To a T finds humor in having a disability

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Occasionally, laughter can help you cope with challenging situations. The game “To a T,” developed by Uvula (formerly known as Katamari Damacy’s director Keita Takahashi’s studio), is an extraordinary coming-of-age tale about a teenager whose arms are rigidly extended like the letter ‘T.’ This quirky concept, reminiscent of other eccentric Japanese games such as Katamari Damacy, is taken to absurd heights. At the Day of the Devs event during GDC 2025, I got a sneak peek at this adventure game and was left wondering how the fantastical, absurd storyline will unfold further.

Stuck in a T-pose

During character formation, there’s a suggestion that significant events are on the horizon for the main character. In a dream, the character known as Teen attempts to escape a spinning purple tornado but is lifted off the ground instead. Luckily, Teen manages to awaken before being tossed away and finds themselves standing alongside an endearing fluffy dog. This friendly canine is eager to assist Teen in getting dressed for their first day at school by pulling clothes from their storage compartments.

Examining a Teen’s daily routine shows how they tackle ordinary tasks in a fun, creative manner using interactive mini-games and unique controls. This could involve twisting their body to open a door or cleaning their teeth with an extended toothbrush. The bathroom sink’s faucet is positioned upward, eliminating the need for a hand towel when washing the face. Even pouring cereal and milk into a bowl without spilling requires skill.

Despite its challenges, the teenager tackles everything with a cheerful demeanor, maintaining an optimistic and vibrant atmosphere that echoes the eccentric art style of Katamari Damacy. The 3D graphics have a cel-shaded appearance, saturated with pastel hues, the font is thick and rounded, and the character designs resemble oversized Mii avatars. The endearing, soft-edged aesthetic and fantastical world, populated by giraffe people who can talk, exudes charm and is suitable for players of all ages. The game’s offbeat humor, which brings to mind the TT Brothers, a duo of Japanese comedians who search for the letter ‘T’ in reality, adds an extra layer of fun.

No use crying over spilled T

As a gamer, I find myself reluctant to head to school on my birthday, mainly because of the teasing from a few classmates due to my unique condition. My mother tries to comfort me, but I can’t shake off the feeling that today is going to be tough. However, before I set off, I grab an extra-long sandwich from Giraffe’s restaurant, where the chef has a kitchen designed around his long neck – it’s like we’re kindred spirits! With the school map in hand, I sprint towards the entrance, trying to navigate through the crowd and find my way. Scattered throughout town are spinning coins that seem to be waiting for me to collect them. I can only hope these will open up more of the game world when the full version launches.

It isn’t until after Teen returns from school that they stumble upon an extraordinary talent. In a panic when their dog accidentally soils near a stranger’s house, they suddenly hear an unusual voice and gain the power to spin their arms like a propeller. As they twist the control stick, Teen starts spinning like a top and conjures up a tiny whirlwind that swiftly propels them and the dog into a tree, reminiscent of a dream they’d had before. This newfound skill might just help Teen find their place in the world.

To a T is set to release on May 28, 2025 for PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Game Pass.

This sneak peek was shown at the Day of the Devs event during GDC 2025, which was hosted by the game’s publisher.

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2025-03-19 20:30