At this year’s Gamescom, amidst the usual barrage of explosions and intense action, a genuinely charming game stood out: Age Twisters. This co-op adventure offers a refreshing change of pace, promising to bridge the generation divide with its unique gameplay mechanics and heartwarming story.
A Tale Across Generations
Developed by Piccolo Studios in Barcelona, Age Twisters places two players in the roles of a grandfather or granddaughter who receive a mysterious message from their long-lost mother/daughter. This message unlocks bracelets that grant them the ability to “age twist,” allowing them to transform between child, teenager, adult, and elder forms, each with unique abilities crucial for solving puzzles.
The game’s concept is rooted in the generation gap, a theme explored through witty dialogue and gameplay interactions. Jordi Ministral and Alexis Corominas, co-founders of Piccolo Studios, explained that they wanted to create a more cheerful adventure after their previous titles delved into darker themes.
“The story is tied to the generation gap,” says Ministral. “Old people being grumpy and greedy, the world is a mess and it’s their fault. Young people, lazy snowflakes who don’t want to work and complain about everything. All they want to do is drugs and party. The stereotypes! It’s something we all do.”
“We wanted to make a game that brings generations together,” adds Ministral. “This game doesn’t make a speech to you, but it’s something we convey through it.”
Vivid Worlds and Age-Based Mechanics
Age Twisters bursts with vibrant colors and an upbeat tone, immediately captivating the player. During my demo, set within a giant factory filled with chickens, I experienced firsthand how each age manifests in gameplay. As a child, I could swap places with the chickens, a core mechanic for progression. The breezy simplicity is intentional, ensuring accessibility for all players.
The age-based mechanics are cleverly integrated. As an elderly character, traversing certain obstacles becomes impossible due to physical limitations. Dodging projectiles is possible, but the recovery animation is noticeably slower, adding a touch of humor.
Dialogue and Consequences
The dialogue in Age Twisters is another highlight. Characters engage in conversations that reflect their current age, with young children making jokes and adults offering pearls of wisdom. The ability to change ages mid-conversation adds another layer of depth, altering the tone and content of the exchange.
Failure states are handled uniquely. Instead of instant death, projectiles or hazardous surfaces either de-age or age the player. Becoming a baby requires assistance from a co-op partner, while becoming an elderly character transforms them into a skeleton! Thankfully, both babies and skeletons can be revived by their partners.
A Message for the Modern Family
The game’s core message – bringing generations together – resonates deeply in today’s world. As Ministral pointed out, economic pressures are forcing many young adults to live with their parents well into adulthood. “It happens the same in Barcelona, people are living with their parents until they are 30 or 30-something it’s crazy,” said Ministral.
“I mean yeah,” laughs Ministral, “If it makes them get together and have a nice time, why not?”
This preview is based on a hands-on experience at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. Krafton provided flights and accommodation.
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