Stacking

 PC
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Apr 25, 2012
    70
    Fresh logical adventure shows again the genius of designer Tim Schafer. Yet the game couldn't avoid a stereotypical gameplay in its later stages. [Apr 2012]
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Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best PC Game of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 33 out of 109
  3. Negative: 8 out of 109
  1. StylixDS
    Aug 14, 2012
    8
    Gotta love finding those obscure games with stupid titles that are actually really fun. Its almost like the marketing teams are trying to playGotta love finding those obscure games with stupid titles that are actually really fun. Its almost like the marketing teams are trying to play a sick joke on the company by allowing use of such generic titles that guarantee a product to be overlooked or forgotten.

    What would you think if you saw a game called "Stacking"? It doesn't exactly inspire the imagination to think of anything interesting. All it does is make you expect the game will have something to do with stacking, which could really be almost anything. Admittedly you'd probably think of some kind of puzzle game since most involve moving objects and stacking them.

    It -is- a semi puzzle game, so I guess the title does have that going for it. Still though, that sounds incredibly boring considering how generic the title is. Just think of all those terrible tetris and bejeweled clones out there.

    The game is actually an action puzzler with a story set in the early 20th century. The reason it is called stacking, is because rather than using people the game uses Matryoshka dolls as characters (or more commonly known as stacking Russian dolls.) Your objectives require you to go around stacking inside other dolls and using their abilities to solve various puzzles.

    It probably doesn't sound that challenging or exciting, but its easy to come to that conclusion if you strip away all the atmosphere this game has. It is definitely one of those type of games where the environments and story drive it. The puzzles are interesting and can require a bit of thought, but you'll probably find yourself spending more time taking in the beautiful scenery. That isn't to say the gameplay lacks fun, but just that the game's surroundings are a work of art and are a big reason to play the game.

    I don't really have a better suggestion on hand for a title, but I can say that calling it "Stacking" was not the best business move. Had it not been mentioned on a daily sale through steam I would have easily overlooked it. The only time generic titles work is when it is something so absurd like "English Country Tune". (Another puzzle game that, Ill be honest, I don't understand but the name alone made me look because its just such a random and odd choice.)

    I would recommend this game if you like to play stuff that is very casual and laid back. It won't have huge replay value once you've beaten it, but it does offer several extra ways to clear objectives and other optional content. In other words, you will still have things to go back and do after your first completion, but like most action puzzle games there won't be much reason to come back after you've cleared everything unless you just want to revisit an area.

    This is also one of those games that just about anyone can pick up and play regardless of skill level since the game doesn't rely much on reaction as it does with reading and finding clues to solve the task at hand. For being as simple as it is, the game has a lot of life. and is fun to just go around exploring.    … Full Review »
  2. esocid
    Mar 7, 2012
    10
    Such a fun game, and very well done. The graphics are nice, story well thought out, and the interludes are cute. It's such a creative littleSuch a fun game, and very well done. The graphics are nice, story well thought out, and the interludes are cute. It's such a creative little game, and very enjoyable. It's nice to get a change of pace once in a while. If you haven't watched a trailer, it's a world of Matryoshka dolls, with different little abilities, and you have to solve little puzzles to progress.… Full Review »
  3. tech-noir
    Sep 5, 2013
    6
    The mechanics, environments, and art design are imaginative and beautifully realized, but the gameplay fails to keep the player entertainedThe mechanics, environments, and art design are imaginative and beautifully realized, but the gameplay fails to keep the player entertained and intrigued for very long. Collecting all the dolls, finding all the solutions, and completing all the hi-jinks may be enough for some, but will easily bore others.… Full Review »
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