PREVIEW : Tinkertown (PC)
RPGs usually contain a story that takes players on a journey to save the world. Those who want to make their own, on the other hand, have only a few possibilities. Tinkertown, the next adventure from developer Headup, is inspired by titles like Dragon Quest Builders. I examined its early concepts and got a taste of what the team was striving to produce when it was released in Early Access.
Tinkertown essentially builds a world for you and then leaves you to your own devices. A better tutorial for the sandbox systems would have been helpful, but there aren’t many penalties for death at this time. Your only true purpose in the game’s early stages is to acquire materials and construct a base. The systems are practically self-explanatory for those who have played games like Minecraft, but they can be even more simple.
Other things, such as a furnace and workbench that opens up new menus to craft, even more, can be crafted as you collect materials. It is possible to construct your base and prepare for your trip using these systems. It took me a long time to figure out how to traverse the numerous menus and find specific craftables, which could have been presented more clearly. Even so, everything is beautifully laid out for what you require and what is available to you.
You must go outside to get resources. Exploring the overworld allows you to see a variety of different environments. You may dig, cut, and craft your way through the regions, and there’s always something new to discover as you expand your exploration. The game’s bright and colourful universe, with high-resolution pixel graphics that give it a nostalgic feel. Each new set contains a variety of items to discover as well as new opponents.
In addition, dungeons may be found worldwide where you can collect more supplies and stronger adversaries. These dungeons are fun to play, especially with companions, but I wish each one had a specific aim, such as a boss or powerful equipment. For the time being, you go around collecting objects until there is nothing else to discover, and when you leave. If the creators implement the dungeons right, they could be the best part of the game. Consider focusing the overworld on sandbox gaming while the dungeons serve as a means of progressing a semi-narrative game.
Tinkertown provides a fantastic game loop for friends to design their journey, which is a large part of the fun. The process of crafting and building surroundings is streamlined so that you can develop environments around players in real-time, and it all goes so smoothly. I’m sure any stumbling blocks will be ironed out to better the player experience, but for now, I’m having a blast seeking an adventure within the confines of what’s available with a group of pals to talk to.
I should also mention that the soundtrack is fantastic, although that should come as no surprise given that Secret of Mana composer Hiroki Kikuta is involved. It’s simply a terrific backdrop for an adventure as you learn everything there is to do in the world. There are now plans for combat upgrades, NPCs, and classes, so plenty to look forward to. Based on my experience with the game, I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops and embarking on new adventures with my buddies.
