Twinsen's Little Big Adventure Classic

I tried to play this first as a kid. It was difficult, and I got stuck early on because I could not figure out that you can literally “throw off” switches. So, I shelved it. Then played through the second part, and that was so cool, that I decided to go back to the first one and suffer through it. I would say it was worth it, but maybe it is not the case for everyone. The visuals are pretty. This was one of the first games that used 3D models running around in front of a prerendered scene, which was also used in many big titles (like FF games) many years later, before full 3D took over. The music and sound effects are very charming, and they fit the story. Which is not very complex. It is a typical “big evil booboo tries to destroy the world, and you are the chosen one, who has to stop him”. Still, whenever you manage to figure something out to further the plot you get that satisfactory feeling you usually had in the good old point-and-click adventure games. And the game systems… the game systems… well. Holy cow. I could not design worse, even if I would try to. There are so many things that could have been done better with a minimal effort. There are even things that would have made the game better just by not being there. The save system is a nightmare. It is like the classic console saves. I would be perfectly fine with the fact that every save puts you at the start of the given scene. But the “lives” system is ridiculous. Especially since it can be worked around with the copy option. And then there is the “running into walls” issue. I simply cannot believe that there was not a single game tester who said “guys, don’t do this, it is not fun”. And the combat. The combat is extremely difficult at the beginning, and even though it gets easier later, thanks to the knockback system you can still get locked in a bulletstorm without being able to do anything, just die, which combined with the save system is really annoying. Nice adventure though.

Well ahead of its time, full voice acting, good music, great sound effects. If you can get used to the tank controls, this game is a must play.

LBA is a classic. An amazing adventure. It must be played and rediscovered. Period.

Hard to believe that this game was released in the same year as Doom II or Warcraft 1. Even today the game gives a vivid feeling with its detailed background graphics, cute cut scenes, and pleasant music. Yes, the game is hard. The controls are a bit finicky, and the enemies are absolutely punishing. There is still a sense of dread when I see a teleporter looming at the edge of the far too small field of view (Enter key to center). However, for me it also sets the mood of a lone guy fighting a terror state with nothing but a rubber ball. You definitely need a sense for retreating, stalking, and attacking from a distance (and maybe remember how the enemies will behave). You will be rewarded with a very distinct style, which radiates innocence but also reflects a harsh reality. The game manages to keep this style from beginning to end, and it feels as good now as it did more than 20 years ago. (And it runs surprisingly well even on OSX.)

Twinsen is charm. What borught me to Twinsen originally was an interest in early PC game's and I have to say Twinsen feels like watching a French Luc Besson or Jean Luc Godard film... it's different... it's French! That off kilter, non-sensical Frenchness is oosing in Twinsen and it's very refreshing indeed. How is Twinsen to play in 2025? The deaths are rough and the tempple of Bu was really rough for me, however Twinsen is one of those game's that once you've finished it lingers, stays with you so I think it's worth the investment.