, and makes you feel like a badass for being able to get through it, check out Tiny Barbarian DX.”
“You control the Conan-esque main character in his quest to... save a princess, I think?”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, citing slow character movement, limited attack range, and repetitive stage designs that contribute to a linear and monotonous experience. The hack and slash mechanics are undermined by enemies that damage on contact, further adding to the overall irritation during gameplay.
“Not to mention the fact that your character is rather slow and has a teeny tiny range, which makes most boss fights tedious on their own.”
“A game with hack and slash elements, but all enemies damaging you upon contact feels goofy and tedious.”
“Gameplay can be very frustrating; the extremely linear campaign and stage designs are often tedious and repetitive, with some parts having irritating controls.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Replayability varies significantly among players; while some find the game offers great replay value due to its controls and overall enjoyment, others feel it lacks substantial incentive to replay unless they are particularly fond of it.
“Controls are amazing and have great replay value; it's one of my favorite games of the summer.”
“Replay value isn't really big here, unless you absolutely love the game.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, "Redder" is highlighted for its strong atmospheric qualities, while "Braid" is noted for its engaging gameplay. "Fez" is praised for its visual appeal, and "Super Meat Boy" is recognized for its excitement, but none match the atmospheric depth of "Redder."
“Redder has more atmosphere.”
“Braid has more interesting gameplay; Redder has more atmosphere.”
“Fez looks better.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game suffers from poorly optimized gamepad controls, leading users to recommend using a keyboard instead for a better experience.
“I don't think I've ever played a game with worse optimized gamepad controls. If you do decide to play, do yourself a favor and stick to the keyboard.”
