Tiny and Big: Grandpa's Leftovers

”Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you?” -Master Yoda

Tiny and Big: Grandpa’s Leftovers is a relatively short Indie title that follows the story of an individual-with a murmuring voice similar to that of Tom Kenny's cartoonish stylings-named Tiny as he embarks on a journey to seek the only heirloom his late grandfather bestowed upon him: a pair of all-powerful underpants that the main antagonist, Big, obtains. I know how this sounds, and you have every reason to be skeptical because of this description. However, the relentless rivalry between Tiny and Big’s primary protagonist and antagonist-aptly named Tiny and Big-is a very amusing struggle. Tiny is equipped with a radio that seemingly has a mind of its own, as well as a set of three gadgets-rocket attachments, a cutting tool, and a hooked rope- that aide in manipulating the environment.

Here are just a few reasons to give Tiny and Big: Grandpa’s Leftovers a chance:

Gameplay - This title is a physics-heavy game that utilizes the three previously stated tools-each obtained progressively through the game’s story- to allow the environment to be altered, and to, subsequently, allow for progression. Though not all of it is, a large part of the environment is destructible, allowing the player to create varying ways in which to solve puzzles and proceed to the next portion of the game. In fact, so much of this game is able to be manipulated that it is highly possible to discover multiple solutions to a single problem, which adds to the replayability of this relatively short title. The control scheme for this title is quite simple, with the standard W, A, S, and D movement layout providing movement, the Space Bar acting as Tiny’s jump button, and all three of the gadgets being accessible by utilizing the mouse; moving the mouse aims the reticle, LMB activates the cutting tool, MMB allows rockets to be placed on objects-with another click of MMB, once attached, to send the mass flying within the rocket’s trajectory-, and RMB connects the grappling hook to a target. The cutting tool takes a bit of getting used to, but is extremely fun to utilize after a short time of learning.

Humorous Dialogue - Both Tiny and Big share not only a physical rivalry but a verbal one. Speech is erected through text bubbles and is acted out through voices that are jabbering gibberish, but with tones unique to each character. Even Tiny’s radio lends notable dialogue to situations while lending a hand with hints and sounding like someone is constantly changing the station. Combined with its cell-shaded graphics, this game’s approach to conversation is both minimalistic and highly enjoyable.

Collectables and Secrets - You can definitely see the developers’ sense of humor within Tiny and Big’s collectibles system. The most prominent pickups in the game are known as Boring Stones, and pretty much describe how, in general, objects such as these are tossed into games as extra content to add to the replayability; it is quite a silly satire.  There are other secrets  but I will allow you to figure out what and where they are throughout the landscape.

TL:DR - I must admit that I was skeptical about purchasing this title due to its completion time, but the overall feel of the game entranced me into reviewing levels I had already cleared just to retain the same sense of prior enjoyment, just to experience this game’s overworld, conversations, secrets, and themes. Admittedly, Tiny and Big: Grandpa’s Leftovers is one of my favorite physics-based adventures, and I have been secretly awaiting a sequel though I know this aspiration is highly unlikely at the given moment. Thanks for reading.

Do you feel this review helped in any way? Feel free to visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews.
Originally posted August 18, 2015. Last edited May 1, 2018.