Tinykin is a game I came across about a year back while searching for something to play on my XBOX Series S with Gamepass. Played it for about an hour or so over cloud gaming, and while it was enjoyable, my unreliable Spectrum internet wasn’t too enjoyable, so I moved along to other games. Recently though, I came across the title once again, this time searching PlayStation Plus for something worthwhile on the PS5. Not wanting to have a similar experience, this time I downloaded the title and started a playthrough. This game is a true delight, it feels like a throwback to earlier console generations. The gameplay is a of 3D platforming while exploring level by level with some great puzzles added in with some Pikmin vibes using the Tinykin.

There are five different types of Tinykin that you discover throughout the various levels, starting with the pink which are your basic units that are used to carry items or move items for you throughout the game. Each of the first few levels brings you a new Tinykin which will perform specific tasks that are also introduced level by level. 

• Pink Tinykin carry/move items for you
• Red Tinykin explode to unlock shortcuts/paths in levels
• Green Tinykin are used to stack and climb to access areas
• Yellow Tinykin are used to create bridges for traversal
• Blue Tinykin are used to convey electrical currents. 

Again each level will introduce a new Tinykin that will solve each levels conundrum, until you are left with a whole cast towards the final levels to solve the various puzzles with the full assortment of Tinykin. If you have played games in the Pikmin series this will be a familiar feeling and makes for some great, fun gameplay. Offering plenty of challenges and strategic action and some brilliant level designs as you traverse through the rooms of the house.

The level design is wonderful, bringing back vibes of the old Army Men games, the more recent Grounded, or perhaps even further back Honey I Shrunk The Kids vibes where you are a micro sized character in “real-life” style rooms throughout a house.

• Chrysal Workshop: Homebase/Hub where you see your collected
• Transidor Crossing: Hallway on split on two levels with a large staircase between them
• City of Sanctar: Living room setting including a piano, stereo, TV, and various other furniture to explore.
• Foliana Heights: Perhaps a nursery (like for plants…) with plenty of greenery and various terrariums that likely held some insect or reptile.
• Waters of Balnea: Two room connected bathroom, one containing a toilet and the other with a bathtub.
• Lands of Ambrose: Kitchen with an overflowing sink cascading into a waterfall, plenty of cabinets to search, and a countertop full of interesting appliances to utilize.
• Celerion Park: Kids room complete with toy car race track and a building block castle.
• (Redacted): Last level, no spoilers!

Each level is diverse and brings unique tasks, looks, and experiences as you gather your Tinykin and help the inhabitants of that level while working towards your goal. There are different objectives on each level, with a main path goal and extra goals and/or items to find if you are pushing towards that 100% completion. And in terms of difficulty there are some challenging spots when you are finding certain tasks that could make it a little hard for kids, the fun factor of the game should offset any challenges they face. Also the game is a rather easy Platinum or a maxed out Gamerscore, with plenty of guides or walkthroughs available if you get stuck on any of the extra challenges.

I would encourage everyone to give this game a shot, it is a true delight as mentioned before and it is the first game to be Gamewrote Approved and receive the Gamewrote Seal Of Approval!

Tinykin is available on PlayStation, XBOX, Switch, and STEAM, with a demo available on XBOX or Switch and is currently available through PlayStation Plus and was developed by Splashteam and tinyBuild.

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