Lil Gator Game

 Switch
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. God is a Geek
    Dec 14, 2022
    70
    Lil Gator Game is a charming exploration focused 3d platformer, but is held back by Switch performance.
  2. VGC
    Dec 14, 2022
    60
    As long as you don’t mind a bit of mindless and aimless wandering, Lil Gator Game is a laid back and relaxing platformer (if a short one) that’s ably carried by its brilliantly funny dialogue.
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  1. Polygon
    Apr 17, 2023
    It’s a lovely gem of a game that touches on my nostalgia for Zelda but still managed to tell a unique story through the gator and their sister’s relationship. It’s a story about the little gator’s deeper desire to connect with someone again in the present, and how games facilitate that. So if you’re looking for a charming pick-me-up before The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom comes out, don’t ignore Lil Gator Game.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Switch Game of 2022
54
#54 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. FoxyChalet
    Dec 15, 2022
    7
    So, I was reallly looking forward to this game, and I've played it for a few hours, and it feels very similar to three games, the first twoSo, I was reallly looking forward to this game, and I've played it for a few hours, and it feels very similar to three games, the first two are pretty obvious: A Short Hike, and Breath of the Wild, the third less obviously, is Paper Mario: The Origami King. It does not live up to the first two titles, mostly because of poor writing, and the designer's choice that you follow the way they want you to play the game. Let's be clear about this, the writing itself is not the worst, but there is too much of it, and its far too self referential. Less is more when it comes to game writing. And also there is nothing wrong with a game that makes you play a certain way, but it feels odd to be given this sandbox style island playground, and then feel hampered by a feeling of needing to move along a cinematic plot. The two clash, end of story, it's the thing that brings the game down from what would probably be a nine otherwise,.

    The things that made BOTW and A Short Hike good were the freeness and openness of how you could play, which is something that is missing here. Also the charm of the dialogue often comes from it's brevity, which is something sorely lacking in Lil Gator Game. It feels, as is often the case in indie games by newer developers, that they think everything they think of is important enough to put in the game, and so important that you have to listen to it when you play. Basically this game forces you to talk to people, and they say a lot.It should also be noted that the games I am comparing these too are unusually good.

    The other major detractor is, like I said, it's similarity to Origami King, which is kind of a series of interactive cutscenes, interspersed with hitting cardboard things until confetti comes out. There's an emphasis on imagination, but the cardboard cutouts are... just cardboard cutouts. It's cool to have this actual fake zelda world set up, but it would be much better if the characters' pov provided the imagination, and made it more like an actual action/adventure game, where there was some sort of minor... not combat exactly, but something more than just smashing things open. Think of of a Don Quixote video game, fighting giants is more fun that hitting a windmill with a stick.

    All this being said, a lot of care and talent went into this game, the meta-ness, when it doesn't go too far shows an overall love of many good things. I think with tweaking this game could be a 10/10. As in the same assets, the same world, the same sprites, just rearranged a bit differently. All the mechanics are good, and I really like going around the world. I recommend this game overall, mostly because I want to see what the dev will do next if it's successful.    … Full Review »
  2. nxeonew
    Jan 4, 2023
    10
    I loved it, a game to calm down and spend a few good days exploring the island, I recommend it!
  3. Chastizer
    Dec 26, 2022
    8
    Lil Gator Game is a game about the whimsy of childhood and how keeping those feelings of wonder into adulthood is important. The game is cute,Lil Gator Game is a game about the whimsy of childhood and how keeping those feelings of wonder into adulthood is important. The game is cute, fun, and knows exactly what it wants to be and exactly what it is paying homage to in it's gameplay. The story is simple, but still managed to make me yearn for the days of my childhood and I found myself reminiscing on my own days of exploration and adventure.

    I followed this game for over a year leading up to it's release, following it only because it looked cute. I knew it was not a game that was trying to be groundbreaking, but not every game has to be. This game was a fun time with a heartwarming story.    … Full Review »
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