Tinykin

Tinykin is a joyous and unthreatening exploration based 3D platformer, with a ridiculous amount of charm.

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

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 879 reviews

gameplay67 positive mentions

grinding19 negative mentions

Charming art style and engaging level design that creates a delightful exploration experience.
Smooth and responsive controls, making traversal and platforming enjoyable.
A relaxing gameplay experience with no combat, allowing players to focus on exploration and collecting.

The game is relatively short, taking around 6-10 hours to complete, which may leave some players wanting more.
Some achievements are bugged, causing frustration for completionists trying to 100% the game.
Lack of a collectible tracker can make finding the last few items tedious and time-consuming.

gameplay
170 mentions
39 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Tinykin is characterized by its smooth mechanics and engaging exploration, blending elements of platforming and collectathon genres reminiscent of games like Pikmin and Super Mario Odyssey. Players enjoy the intuitive controls, charming visuals, and a variety of puzzles that keep the experience fresh, although some note that the gameplay can become repetitive towards the end. Overall, it offers a delightful and casual gaming experience with a focus on exploration and collection, making it a strong recommendation for fans of the genre.
- “Mechanically, it just feels good to move around in the game; something a lot of games don't seem to prioritize. Everything else exploration-wise just falls into place when the actual act of exploring the world is enjoyable.”
- “The gameplay is very smooth and enjoyable.”
- “With intuitive gameplay mechanics and vibrant visuals, it's easy to get lost in the fun and excitement of this heartwarming game.”
- “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.”
- “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 killers I've ever seen, that does make the races not difficult, just bleh.”
- “While Tinykin has a refreshing sense of style and brings unique Pikmin-like gameplay to the PC for the first time, the gameplay elements - the environments, dialogue, puzzles, and platforming - are simplistic and lose their novelty too quickly.”
story
166 mentions
22 % positive mentions
75 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story in "Tinykin" is often described as quirky and lighthearted, with a mix of engaging characters and environmental storytelling, though many reviewers find it somewhat shallow and lacking depth. While the main narrative can be completed in about 5-8 hours, it tends to feel tacked on, with significant plot revelations occurring abruptly at the end, leaving some players wanting more substance throughout the gameplay. Overall, the game is appreciated for its charming atmosphere and exploration, but the story does not consistently captivate or resonate with all players.
- “The story of the game was also fantastic, the plot was engaging and entertaining, and the mysteries unfolded at a perfect pace - not too slow that you forget things, but not too fast that you figure out the ending before you get there.”
- “Tinykin is an adorable platformer with tight, responsive controls and inventive level design which is wrapped in a cute story with behind-the-scenes depth.”
- “The animation, gameplay, characters, music, and story in one word: delightful.”
- “The story is similarly shallow.”
- “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.”
- “There's a bit of story at the beginning, basically nothing while playing the game and a lore dump at the end.”
graphics
122 mentions
59 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received widespread praise for their charming and colorful art style, effectively blending 2D and 3D elements to create a whimsical atmosphere. Many reviewers highlighted the meticulous level design and attention to detail, which enhance the overall exploration experience. While some noted minor shortcomings, the visuals are generally regarded as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and enjoyment.
- “The graphics are easily some of the best of any indie game, blending realistic and cartoony graphics with ridiculously high attention to detail.”
- “The art style is beautiful, the mix of 2D for characters and 3D for the environment is seamless; the devs really pulled it off.”
- “The sheer beauty of the graphics and music is just breathtaking.”
- “The graphics aren't as good.”
- “A small note, there does appear to be a problem with AMD graphics cards and this game.”
- “The art style is what I buy this game for, but it is a pain when you want answers or you fell in love with the idea of this world; yeah, it is like Pikmin, but it could be much more.”
music
113 mentions
58 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its quality and integration, enhancing the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. Reviewers praised the dynamic soundtrack that adapts to different environments, creating a lively and immersive experience, while the catchy tunes and charming sound design contribute to the game's polished feel. Overall, the music is described as delightful, fitting well with the game's aesthetic and engaging players throughout their exploration.
- “The adaptive music makes my brain tingle.”
- “The little details like the grunts from the tinykin synchronizing with the soundtrack really make this game feel polished.”
- “The music is fantastic and enjoyable, especially some of the boom box tracks.”
- “However, the soundtrack didn't really stand out.”
- “Music, ambience and dialogues resemble old console games; nowadays games don't take their time in polishing these aspects.”
- “The game is carried by its music, level design, and charm.”
humor
40 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is widely praised for its charm and wit, featuring funny dialogue, memorable characters, and a plethora of pop culture references that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the lighthearted tone and unexpected comedic moments, with many noting the game's ability to evoke genuine laughter through its quirky writing and engaging world design. Overall, the humor is described as a standout aspect that complements the game's cute visuals and enjoyable gameplay.
- “A funny little puzzle-platformer with funny dialogue, memorable characters, an appealing presentation, and great controls.”
- “Very fun to play, and I found the ending to be both unexpected and hilarious.”
- “The characters are charming, pop culture references are hilarious, and the gameplay is smooth.”
grinding
22 mentions
9 % positive mentions
5 % neutral mentions
86 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be minimal and generally enjoyable, with many noting that achieving 100% completion is straightforward but can become tedious due to the extensive collectible hunt. While exploring and solving puzzles is fun, some players feel that the lack of tracking for collectibles and the daunting scale of levels can make the completionist experience less satisfying. However, the game is praised for its smooth movement and engaging environments, making it a relaxing experience rather than a grind-heavy one.
- “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.”
- “Because nobody and nothing stops you from exploring or gathering story elements, the gameplay turns into a boring vacuum-sucking activity and tedious search.”
- “Going for 100% achievement is a little bit tedious, though, since there is no tracking for whether you have collected all tinykin in a level.”
- “My only gripe with the game is that the path to acquiring all the achievements was heavily focused on collectibles, which can be a bit tedious given how daunting the scale of the levels can be.”
emotional
13 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its heartwarming and wholesome nature, evoking feelings of joy and nostalgia through intuitive gameplay and vibrant visuals. Players appreciate the game's ability to deliver emotional moments, particularly in poignant chapters, while maintaining a light-hearted and relaxing atmosphere. Overall, it is celebrated as a delightful experience that resonates with those seeking a feel-good gaming journey.
- “Adorable, sweet, and heartwarming game with tons of references, especially in the last location, and vital questions considering faith and politics.”
- “[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.”
- “It's just one of those wholesome, chill games you can snack away on & have a good time without getting ever really frustrated.”
atmosphere
10 mentions
80 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is consistently praised for its charming art direction, dynamic soundtrack, and engaging world-building, creating a cozy and immersive experience. Reviewers highlight how the combination of visuals, music, and quirky storytelling enhances the overall enjoyment, making it a delightful platformer that keeps players smiling throughout.
- “Great atmosphere, the dynamic soundtrack really sets the mood for a cozy collectathon.”
- “The art, music, and general atmosphere are all fantastic.”
- “The music, the visuals, everything about the atmosphere here is on point and there's something special about this simple little game.”
stability
8 mentions
50 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally strong, with smooth performance on platforms like the Steam Deck. However, players have reported some bugs related to achievements and collectibles, including issues with tracking and completion. While minor glitches may occur, particularly with character visuals, they do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck.”
- “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 side quests and hunt for achievements, which is a lot of bang for your buck.”
- “Tinykin runs great on Steam Deck, even better than a regular controller because the back buttons feel really natural for actions in this game.”
- “Achievements are kind of buggy, and I wish there would be more help finding the last 5% of collectibles on the map.”
- “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.”
- “The only glitches I saw were when I had so many Tinykin that they would look glitchy.”
character development
7 mentions
43 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the character development for its charming and inventive designs that effectively blend 2D and 3D art styles. The characters are described as cute and well-drawn, contributing to an immersive and enjoyable experience that enhances the overall storytelling and gameplay. The combination of engaging character designs and a whimsical aesthetic is highlighted as a standout feature of the game.
- “The art style's 2D cartoons in a 3D world works really well, and the character designs are great. Using qualities of the bugs to build this house world is really inventive!”
- “From its wonderful music, insanely charming character design, to even the levels being worthy of their mention, what an enjoyable ride.”
- “I also love all the character designs and art; they're very cute and well drawn.”
replayability
6 mentions
33 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find value in collectibles and speed running, others feel that the lack of strategic elements and lengthy cut-scenes limit the incentive to replay. The experience is enjoyable for a single playthrough, but the potential for multiple runs is not strong.
- “A fun 4-8 hour experience with plenty to explore and a lot of replay value due to the short game time.”
- “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 cutscenes are brutal).”
- “There's no timer, enemies, or multiple paths to unlock for carrying things, so the strategy aspect that makes Pikmin so replayable is missing.”
optimization
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its excellent optimization, running smoothly on the Steam Deck without any crashes or the need for adjustments to graphics or performance settings. Overall, performance is a standout feature, contributing to a seamless gaming experience.
- “The game is well-optimized.”
- “I played the entire game on Steam Deck without any issues or crashes, and I did not tweak any graphics or performance settings.”
- “Performance is another area where the game impresses.”
monetization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The review does not provide specific information about the monetization aspect of the game "Tinykin." It primarily focuses on the author's initial intrigue and experience at an event rather than discussing any financial elements or in-game purchases.