From the moment you see Teen frozen in their trademark T-pose, to a T immediately stakes its claim as what will probably be one of the most unconventional games this year. It’s the latest effort from Uvula, the studio co-founded by the creative mind behind Katamari Damacy, and the same whimsical design philosophy is evident in every corner of this seaside town. But this isn’t just an elaborate novelty act – the T-shape becomes a vehicle to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and what it means to fit in when you quite literally don’t conform. We played to a T on the PS5.
Narratively, to a T strikes a profound chord behind its playful exterior. As Teen navigates school, family, and oddball townsfolk, including a giraffe who sells sandwiches, it’s clear this is a story about more than just being different. The game’s quirky humor softens a powerful message of resilience and self‑acceptance, resonating with moments that are both gently moving and sincerely funny. Despite some dialogue hiccups and intermittent bugs, particularly with camera behavior, the narrative always remains heartfelt and thoughtfully executed.
The gameplay embraces simplicity with charm: performing everyday tasks like eating, getting ready for school and petting the dog becomes an entertaining choreography thanks to Teen’s immovable posture. These minigames are fun and novel early on, and they deliver satisfying micro-experiences. But as the hours pass, the mechanics can reveal a certain repetitiveness, and the real heart lies less in the actions than in the story they support.
Navigating the world also exposes the game’s technical limits. The fixed-camera perspective sometimes struggles to keep Teen in view, especially when squeezing through narrow doors or guiding the dog through tighter spaces. It’s a reminder that while the concept is bold and original, the execution can be uneven – momentarily interrupting the magic with some rough edges.
Visually and aurally, the game soars. The bright pastel palette is charmingly nostalgic, and a catchy, upbeat “You Are the Perfect Shape” anthem runs through the entire experience, becoming more poignant as the plot develops. Each quirky musical number and eccentric character (like DJ Pigeon) leaves a lasting impression – so much so that you’re humming them long after the credits roll.
At only around five hours in length, to a T is tightly paced, though some may wish for a longer run once invested in the world and characters. Its brevity preserves its impact – you’re likely to finish the journey with a strong emotional aftertaste. But there’s also a craving for more interactivity and gameplay diversity; the concept is captivating enough that a slightly deeper experience would have been richly deserved.
In the end, to a T is a vibrant, curious gem – part coming-of-age tale, part surreal comedy, and entirely its own thing. It may stumble a bit in places, but its overall spirit is joyful and affirming. It encourages empathy in surprising ways and leaves you with a lasting smile. For those who appreciate whimsy with purpose, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Teen – and the message that being “perfect” might just mean being authentically you. A few rough edges don’t tarnish that bright, inventive core.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 