Tim Schafer and his crew at Double Fine are at it again. Just months after completing the heavy metal-packed Brutal Legend and the delightful downloadable game Costume Quest, they’ve come through with yet another fun concoction that’s unlike anything out there. Stacking is an ode to the adventurous silent films of the 20’s, while packing innovative gameplay techniques that could have you coming back for more. The game concentrates on Charlie Blackmore, the youngest lad in his family. The story begins with his dad taking off for work, but not returning. Soon after, an evil industrialist known as the Baron comes harrumphing his way to their residence, insisting that the kids be taken into labor to pay off debts. Unable to stop the Baron at first, Charlie vows to make things right after he receives a letter of distress from one of his siblings. From there, he takes off on a journey to set things right and stop the Baron.
It sounds like a depressing story, but Stacking is really anything but. Like other Tim Schafer products, this one has tongue firmly planted in cheek, with plenty of humorous comments and acts (flatulence among them). It’s this lighthearted tone that starts the game off well, and the gameplay keeps that energy going. As you proceed through Stacking, you’ll be able to stack up into taller dolls, taking control of them and making use of their abilities. Some require you to open doors that are otherwise inaccessible; others will flirt with guards that gain you entry into otherwise secured rooms. Playing around with these abilities will keep you busy for some time, even if you manage to beat the game in a few hours’ time. What’s cool about Stacking is that there’s an interesting strategy lying underneath. If you stack up three certain doll types in a row, for instance, you’ll unlock special goodies in a storage closet, which you can use to whatever ability you wish. This adds some replay value to the game, along with the unique abilities each character has.
Stacking reminds us an awful lot of the vintage films from the 20’s. The music is pure ragtime-style ballads, but with a lighthearted tone so things never get too down in the dumps. There is no dialogue, but the sound samples are charming – even the farts. As for the visuals, they look great, with lots of areas to visit ripped straight out of the old days of Cannery Row and pre-World War II America. The dolls themselves look outstanding, and watching some of them move around and do their thing is a trip. (When you control a complaining man, for instance, he’ll throw his weight around – literally – while you hide inside. It’s hilarious.) Yeah, we would’ve liked more missions to play through to validate the game’s $15 (1200 Microsoft point) price tag, but in the end, Stacking’s innovations more than make up for that. It’s a fun game to play, and if you’re ever stuck, a helpful tip system and on-screen cursors guide you in the right direction. The secret stuff is great to find, too. For a downloadable game, this one sure is…um, stacked?
