TinkerQuarry

I would pay for the full version of this if it came to it. I'm eagerly awaiting the whole story here, the game is amazing. It feels very reminiscent of Off in both gameplay and narrative, and that's amazing. I loved Off so much and I have high hopes for this game. Definitely worth a try, especially since it is free to play.

I would pay for this game, hands down. EDIT: maybe I should state why I like this game so much There aren't a lot of games on RPG Maker, the old ones I mean. When I play this game I feel nostalgic, as if I'm playing OFF again. With good gameplay, art, and a plot that makes me want for more I recommend you play this game. I should probably state the cons but I felt as if there were none! Puzzles might seem tidious and fighting might feel confusing, since other RPG Maker games the characters are off to the side and the characters in this game are in the cornors. But you should try this game for yourself, you be the judge!

In the wake of Undertale there's been a spate of RPG's with hand-drawn artwork following similar theme's showing up on Steam. This one falls firmly in that category and I wish there was a better name than 'kinda like Undertale' for them but there isn't really a better descriptor. They all have this intangible air of hope and crushing sorrow mixed with lovingly drawn art that honestly shouldn't be so charming given that most of the art is barely better than stick figures. The music all has the same sort of sound and feeling although it doesn't actually have any melody similarities. There is also always something different or extra to the combat mechanics. TinkerQuarry is somewhere near the middle of the quality scale. The artwork varies a bit in quality and the fine details can be difficult to make out , but overall is pretty and charming. The music is not exactly diverse, I only recall three separate tracks, and they mostly faded into the background. The story can be a bit hard to follow at times and a little open ended in places but is otherwise solid. There is a good amount of levity to balance out the more somber story and the character's are terrific. The main draw-back I found is some of the environment. There are a few too many twists and turns and it becomes easy to spend twenty minutes searching for a room you've been in before because you forgot one of the turns to get to it. Actually, I lied, the main draw-back is that there isn't more of the game. As far as draw-back's go? That's not really a bad one to have.

I would absolutely recommend this game to anyone who likes horror-toned puzzle-adventure games with a pixel style that calls back to the RPGMaker era of popularity. The custom sprites for the characters in the game are well done, and the entire game is visually appealing. The battle system is very standard RPG wise, without much to add onto it. Despite that, the sprites and artwork used in battles is quite nice. It also is a good substitute for the jumpscare run-and-hide tactic to facing enemies, so those who fear having to restart a running segment won't have to worry. [ though there are some minor jumpscares at some points ] The different route options in the game are a nice touch, and have enough to make a replay of the game possible without being a drag. [ though there are some choices that may trick people into thinking otherwise ]. There are segments of the game that are slow, and I don't mean in general pacing of the storyline, I mean physically SLOW. The purpose is clear, but these segments [which are far & few] can get a bit tedious to get through without too much happening. [ one certain segment is rather long not because of the content, but because going from point A to point B takes at least 1-2 minutes if you know what you're doing. Overall; Tinkerquarry is a good game that has aspects of the early RPGmaker renaissance when it comes to puzzles and scenery. The battle mechanics are basic but workable, especially so with the removal of tedious run-and-hide segments. The art is aesthetically pleasing, and the music fits with the art extremely well. There are multiple routes without being tedious, and it's a good game to play if you have a weekend afternoon or evening to yourself.

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After playing through TinkerQuarry a couple times, I am still just as fascinated with and engaged by this world as when I first stumbled across it years ago. This is a great little game if you like world building and not playing nice with your toys. - The world building, as I mentioned, is great. The entire world is just one building (get it?), and It's really fleshed out without feeling overdone. It really gave me a sense of what being there would be like. [i]shudder[/i] - The music provides a sense of usually whimsy or dread or both. It's always really atmospheric and just catchy too. Kudos to everyone who worked on the music! - Story. It's a blast to figure out as it blends real life with dreamlike fantasy. It gets a little heavy at the end (e.g. death, [spoiler]illness, alcoholism[/spoiler]), but nothing too dark is really focused on so it's not a huge bummer. - Art/characters. The characters fill me with a mix of delight and anxiety, in a good way! You won't need to take more than a glance to see which one it is for you. I also enjoyed the environments, particularly the Plagued areas that are going to ruin! - [b]DOLL VIOLENCE[/b] I can't believe it took me this long to finally beat the final version of this quirky lil gem. TinkerQuarry absolutely gets two stuffed rabbit thumbs up from me. Wraith, thank you for making this awesome surreal experience!

I got the game for free in early access around 2017. I can confidently say the story of this game is better than Undertale, which says a lot considering the scuffed art style and the fact that this game has flown mostly under the radar. Combat is challenging in a meaningful way. It's more than just padding, generally boss fights progress the story or test your power, the only time I ever felt stuck was during a code door puzzle and when I was specifically searching for a secret. This is not an easy game, most common enemy encounters can kill you if you wander into every battle carelessly. The game is also pretty short, and I would very much like a remaster/remake at some point. All i'm really saying is, I want more.