Stacking

A prova que a Double Fine sempre pensou fora da caixa é Stacking, um jogo de aventura e quebra cabelas onde controlamos nada menos que uma boneca matrioska (aquelas bonecas russas de madeira, que encaixam uma dentro da outra e forma um conjunto), sendo que não é só uma escolha estética e sim uma mecânica: cada boneca têm uma habilidade que pode te ajudar a explorar ou resolver os desafios do jogo, e essas habilidades variam muito: de voar, dar ordem pra outra bonecas, fazer algo desaparecer ou dar um baita soco em alguém, descobrir cada habilidade se torna parte da diversão. Além disso o tamanho das bonecas também têm que ser levado em consideração, boneca grandes não passam no mesmo lugar que uma pequena e se você quer levar um conjunto especifico pra algum lugar têm que pensar qual boneca você "guarda" para depois em um boneca maior que você precisa usar no momento. O jogo têm um história simples que foca muito em trabalho infantil (mas de forma leve), o destaque maior fica pro fato de cada desafio ter várias soluções diferentes (pelo menos 3) e o jogo desafio o jogador a encontrar essas soluções e também encontrar cada boneca única, além de usar suas habilidades. No fim o jogo é uma experiência rápida de aventura pra quem quer (no mínimo umas 3 horas eu acho), mas têm o dobre de conteúdo pra quem quiser aproveitar todas variações do jogo, por enquanto me contentei só em terminar a história, mas talvez no futuro eu volte. E também não tive problemas técnicos. Recomendo, principalmente em promoções! ---------------------------------------- The proof that Double Fine has always thought outside the box is Stacking, an adventure and puzzle game where you control nothing less than a matryoshka doll (those Russian wooden dolls that fit inside each other to form a set), and it's not just an aesthetic choice but a mechanic: each doll has an ability that can help you explore or solve the game's challenges, and these abilities vary greatly: from flying, giving orders to other dolls, making something disappear, or delivering a powerful punch to someone, discovering each ability becomes part of the fun. In addition, the size of the dolls also has to be taken into consideration; large dolls don't fit in the same space as small ones, and if you want to take a specific set somewhere, you have to think about which doll you "save" for later use with a larger doll that you need at the moment. The game has a simple story that focuses heavily on child labor (but in a lighthearted way). The biggest highlight is that each challenge has several different solutions (at least 3), and the game challenges the player to find these solutions and also find each unique doll, in addition to using their skills. In the end, the game is a quick adventure experience for those who want it (at least 3 hours, I think), but it has twice the content for those who want to enjoy all the variations of the game. For now, I was content just to finish the story, but maybe I'll come back in the future. And I didn't have any technical problems either. I recommend it, especially on sale!

Lovely sandbox-y puzzle game with multiple solutions and tons of collectibles. The writing, music and presentation are all delightful. it's really special

It is a very charming game short and sweet! 8/10

[h2]A game where you stack and unstack lovely little dolls[/h2] That's about all I remember from my playthrough. ... That's not true. I watched the trailer and now I remember this unique little gem! You solve puzzles by stacking and unstacking lovely little dolls to unlock new areas, find keys, and... witness a bit of farting as well. No really, it's a great game. It's like a silent film starring Russian nesting dolls, and somehow it all just works. Double Fine did a fine job with this one. :) [h2]7/10[/h2] [h3][url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/45905648-Gork%2527s-Game-Grind/]Check out my curated list of games[/url][/h3]

All of the puzzles solve in the same way. Multiple solutions to the puzzles do not make up for the repetetiveness. Lack of quality of life features hits hard especially with the long and unskippable cutscenes

Incredibly unique gameplay mechanic. This game was an absolute delight.

Stacking is one of the most inventive and charming puzzle adventure games released during the rise of experimental indie titles, combining creative mechanics with a whimsical world unlike almost anything else in gaming. Developed by Double Fine Productions, the game transforms the simple idea of Russian nesting dolls into the foundation for an entire society, complete with its own politics, humor, and emotional storytelling. Beneath the playful visual design lies a surprisingly clever adventure filled with flexible puzzle solving, memorable characters, and subtle social commentary that gives the experience far more depth than its toy-inspired premise initially suggests. The story follows Charlie Blackmore, the smallest nesting doll in a world populated entirely by living matryoshka dolls. Charlie’s family has been separated and forced into labor by an oppressive industrial baron who exploits workers across the land. Determined to rescue his siblings and stop the Baron’s growing influence, Charlie travels through various locations filled with unusual characters and increasingly elaborate obstacles. Although the game maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone throughout most of the adventure, it quietly explores themes involving labor exploitation, class division, and industrial greed. These heavier ideas never overpower the game’s playful atmosphere, but they add emotional weight to Charlie’s journey and help the world feel more meaningful. The core gameplay mechanic is what truly makes Stacking unforgettable. Because Charlie is the smallest doll in existence, he can jump inside larger dolls and take control of them, inheriting their unique abilities in the process. Every doll serves a specific purpose, and players constantly switch between characters to solve puzzles and progress through the story. Some dolls can frighten enemies, others can unlock doors, sing songs, distract crowds, or perform bizarre comedic actions that become unexpectedly useful. The mechanic feels incredibly natural within the world’s logic while also providing enormous creative flexibility for puzzle design. One of the game’s greatest strengths is the way it encourages experimentation. Most major objectives can be completed through multiple different solutions, allowing players to approach problems however they choose. Instead of forcing a single correct answer, the game rewards curiosity and creativity by offering alternate methods that range from clever to completely absurd. A challenge that could be solved through stealth might also be completed through intimidation or distraction depending on which dolls players discover and choose to use. This structure keeps the gameplay fresh because players are constantly encouraged to explore and think creatively rather than simply follow linear puzzle solutions. The world design is another standout aspect of the experience. Every environment feels handcrafted with incredible attention to detail, transforming ordinary household objects into large-scale architectural features within the doll-sized universe. Train stations, factories, airships, and underground communities are all built around oversized pins, buttons, marbles, and sewing materials that reinforce the illusion of a miniature society. The aesthetic blends Victorian industrial design with theatrical storytelling, giving the game a distinctive visual identity that remains memorable years after release. Visually, Stacking embraces a theatrical presentation style that perfectly complements its whimsical atmosphere. Many story sequences resemble silent film performances staged inside tiny theaters, complete with exaggerated character animations and dialogue presented through visual cards rather than spoken conversations. This creative decision adds enormous charm to the storytelling and helps the game feel timeless rather than tied to a specific era of gaming trends. Character animations are expressive and full of personality, allowing even background dolls to feel unique and entertaining. Humor plays a major role throughout the adventure, and the game constantly rewards players for engaging with its sillier side. Optional “Hi-Jinks” scattered across each level allow players to use doll abilities in ridiculous ways simply to create comedic situations. Whether causing chaos among crowds or performing strange public actions, these moments give the game a playful energy that prevents the heavier themes from becoming overwhelming. Double Fine’s trademark style of quirky humor appears throughout the experience, but it never overshadows the emotional sincerity of Charlie’s mission to save his family. The soundtrack also contributes heavily to the game’s personality. Orchestral pieces shift naturally between playful melodies and softer emotional themes depending on the situation, helping reinforce the mood of each location. Combined with the theatrical visual presentation and expressive animation work, the music helps make the world feel alive despite the absence of extensive voice acting. The game relies heavily on visual storytelling and atmosphere, and it succeeds remarkably well because every artistic element works together cohesively. Another impressive aspect of Stacking is how accessible it feels without sacrificing creativity. The controls are simple, and the game rarely becomes frustratingly difficult. Players are encouraged to experiment freely without being punished harshly for mistakes, which makes the experience feel relaxing and inviting. At the same time, the puzzle design remains smart enough to satisfy players who enjoy discovering hidden solutions and alternative methods for completing objectives. The included Lost Hobo King expansion further enhances the package by introducing additional story content and new puzzle scenarios centered around the game’s underground hobo community. Like the main campaign, the expansion emphasizes creativity and humor while expanding the game’s world with more doll abilities and alternate puzzle solutions. Its inclusion adds extra value and gives players additional opportunities to enjoy the game’s inventive mechanics. Despite all of its creativity, the game does have some limitations. The relatively short runtime may leave players wanting more, particularly if they focus only on the primary objectives rather than experimenting with alternate solutions and side activities. Some camera angles can occasionally become awkward during exploration, and certain puzzle structures may feel repetitive toward the end of the journey. However, the game’s originality and charm usually outweigh these minor frustrations. What ultimately makes Stacking special is how completely committed it is to its unique concept. Every part of the game, from its mechanics and visual style to its storytelling and humor, revolves around the idea of living nesting dolls in a miniature industrial society. Very few games feel this imaginative and cohesive. The experience constantly rewards players for exploring, experimenting, and appreciating the strange little world Double Fine created. For fans of creative puzzle adventures and narrative-driven indie games, Stacking remains one of Double Fine’s most memorable and underrated projects. Its imaginative mechanics, charming world-building, and flexible puzzle design create an experience that still feels refreshing years after release. Even with its short length and occasional technical roughness, the game succeeds because of how much personality and creativity it brings to every moment. Rating: 8/10

Wonderfully styled platformer that was a fun challenge, with plenty of unique characters and puzzles to solve using their individual abilities.

An adventure based on a very unique Matryoshka dolls stacking mechanic. Lots of colorful characters, many different challenges and quite a few achievements to hunt for. There's also a very useful hint mechanic, but I would suggest using it as a last resort only when you get stuck for too long on a challenge, or when you're looking for something unique that you missed out of a bunch (i.e. a unique doll). Smooth controls, no bugs, nice graphics/sound and a well told story make for a very pleasant experience. Definitely recommended.

Stacking is one of those rare games that feels truly original — the idea of possessing Russian nesting dolls to solve puzzles with their unique abilities is charming and endlessly creative. Double Fine's signature humor shines throughout, from the silent film-style cutscenes to the absurd doll abilities like tossing cookies or seducing guards with a gloved slap. Each puzzle has multiple solutions, which kept me experimenting and laughing rather than feeling stuck, and the optional hint system is a nice touch that never feels punishing. The game is short — I wrapped up the main story and the included Lost Hobo King DLC in around 6-7 hours — and the puzzles rarely challenge you in a deep way, but that almost feels beside the point given how much personality is packed into every corner of the world. If you enjoy quirky, low-stakes adventure games with genuine heart, this is absolutely worth picking up on sale.