Little Inferno

Whether you're a seasoned arsonist or a novice firestarter, Little Inferno is still worth checking out years after its original release.

Little Inferno is a funny, comforting and overall artful way to consume many kinds of intricate materials, including some (good) time, alone or with warm-hearted friends gathered around the fireplace.

It's charming, and definitely an experience. It features explosive gameplay of sorts, but not what you'd expect. Little Inferno isn't for everyone, but for those looking for something different - and who just want to waste a little time, or watch the world burn (figuratively speaking) - you could certainly find something to enjoy.

It's not for everybody, but at less than $10 you get six hours of one of the more bizarre experiences you could ask for on a Nintendo Switch. On the negative side, low replay value and a chaotic co-op mode that does not add anything of value to the gameplay.

Little Inferno exists in its own space and it certainly excels at that. The game's underlying critique of consumerism and of, why not?, the gaming industry adds to its unique charms and after the first minutes of play, Little Inferno turns out to be much deeper than what a superficial view could suggest. Pity that the game's length and selling price are disproportionate to its age and presence in other platforms.

The Switch version of Little Inferno is a worthy update, adding two-player support as well as portability; it's also one of the Switch's most versatile titles, working in handheld mode with the console's touch screen, as well as in tabletop mode and TV mode with the option of playing in either single- or two-player, with each using a single Joy-Con as a pointer. Like other Tomorrow Corporation games, Little Inferno is both dark and cute at the same time. If the concept appeals to you it's a title still worth your time, especially at its modest asking price.

If you’re the patient type who longs for something unequivocally different to play on the Nintendo Switch, Little Inferno certainly delivers the goods.

If you absolutely must have this on your Switch or don't already own it on another platform, Little Inferno is perfectly fine on Nintendo's new box. The added cooperative functionality has some benefits, but I wouldn't say you're missing out if you opt for a different platform.

"Games as an art form" is still a touchy topic. Little Inferno, however, is very obviously more art than game - an experimental meta piece that is a commentary on the mindless time waster games and consumerism in general around games... and it's both interesting and well put together. However, while it's evident the creators (impressively, just three people, Kyle 1, Kyle 2 and Alan) hold a real disdain for this type of title, they have managed to perfectly capture the compulsive addictiveness these products hold and have packed in some dark, yet witty, writing here and there, along with great presentation. Whilst this may be a commentary on the state of consumerism, though, it loses its own message thanks to one small issue: the cost of it, which may put some off. It's a nice, short, fun offering, but the cost could be a stickler for some given it is something that will only take an hour or two to "complete," and there is little reason to return to it afterwards. Those wanting more bang for their buck may be better off sticking with World of Goo, but those going in with the right expectations will no doubt enjoy this clever creation.

It is difficult to recommend Little Inferno to those who already played it on Wii U, beyond supporting Tomorrow Corporation and independent developers on the Switch. For those who have yet to own their very own Little Inferno Entertainment Fireplace, Little Inferno offers plenty of intriguing social commentary and a good dose of humour – that is if you don’t mind regularly being the butt of the joke.

Seeing how things are burned is cool and Little Inferno allows us to burn many objects without causing damage in the real life. But the surprise and the fun go away as fast as the flames and only the ashes remain. Because this game does not contribute anything more.