to a T

Look, maybe I don’t know anymore! It didn’t feel like I was actively having a blast while playing To a T, but now, looking back, I do feel a warmness for it. Some kid might play it and feel less shameful about their own unique shape or way of being in the world. Or it might inspire them to attempt a feat of heroism to win over their bullies. Maybe some fully grown person will become slightly less sad whenever the dog licks their face or dresses them in school uniform. All I can say is that when Giraffe sings ♪ I wake up at 3 every morning to bake the bread for sandwiches ♫ this cute stupidity feels close to perfection.

It's very difficult to rate To a T. The proposal is very effective from a story and thematic point of view, and we find the touch of absurdity inherent in Takahashi's creations. We regret, however, that this know-how remains very wise when it comes to approaching its gameplay. It is important to understand that this is a game for children and only for them, and it seems almost unfair to punish it for this reason, despite the disappointment that it can represent.

Sure, at times To a T feels like a kid's game, and that could put off some players, but for me, while dipping in and out of it over a few days, it felt like a welcome distraction. The visuals have that bold innocence so typical of cartoons of our youth, and playing simple mini-games allowed me to revel in the silliness while also respecting the story of acceptance. To a T is not a Takahashi classic, however, it’s a welcome distraction from a unique mind that can’t help but make you smile.

A weird and funny story with a lot of surprises, but control and camera issues dampen the fun.

to a T is still a worthwhile and heartwarming way to spend an afternoon.

To a T is a mixed bag. It’s a nice little cosy game that doesn’t ask a lot of the player, but it has control issues that take away from the fun. The story is okay and, depending on your sense of humour, you may even find it funny, but at the same time, it can be a bit too simple and hard to judge who it is designed for. At the very least, you will remember the opening theme, even if the game itself isn’t in perfect shape.

All of this left me lukewarm on To A T, and wanting to like it more than I did. It's a cute and charming visual metaphor, with some insightful and funny writing, and it's a lovely parable about the struggles of growing up and feeling different. It's a very gentle, likable story about a topic that games don't often explore. But the story doesn't have quite enough heft to last through even the relatively short playtime, and the act of playing it often feels tedious. There are individual things to like about To A T, but like its protagonist, it has some room to grow.

to a T is a narrative video game with a bizarre premise that, over the hours it takes to complete it, becomes increasingly elusive. It wants to be a colorful adventure and at the same time a story designed to raise awareness of the protagonist's disability, through many small minigames that try to make us experience his condition firsthand. However, as the narrative progresses it takes a surreal turn and distances itself greatly from his humanity. Even on a playful level, the game lives on expedients, on small activities that are never truly explored in depth. What remains, once completed, is certainly its unique style, the coarse humor and the fantastic songs that Takahashi wrote for the theme songs of each episode.

The plot certainly goes to some very weird places, and while I appreciate the ‘message’ and themes, it barely held my attention. In the end, I’m left with a game that offers no challenge, outside of wrestling with an occasionally frustrating camera. It’s cute, quirky, and occasionally drew a smile, but to a T feels like a wasted concept that really isn’t a huge amount of fun to actually play.

To a T tries hard to be like a Saturday morning cartoon. Yet just like trying to recapture that same experience nowadays, it overall feels like it's missing something. Granted, this issue may mostly apply to older players. Maybe, the ones who will find the most fun are those who play this with young kids.