A Unique puzzle adventure from Double Fine
You know we here at Phoenix Gamer are all about unique and awesome gaming experiences, and Stacking is no exception. Stacking was released earlier this year by Double Fine, the same guys that brought us games like Psychonauts and Costume Quest, and can be downloaded from the Xbox live arcade and Playstation Network. In Stacking you take on the roll of a small Russian stacking doll who has to save his brothers and sisters by hopping into the bodies of larger dolls to use their abilities and solve puzzles throughout the game.
This game is really easy to pick up and play with its simple controls and playability, even though most might say that the game's artsy graphics are really the selling point. They wouldn't be too far from the truth. This game has wonderful visuals, especially for a downloadable game. When you're playing this game you really should stop and take a look at all of the detail in the characters and in the environments. Every fine line, every little detail down to the threading in the rugs on the floor, looks like it was meticulously planned and executed in a way that is so stunning it would make even the modern artist cry. The music fits just as perfect. The gameplay mechanics are pretty simple, run around , talk to other characters, and jump into other dolls. The puzzles aren't at all that hard, and there's so much to do in every level! You can complete the main objective or go and talk to/take over other dolls to complete other tasks to rack up more points and achievements.
The one thing that I could have done without was the unskippable cut scenes, especially early in the game. While there is an enthralling story, involving child labor during the depression, it doesn't make up for the fact that some people just want to play a game. Some of the scenes are a little too long and they happen every time some new part of story is revealed. I can see how this could be frustrating for someone that wants to play this game through a second time. But this is seemingly the only problem with this otherwise creatively charming game.
This game may not have gotten a lot of press, but if it doesn't deserve it, I don't know what game does. Stacking is a fantastically fun adventure and definitely worth checking out.
Stacking gets a 9/10
Review submitted by Mel the Office Gamer Girl
