How does the latest game from Adult Swim fare?
Descend into abandoned factories in search of lost cassette tapes that hold boundless virtual worlds. Explore, manipulate, and distort the tapes to make them reveal their secrets. Solve mechanical puzzles and map the winding halls of these empty monoliths. Will you be able to find the way out, or what has happened?
That’s the official summary of what Small Radios Big Televisions is all about, but really it’s just completely insane. You manipulate the camera to enter other areas, then gain access to tapes which when played takes you to a virtual world where you will need to solve more puzzles. The puzzles themselves are simplistic, although some might stump you.
The main problem with the game besides it’s simplicity, is it’s length. It sadly doesn’t last as long as you would hope, just as I felt I was getting into it…it was over. The story is open to interpretation, but it’s pretty out there as well. Visually, it’s not exactly aiming big…but it does have that 70s/80s vibe down to a tee. The music is also pretty catchy as well, which is always a plus.
The Verdict
I love the simplicity of Small Radios Big Televisions, but it does wear thin and sadly doesn’t last as long as other puzzlers. If however, you are after something quirky and have finished the likes of The Witness and The Talos Principle, it’s easy to recommend.