In the fantasy world of Lil’ Guardsman, players assume the role of Lil, a smart and sassy 12-year-old who unexpectedly finds herself manning the guard shed at the castle gate at the start of an endearing adventure. Developed by Hilltop Studios and published by Versus Evil and tinyBuild, this unique blend of deduction, narrative, and puzzle elements provides a lighthearted take on the usually quite serious genre of border control management games (such as Papers, Please). Released on multiple systems including the PlayStation 5, Lil’ Guardsman’s vibrant narrative and comedic atmosphere add an enjoyable twist to this fantasy adventure.
The premise of Lil’ Guardsman is a refreshing departure from the norm, transporting players to The Sprawl, a kingdom filled with elves, goblins, and other quirky characters. Lil’s journey unfolds as she juggles her father’s day-to-day responsibilities at the guard shed, leading to a cascade of events that ultimately involve a royal wedding, a siege, and countless entertaining encounters. The game’s fantasy/comedy narrative, with humor and an art style that were inspired by classic LucasArts point-and-click adventure, warms players to this charming and humorous world.
The gameplay mechanics shine through Lil’s interactions with over 100 fully voiced characters. The decision-making process involves questioning these visitors and utilizing a variety of tools to determine their intentions and ultimately their fate. Lil employs gadgets like Truth Spray, X-ray machines, and a decoder ring to uncover hidden truths and make informed decisions. The inclusion of the Chronometer3000 adds an interesting time-rewind element, allowing players to alter choices and explore different outcomes.
The positive aspects of Lil’ Guardsman are abundant. The game boasts a genuinely funny and charming narrative, with cartoon-like visuals that enhance the overall experience. The diverse array of gadgets and tools adds depth and a bit of experimentation to the decision-making process, ensuring that each encounter feels fresh and engaging. The varied levels, including surprising settings like a dating game show, contribute to the game’s replayability.
However, Lil’ Guardsman is not without its flaws. One notable issue is Lil’s slow movement outside the guard station, which can make anything that involves a degree of travel feel like a bit of a chore (though we later figured out you can hold square to speel ‘Lil up!). Additionally, while most levels are really fun, one or two stood out to us as not standing up to the quality of the others. Could be a matter of personal preference, but it did break the flow for a little bit.
Despite these small drawbacks, Lil’ Guardsman successfully delivers a light-hearted and entertaining experience, infusing humor into the border control management genre, making for the most accessible example in the genre thus far. The game’s impressive cast of characters, detailed artwork, and quality voice acting contribute to its overall appeal. While it may lack complex puzzles and exploration, Lil’ Guardsman compensates with a well-crafted narrative and comedic moments, earning its place among the enjoyable titles in the genre.
Score: 8.4/10
Press Play Media 