Tall Trails
" Charming action-adventure with innovative rocket boot platforming but short game length "
Tall Trails Review
Tall Trails is a charming and delightfully crafted 3D platformer that captivates players with its unique mechanics and heartfelt storytelling. Players control a small clay golem navigating whimsical worlds, using an inventive boot mechanic to collect and launch items, which adds a creative layer to platforming challenges. The game’s polished movement system, including hopping, climbing, and swinging, feels satisfying and fun throughout the experience. Its handcrafted claymation art style, while simple and occasionally janky, contributes to the game's distinct personality and cozy atmosphere.
The soundtrack and soundscape are soothing, enhancing the relaxing yet engaging gameplay. Although the game is relatively short, around 4-5 hours on average, it offers replayability through randomized elements and a New Game+ mode. Players also appreciate the quirky characters, humorous writing, and emotional story that builds to a touching conclusion. Overall, Tall Trails is praised for its creativity, polish, and warm, inviting world that appeals to those seeking a lighthearted yet rewarding platformer experience.
Highlights
Players especially praise the game's innovative boot mechanic, which allows creative problem-solving and varied platforming approaches.
The handcrafted claymation art style and charming, quirky characters add significant personality and visual appeal.
Movement mechanics like hopping, climbing, and swinging are noted as polished and satisfying.
The soundtrack and sound design are calming and complement the game's relaxing vibe.
The story, though simple, is heartfelt and emotionally resonant, enhancing player engagement.
Criticisms
Some players find the game’s visuals occasionally janky due to the mix of 2D sprites with 3D models, which may not appeal to everyone.
The game is relatively short, with some wishing for longer content or more dense exploration.
Maps can feel sparse, and exploration lacks deep discovery, which might reduce replay value for some.
While generally polished, a few note that the final map has a slightly higher difficulty spike.
The simplicity and light challenge may not satisfy players seeking a more demanding platforming experience.
Pros
- • Innovative boot mechanic allows creative and varied platforming strategies.
- • Polished and satisfying movement including hopping, climbing, and swinging.
- • Charming handcrafted claymation art style adds unique personality.
- • Soothing soundtrack perfectly complements relaxing gameplay.
- • Heartfelt and emotionally engaging story with memorable characters.
- • Randomized elements and New Game+ enhance replayability.
- • Humorous and quirky writing enriches the game’s charm.
Cons
- • Visuals sometimes feel janky due to mixed 2D sprites and 3D models.
- • Relatively short game length may leave some wanting more content.
- • Sparse maps limit exploration depth and discovery opportunities.
- • Slight difficulty spike in the final map may frustrate some players.
- • Simple challenge level may not appeal to hardcore platformer fans.
- • Occasional repetitiveness in item collection and platforming tasks.
- • Lack of dense story complexity might disappoint narrative-focused players.
Rating Criteria
A chill exploration game where EVERYTHING goes in the boot! You're Alp, a lil' golem on a quest to find his purpose. Run, climb, and use items as fuel in your Rocket Boot to blast yourself into the air!