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Tinykin

Tinykin is a joyous and unthreatening exploration based 3D platformer, with a ridiculous amount of charm.
Tinykin Game Cover
95%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
grinding, stability
98% User Score Based on 1,977 reviews
Critic Score 84%Based on 2 reviews

Platforms

PCXbox Game PassPlaystation 5CloudPlaystation 4Xbox Cloud GamingXboxSteam DeckWindows
Tinykin Game Cover

About

Tinykin is a single player arcade role playing game with a comedy theme. It was developed by Splashteam and was released on August 30, 2022. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Catch hundreds of tinykin and use their unique powers to bring Milo back to his home planet- and back to normal size!

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98%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,977 reviews
gameplay178 positive mentions
grinding50 negative mentions

  • Extremely charming and well-crafted 3D platformer with unique 2D characters in a vibrant 3D world.
  • Tight and responsive controls with satisfying movement mechanics like soapboard skating and gliding.
  • Engaging exploration and collectathon gameplay with cleverly designed large levels full of secrets and collectibles.
  • Adorable characters, witty dialogue, and detailed worldbuilding with insect societies creatively repurposing household objects.
  • Relaxing and approachable experience with no combat, defeat, or pressure, ideal for all ages.
  • Highly polished sound design and dynamic soundtrack that enhances the whimsical atmosphere.
  • Relatively short game length around 6 to 12 hours, may leave completionists wanting more content.
  • Some collectibles and achievements are buggy or hard to find due to lack of tracking aids, causing tedious backtracking.
  • Platforming and puzzles are generally easy and lack challenge, with optional races being the only difficult content but suffering from inconsistent controls.
  • Tinykin creature mechanics can feel repetitive and simplistic with limited player agency in using them.
  • Story and ending may feel underdeveloped or rushed, with some players finding writing unengaging or tonally inconsistent.
  • Lack of save slots and some camera issues detract slightly from the experience.
  • gameplay
    444 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Tinykin is a charming and smooth 3D platformer with collectathon and puzzle-solving elements inspired by Pikmin but streamlined and simplified for accessibility. Players enjoy intuitive controls, varied tinykin abilities, and open-ended level design that encourages exploration without overwhelming micromanagement or combat. While some find the mechanics repetitive or light on depth, the game is praised for its polished, satisfying movement, clever puzzles, and relaxing, engaging gameplay loop that lasts around 7–10 hours.

    • “The gameplay is smooth, the movement is satisfying, and the puzzles never feel overwhelming or frustrating.”
    • “This delightful game effortlessly blends fun, addictive mechanics with charming visuals and a calming soundtrack.”
    • “The core mechanics revolve around Milo’s partnership with the titular Tinykin, small colorful creatures that each possess unique abilities. These mechanics are reminiscent of Pikmin’s design philosophy, but Tinykin removes the pressure and management complexity, instead focusing on the joy of discovery and clever problem-solving.”
    • “The grind mechanic feels not good and is seemingly required to get a gold or platinum medal.”
    • “The only thing I really hate is the horrible drift mechanic for the soap board.”
    • “It is quite fun the first hours, but the more you go forward the more it becomes slow and insufferable, even not counting the gliding starting mechanic, that is one of the worst and most fluidity killer I've ever seen, that does make the races not difficult, just bleh. And what I mean about the game being more insufferable the more you go forward, it's not because it adds difficulty, it's just that the new mechanics added every time makes it forcefully slower than before and not in a fun way.”
  • story
    383 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in this game is generally described as simple, charming, and exploration-driven, with a light-hearted tone and a focus on quirky characters and environmental storytelling reminiscent of classic children's adventures like Toy Story. While some find the narrative engaging, humorous, and emotionally resonant—especially toward the ending—many note it is fairly short, occasionally underdeveloped, and not the primary focus compared to gameplay and exploration. The lore and side quests enrich the world subtly, but the story’s pacing and depth can feel uneven, with some players wishing for a more cohesive or extended narrative experience.

    • “The narrative unfolds subtly through interactions with the insect inhabitants and environmental storytelling.”
    • “Milo’s quest to find a way home becomes intertwined with helping these tiny civilizations with their own troubles, leading to moments of humor, empathy, and light social commentary.”
    • “The story doesn’t strive for grand drama but instead builds a quiet emotional resonance through its themes of perspective, cooperation, and curiosity.”
    • “Almost the entire story is simply dumped on the player at once in the last few minutes, resulting in a story that is as shallow and underwhelming as the gameplay, to the point it is hard to tell what is actually supposed to be substantial and what's just there for the sake of having a conflict.”
    • “You've filled the game with so many individual bugs that all have their own dialogue, stories that continue between rooms and quest that build on each other, and instead of making the story about them you decide to suddenly pull some horribly convoluted plot about time travel, multi-world stuff, and whatever the hell was up with the ending cutscene.”
    • “The story is basically just doing fetch quests to obtain each level's macguffin, and the characters aren't really all that memorable, as most of the insects of the same species are only differentiated by having a different hat or palette color.”
  • graphics
    317 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Tinykin receive widespread praise for their charming and unique blend of 2D hand-drawn characters within vibrant 3D environments, creating a whimsical, cozy aesthetic reminiscent of Saturday morning cartoons and Paper Mario. Reviewers highlight the beautiful, colorful art style, meticulous level design featuring inventive use of household objects, smooth animations, and high-quality visual detail, all running flawlessly even on devices like the Steam Deck. Overall, the graphics greatly enhance the playful, inviting atmosphere, making the game visually delightful and a key reason for its appeal.

    • “Tinykin is a delightful 3D platformer that had me hooked from the start, especially beating it on my Steam Deck where it ran buttery smooth at 60 fps with gorgeous visuals and low power draw.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, with a vibrant, cute art style that is both visually stunning and inviting.”
    • “The art style is beautiful, the mix of 2D characters and 3D environments is seamless, and the developers really pulled it off.”
    • “Feels like a rip-off of Pikmin in the worst ways; the story itself is bare-bone and exposition is shallow (why is there a museum with nobody there?? Just lazy and lacks immersion), graphics are amateur, and to some degree I don't think anything was meant to be polished.”
    • “Tinykin is like the set of a sitcom, aesthetically pleasing when viewed from the correct angle, but the appearance is all it has.”
    • “The graphics aren't as good.”
  • music
    209 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's music is widely praised for its dynamic, adaptive quality that changes with locations and player actions, enhancing immersion and atmosphere. The soundtrack is described as catchy, relaxing, charming, and perfectly complementing the art style and gameplay, making it a standout feature that elevates the cozy, whimsical experience. Some find it memorable enough to listen to outside the game, highlighting exceptional sound design and audio detail throughout.

    • “The music dynamically changes depending on where you are, and it never gets old listening to it.”
    • “The attention to detail the developers put into the music is amazing; for example, the OST changes to match the section of the level you are on, like an acoustic rendition inside the guitar, making traversal really fun.”
    • “The music and sound design are fantastic on every level, with dynamic tracks that complement the visuals and gameplay perfectly.”
    • “The music drove me slightly nuts by the end.”
    • “However, the soundtrack didn't really stand out.”
    • “I found the story pretty bland and the music, while not being out of place, to be serviceable at best.”
  • humor
    92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's humor is widely praised for its clever, lighthearted dialogue filled with witty pop culture references and charming, funny characters that reward player curiosity. Players appreciate the humorous interactions with quirky bug NPCs and the playful, whimsical tone that enhances the relaxing and enjoyable platforming experience. Overall, the humor is considered a standout feature that adds warmth, charm, and frequent laughs throughout the game.

    • “Do take the time to talk to the various bugs around you as they not only have quests but hilarious nods—Avatar: The Last Airbender, Titanic, Les Miserables, and West Side Story are only some of the things referenced with a wink and a nod that rewards player curiosity.”
    • “Also something I don't see mentioned nearly enough about this game is how it actively wants and rewards you for interacting with the NPCs via very funny pop culture references at every corner.”
    • “- Dialogue is witty and filled with humor, making interactions with NPCs enjoyable and adding to the game’s lighthearted tone.”
  • grinding
    55 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Grinding and collectible hunting in the game can become tedious, especially when aiming for 100% completion due to the difficulty in locating the last few items and lack of guiding aids. While general exploration and platforming remain enjoyable and relaxed, certain mechanics like soapboard grinding and time trials introduce frustrating inconsistencies that challenge the otherwise chill pace. Overall, the grind is manageable and mostly optional, appealing more to completionists, while casual players can enjoy the experience without feeling bogged down.

    • “No jumping to the internet to look up unexplained mechanics or puzzles, no grinding out resources or scores, etc. It's been years since I've felt like this while playing a game.”
    • “Not grindy.”
    • “However, momentum is difficult to maintain when you’re not grinding, where you always have to hold down the stick, which for me hurt my thumb and actually broke a piece off of the rubber.”
    • “100%ing this game (which requires collecting every single item in all of the large, open environments) can get really tedious, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a true achievement hunter.”
    • “Some of the achievements like "gotta catch 'em all" and "master brewer" were extremely tedious, as you have to search every corner of each map to find every last tinykin or pollen, and that can prove to be a real challenge.”
    • “The platinum trophy was a bit grindy; out of my 11.4 hours of play, six were spent looking for specific hidden items.”
  • emotional
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Tinykin delivers a heartwarming and wholesome emotional experience through its charming story, witty dialogue, and adorable characters. The game builds quiet emotional resonance with themes of cooperation and curiosity, culminating in a touching payoff that resonates with players. Its gentle, relaxing tone makes it accessible and enjoyable for all ages, offering a comforting, feel-good adventure.

    • “The story doesn’t strive for grand drama but instead builds a quiet emotional resonance through its themes of perspective, cooperation, and curiosity.”
    • “[Spoiler] But if you are a big softy like me, be warned; the start of the 'The Last Refuge' chapter was an emotional kick in the teeth that still makes me tear up when I think about it.”
    • “The game is very generous with not having to collect everything unless you crave 100% completion, and there is a surprise emotional payoff in the end.”
  • atmosphere
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charming, cozy, and immersive qualities, brought to life through vibrant, hand-drawn art, dynamic soundtrack, and detailed, distinct environments. Players appreciate the nostalgic, playful mood created by thoughtful level design, sound, and world-building, which perfectly complements the accessible and fun gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout element that deeply enhances the exploration and storytelling experience.

    • “Each room of the house is distinct not only in layout but in atmosphere—the bathroom glows with humid reflections, the attic hums with dusty sunlight, and the bedroom flickers with the glow of retro electronics.”
    • “And then there’s the art style—a vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetic that’s both cozy and immersive, paired with a delightful soundtrack that complements the whimsical atmosphere.”
    • “Great atmosphere, the dynamic soundtrack really sets the mood for a cozy collectathon.”
  • character development
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The character development is praised mainly for its charming, cute, and distinct designs that blend 2D cartoon elements effectively within a 3D world. While the characters are visually appealing and creatively designed, some reviewers noted limited attachment due to small roles and minimal uniqueness in character models. Overall, the inventive art style and engaging character aesthetics greatly enhance the game's appeal.

    • “Character designs are cute and distinct, making it easy to distinguish between different Tinykin types and NPCs.”
    • “The contrast between the slight realism in the environmental design and the much more cartoonish character design works really well, with bright colours standing out and grabbing your attention.”
    • “From its wonderful music, insanely charming character design, to even the levels being worthy of their mention, what an enjoyable wonderful ride.”
    • “I enjoyed the environment, the exploration of the levels (with little things hidden everywhere) and its character design (too bad I didn't actually enjoy interacting with said characters).”
    • “I didn’t mind the 2D character design and it’s one of the most well-integrated examples of 2D sprites in a 3D environment.”
    • “I really dig the combination of the few art styles used (2D-ish character design, with cartoon elements in a 3D world that's filled with little details).”
  • optimization
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its smooth performance and solid framerate across platforms, including the Steam Deck, with users highlighting seamless play without crashes or needing adjustments. Optimization is considered a strong point, contributing to enjoyable gameplay and quick, accessible sessions. Minor visual trade-offs were noted but did not detract significantly from the overall well-optimized experience.

    • “Smooth performance, easy controls, and perfect for quick sessions on the go.”
    • “I also played the entire game on Steam Deck without any issues or crashes and did no tweaking at all to the graphics or performance settings.”
    • “Well optimized, run correctly as I expected taking into account my PC config, but the important thing here is how smooth it felt during my gameplay experience.”
  • stability
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is generally stable and well-polished, running smoothly with minimal glitches, especially on the Steam Deck. However, some users report buggy achievements and minor visual glitches when many characters appear on screen. Overall, stability is strong, with occasional minor annoyances related to achievement tracking and collectible hunting.

    • “A hidden gem that runs great on the Deck too, recommended!”
    • “While I did encounter a few frame dips a couple of times, generally the game runs great and it'll take you between 8-9 hours to complete if you do all the sidequests and hunt for achievements, which is a lot of bang for your buck.”
    • “Its gorgeous, it's funny, it controls perfectly and it's bug free (excluding all the talking bugs).”
    • “Some achievements are buggy.”
    • “A few achievements are a bit buggy (need to revisit every room to complete despite being 'done'), and the game is unfriendly toward finding missing collectibles (no tracker or counter to help find them), so be careful with that if you plan to 100% everything.”
    • “Only complaint I have is that the activation on the achievements was a bit buggy for me.”
  • replayability
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Replayability in Tinykin is generally limited, as the game is designed more for a single, joyful playthrough focused on discovery and nostalgia. However, the presence of collectibles, level select, and short game length encourage players to revisit levels to achieve 100% completion, adding modest replay value primarily for completionists or exploration.

    • “There is a level select in the game so if you miss collectibles you can go back and get them, offering even more replayability to the game!”
    • “There's a lot of content in the game - you'll want to go back in the levels to explore all the puzzles and collect everything which gives it more replay value.”
    • “Collectibles add enough replay value to the levels as it's unlikely you'll get every single one the first time.”
    • “I don't think there will be much replay value for people, but it's worth it for the single playthrough.”
    • “Not much replayability (other than maybe speed running, but also the cut-scenes are brutal).”
    • “While I think it's fun enough to finish, I don't really see any replay value except if you want to 100% it.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The provided text does not offer specific information about the game's monetization, making it difficult to summarize this aspect based on user feedback.

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8h Median play time
8h Average play time
7-10h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 13 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Tinykin is a arcade role playing game with comedy theme.

Tinykin is available on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

On average players spend around 8 hours playing Tinykin.

Tinykin was released on August 30, 2022.

Tinykin was developed by Splashteam.

Tinykin has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

Tinykin is a single player game.

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