Pipkin

The game is probably worth closer to $5. It just can’t escape its RPG Maker roots due to poor feature implementation and the developer skipping out on making this a fully original experience despite receiving 6x the asking amount on Kickstarter. [list] [*][b] Mixel Pixel Art.[/b] The pixel art in this game is filled with mixels. Unfortunately distracting once you notice it. [*][b]No controller support.[/b] Even though it says there's no controller support, my Xbox controller does work. The dev did not use a controller nor Steamdeck while developing this game so they are not sure how to program it in. RPG Maker is probably doing the heavy lifting here. [*][b]Can’t see your money unless you’re shopping.[/b] Not sure why this is a thing. (A hotfix patch on 10/31/25 has since fixed this.) [*][b]No party health visibility outside of battle.[/b] You can’t see your party’s HP when healing them outside combat. Instead, their level is displayed, and their name color changes based on HP percent. [*][b]Too much backtracking for healing.[/b] Modern RPGs have moved away from this outdated trope, and for good reason. The game isn’t a gauntlet of battles so why make the player do this? [*][b]Walking speed is too slow.[/b] Maybe there’s an upgrade later, but so far, it hasn’t shown up in my playthrough. [*][b]Camera is overly zoomed in.[/b] It creates a claustrophobic feeling that makes exploration less enjoyable. The map is pretty detailed and it’s a shame you can only see a tiny bit of it at a time. [*][b]No story.[/b] This isn’t a surprise, the Steam page makes it clear, but it doesn’t help the gameplay. Being dropped into a world with no goal or narrative direction just feels empty. [*][b]The character code system is confusing.[/b] You unlock codes to change your character’s look, but you have to start a new game to use them. Why? The game should let you change cosmetics in-game, like most modern titles. It’s a neat idea, just poorly implemented. [*][b]No nicknames for your monsters.[/b] Small thing, but it hurts personalization. [*][b]Character class and typing are neat, but unbalanced.[/b] I like that the player participates in battles, but my Steel-type Tank character started with a Steel-type Tank Pipkin. Why would I want two of the same thing? Anything else would’ve added variety, or better yet, let me pick from a list. [*][b]No way to see move stats.[/b] This is an RPG, players need more than a single-sentence move description to make informed choices. [*][b]Default RPG Maker sounds.[/b] Despite raising over $15K for development, the game still uses stock RPG Maker audio. Nothing breaks immersion faster than hearing those default sounds. [*][b]Clunky battle system.[/b] The battle system could be a smoother experience. Having to read the outcome of each move on top of the screen and watch it play out on the bottom isn't easy to do since it isn’t paced correctly. Earthbound is an example of that working since it has a pace to it and the rolling HP feature helps. [/list] I understand it’s made by a solo developer, but so are countless other RPG Maker games that manage to offer more, and many of those are free or cheaper. The developer should have focused on making this feel like a complete, modern experience. RPG Maker can do a lot, but in this case, it wasn’t fully utilized. Very cute game overall, but I’d recommend waiting for a price drop or a heavy discount.

I've been really looking forward for this game. I'm enjoying it! Pipkin has charming, retro-style graphics, which is a visually pleasing aspect. Both the pipkins and the other characters are well-designed. The main duo looks like MCs Gravity Falls! The background music matches the atmosphere of each location, but in not intrusive way. Although there's no evolution mechanic, there are still 65 unique pipkins to encounter. I like the weapon mechanics, which allow for diffrent moves combinations. The boss challenges are engaging. There are a lot of types, but they're not difficult to remember which is effective against which. My biggest problem is the inability to customize the control keys, so we're stuck with arrows instead of AWSD (my main problem is that my left arrow key keeps getting stuck, that's why I miss it, lmao). The game doesn't seems to be very long, but it's engaging enough that I'll spend some time with it. Is not expensive too. Charming, cozy, and entertaining. Good for casual players, and if someone likes a bigger challenge, there is a hard mode.

Pros - The games Halloween aesthetics are absolutely adorable and I love the pixel art - Some interactions with NPC's did get a chuckle out of me - The designs of the Pipkin's are well done and unique enough I wanted to see them all Cons - This game is not worth 10.79$ let alone the full 12$ price tag when it's not on sale. At most it's a 4.99$ game as it's not really a premium type when missing some basic QoL bits that should be in an RPG Maker game. - Using music (Old Doll) that was used in IB/Mad Father just feels like an easy cop out to get nostalgia from people who liked those games. Grab some free music that isn't as obvious but still fits the vibes there's tons I'm sure. - I couldn't stop thinking of the character we play as (female ver.), as just Frisk from Undertale with long hair. But I get that's more so a pet peeve of mine. TLDR: I like the Halloween theme and pixel designs of the game. Sadly I do not think it's worth the 10.79$ discount price let alone the full price of 12$ (it's more so a 4.99$ game) as there is a lot of unoriginal to the game and missing basic QoL things that should be in at base. I am kind of bummed I can't get a refund but well guess you got the money. These are just my personal thoughts from playing the game, if you enjoyed it more power to you!

Creature collector game with really cute art. I love the designs for these little fellas. For more rpgmaker games please check out my steam curator https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45690190-RPGMaker-Kino

The game doesn’t work well on Steamdeck, so just be warned it isnt perfect. I went into it knowing the game didn’t have controller support but tried it anyway. The game itself is pretty clunky with the menus. Paired with lack of true controller support makes this a nightmare. This isn’t a well made RPG Maker game for this kind of money. When asked about controller support the dev said they didn’t know how and that they didn’t even own a controller. I don’t know what they did with the 15k dollars raised on Kickstarter but not thinking about buying controllers for their game seems like a red flag. Again good luck Mr Dev. Please keep in mind what basic features people want in future games. Just refusing to even try to make it more accessible isnt a good look, and that goes with other features as well. The menus are weird to navigate and see information like attacks.

This game absolutely blew me away. The art style is incredible — you can really tell how much love and effort went into designing these characters. Every creature feels genuine, unique, and full of personality, which is something a lot of other games in this genre miss. Instead of copying what’s already out there, this one brings real novelty to the table. The music sets a perfect tone too — catchy, atmospheric, and it fits every moment well. Halloween theme — The spooky vibes, decorations, and seasonal details make exploring the world feel extra special. Overall, this is one of the most refreshing and creative creature collector games I’ve played in a long time. Highly recommended!

This is an adorable monster collector game. It is not very long and a few QOL elements are missing but it is very fun. Combat is surprisingly complex as you fight with a whole party versus another party which creates some interesting possibilities for synergies. Pixel art, monster designs and music are really good. Overall im glad I found this game in the upcoming release list. If you love collecting critters and letting them fight for their lives in a fall environment, then give this game a try. (PS: The toast is peak design.)

Oh man this game is awsome! I'm just glad I got this before Nintendo learns about it.