Misc. A Tiny Tale - Feature Image

Misc. A Tiny Tale: Captivatingly Unique – Demo Preview

Misc. A Tiny Tale is without a shadow of a doubt a marvellous achievement in originality and the successful innovation of an oversaturated genre. It astounds with its unique world and characters while maintaining a level of unabashedly extraordinary gameplay. Misc. A Tiny Tale is by far one of the greatest smile-inducing titles I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing.

In-game Screenshot

“Hopping around a dilapidated garden inhabited by strange mechanical beings has never felt so fun.”

Misc. A Tiny Tale might just be one of many games featured in the Steam Next Fest, but to me, it is a shining example of why indie games are so integral to the medium of video games. Its short, albeit wonderful, demo encapsulates the creativity, originality and brilliance often missing from larger more clinical triple-A titles. It affords the player a glimpse into what outstanding innovation upon an overburdened and oversaturated genre truly looks like.

Misc. A Tiny Tale - Gameplay
In-game Screenshot

Misc. A Tiny Tale is a collect-a-thon platformer in which the player takes on the role of Buddy. Its strange, Tim Burton-esque world populated by machines crafted from rusty spare parts is brimming with potential. Its colourful cast of characters all feel incredibly unique, each with their own playful personalities. While its apocalyptic setting can at times feel a little bleak, the warmth and charm exuded by its writing and characters create a genuine sense of warmth and immersion. Hopping around a dilapidated garden inhabited by strange mechanical beings has never felt so fun.

“The juxtaposition between the ginormous garden décor and the chibi-style robots is a sight to behold and makes for some clever level design.”

Fortunately, platforming around this intriguingly unique world feels buttery smooth. From the offset, you have the ability to double jump and glide, which makes platforming an immediate treat. Exploring the diverse and intricately detailed map is a lot of fun, as leaping and bounding from one platform to the other felt incredibly refined. In a later section in which you’re challenged to complete a trial filled with tight platforms and leaps of faith, I never felt as if any jump I made would unnecessarily lead to my death. My landings all felt perfectly within my control, and the gliding never felt as if it were going to suddenly fling me to one side.

In-game Screenshot

It also helps that everything looks and feels great as you play. As I previously mentioned the environment you’re able to explore in the demo is lavishly detailed. The juxtaposition between the ginormous garden décor and the chibi-style robots is a sight to behold and makes for some clever level design. The sound effects that accompany your journey, from the squeaking of your feet as you crouch to the boinging effect as you jump, offer a great sense of feedback that makes you feel as if you have a genuine presence within the game’s world.

“I highly recommend you try out Misc. A Tiny Tale.”

Misc. A Tiny Tale is a one-of-a-kind game. While many will surely be able to cite its inspirations, to me it felt like a remarkably unique experience. I highly recommend you try out Misc. A Tiny Tale, if only to bask in its wonderful world and characters, and enjoy gliding through the gorgeous environments.

Be sure to head on over to Misc. A Tiny Tale’s Steam store page to try the demo out for yourself. You can also wishlist it on Steam to be notified of any future updates.