Tiny Barbarian DX

When asked to think of the episodic games they are most excited about in the coming year, many fans are likely to mention one or more of Telltale Games' recent and/or upcoming projects, but newcomers StarQuail Games may just have the next big iterative game on their hands with.Those who grew up in the 90's will be pleased to know that the 'DX' in Tiny Barbarian DX is indeed a callback to the identifier that was used by developers to identify which of their portable games were developed specifically for the GameBoy Color. Unlike software of that era, or the industry for that matter, is part of an increasingly large collection of episodic games available for purchase on the PC.Like the classic GameBoy Color titles that inspired the game's art style, Tiny Barbarian DX also features a relatively simple control scheme. Of course, while easy to learn and aesthetically appealing, it will take you a bit of time to completely master the game's combat mechanics. You'll have a handful of sword slashes, not to mention the most satisfying elbow drop I've seen in a game of its ilk, but Tiny Barbarian remains joyously free of any overly-complicated leveling mechanics or spell-casting systems present in many recent brawlers.To be honest, players really only have two jobs in Tiny Barbarian DX. Run/Jump/Climb forward.2. Kill things.To keep the pacing varied, StarQuail also included a couple of segments in Tiny Barbarian DX where the protagonist rides around on the back of a large cat - because what 90's action game would be complete without the obligatory animal-riding segment? Players can even use their abnormally large feline friend to launch themselves up to heights that wouldn't be reachable by the diminutive Barbarian alone, offering players an extra means of exploration while scouring the game world for hidden collectibles.

Tiny Barbarian (PHOTO: StarQuail Games)With all of that out of the way, let's go ahead and address the elephant in the room.At present, there's only about an hour's worth of content available for Tiny Barbarian DX, give or take 20-30 minutes (based on your abilities). Hell, there's an achievement for completing the current batch of Tiny Barbarian DX content in just over half an hour.Thanks to the power of Steam Reviews, we know that some people have enjoyed Tiny Barbarian DX enough to play that same hour's worth of content five or six times, but it doesn't change the fact that the game's existing campaign content isn't as long as a feature-length film.

Assuming that Tales 2-4 turn out half as entertaining as the first chapter of Tiny Barbarian DX, the game will absolutely be worth the ten dollars its currently fetching on Steam, and I'd be shocked if the game didn't get a few discounts in upcoming Steam Sales too. Still, some may want to wait until additional content has been released before buying their copy of the game.I'm also happy to report that Tiny Barbarian DX joins what turned out to be quite a lengthy list of 2013 new releases that feature purchase-worthy soundtracks. StarQuail succeeds in creating an aural experience that matches the on-screen action while also making certain that players have something to nod to on their path to completing the first of four 'tales' for Tiny Barbarian DX.

On first glance, Tiny Barbarian DX appears like your typical indie action platformer with pixel art and chiptune music, only with a $30 USD price tag. Looks can be deceiving however, as Tiny Barbarian DX is the best I’ve played this year. Tiny Barbarian DX – gameplay image via StarQuail Games and NicalisTiny Barbarian DX is spread out over four episodes, with each feeling nearly like its own entire game. Each episode has its own theme, gameplay gimmicks, and self-contained story; although all the stories are connected, the story isn’t all that deep as it is told visually. Without spoiling too much, episode two has a few moments where you ride a giant bumblebee while, while episode three is straight up the best linear I’ve played in a decade, just without the series title attached. The fourth and final episode pays homage to both and in a very surprising but welcomed way which you’ll want to see.Episodes last about an hour or so each depending on your skill level, which admittedly is a bit brief for a game that costs as much as this one. That said there are extra unlockable hidden modes, which I won’t spoil here, as well as the ability to play with two players simultaneously.

Tiny Barbarian DX is a new episodic adventure. The game is a Sword and Sorcery inspired side-scroller. Mar 05, 2013  Tiny Barbarian DX is an action-packed sword 'em up inspired by fantasy pulp fiction. Like those short stories, the game is split into four distinct episodes, each with a.

Tiny Barbarian DX – gameplay image via StarQuail Games and NicalisWhile Tiny Barbarian DX isn’t the longest game, what is here is quality. The platforming is tight and deeper than you may imagine. The barbarian has a single jump, the ability to grab onto and climb up ledges, a sword attack, an elbow drop, and the ability to flex at will which serves no purpose other than comical purposes as far as I can tell. There are also a few advanced combos to be discovered that include a high jumping slice, and jumping with your sword spinning around you.While the controls are simple, the platforming found here demands skill and precision. Jumping from chains to ledges and avoiding endless bats while simultaneously dropping elbows on snakes is something you may very well have to do.

I can’t stress enough just how great traversing these levels feel. Tiny Barbarian DX – gameplay image via StarQuail Games and NicalisEven better than making the way through levels is fighting the various bosses found throughout the game. You’ll fight a barrel-throwing gorilla (which includes a soundtrack reminiscent of ), a flying wizard that shoots electricity, and even a planet-eating god.

Each boss is wholly unique from the last, with each testing that players have perfected the lessons taught by the level that came before them. While that should be considered standard game design, many developers fail to do so, especially with the finesse delivered by the developers here. Many bosses had my heart pounding in my chest as many fights came down to ‘sudden death’ moments where the next person to land an attack that would win the fight.Perhaps my favorite part of the game, however, is the amazing chiptune soundtrack by Jeff Ball, best known as a violinist for Steven Universe. Don’t take my word for it, and see if you agree. As someone with a fondness in my heart for chiptune, having gone out of my way to see it performed live after having grown up playing and completing nearly every major NES game, I can say without a shadow of a doubt this is one of the best chiptune soundtracks I’ve ever heard in my life—a real achievement.If you (and possibly a friend) have a hankering for some retro-inspired platforming action with challenging bosses, awesome parallax pixel graphics, and a soundtrack that will have you humming along, you don’t want to miss out on Tiny Barbarian DX. While the price might be a little steep, I certainly came away more than satisfied and quite impressed as the game had me hooked from start to finish. I, for one, can’t wait to see what StarQuail games cooks up next!

Tiny Barbarian DX – gameplay image via StarQuail Games and NicalisTiny Barbarian DX was reviewed using “retail” Nintendo Switch download codes provided by the publisher. You can find additional information about CGMagazine’s ethics and review policies and procedures.Liked this article and want to read more like it? Check out Jed’s take on, and!Want to see more videos? And check out the, and!Don’t forget to tune in every Friday the to hear the latest news, previews, and in-depth game discussions!Never miss when new CGM articles go out by following us on and!CGMagazine is Canada’s premiere comics and gaming magazine.! Never miss when a new issue goes live!

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