“Then we got into a labyrinth, and, when we thought we were at the end, came out again at the beginning, having still to see as much as ever.” –Plato
Overview
Sizeable, a solo project by Sander Ambroos, is made up of a series of charming and uniquely styled 3D dioramas in which players can explore in search of hidden objects and solve simple puzzles in order to progress.
Developer: Sander Ambroos
Released: 19th March 2021
Price: £7.99/$9.99
This game is being reviewed as part of the Indie Game Collective (IGC) showcase.
Gameplay
Sizeable sees players explore the various scenes in search of three pillars that then need to be placed correctly to complete the level and unlock the next. Some can be found easily by simply resizing or moving different objects whereas others require the player to solve small puzzles. The act of resizing things or moving them can have an impact on the rest of the scene, such as in level 5 wherein resizing the sun changes the season or in level 2 where resizing the moon affects the tide. The small puzzles centre around these kinds of mechanics and while they require a little thought the overall experience is not too challenging.
When the game was released earlier in the year there were 21 levels and 4 hidden levels to discover. Regular updates mean that there are now over 30 levels, a generous and impressive set of additions for a solo developer! If that isn’t enough there is also a hidden tortoise in every single diorama!
Narrative and Styling
Each diorama in Sizeable has its own theme and there are a variety of scenes and locations to explore such as outer space, a campsite and a fairground to name a few. These are depicted in a vibrant and colourful low-poly 3D art style with effective ambient lighting. The narrative elements are minimal to none, deriving solely from the individuality of each scene and are not explicit.
Sizeable’s audio features relaxing piano tunes that sit comfortably in the background adding to the overall feel of the game without being imposing. The sounds are slightly melancholy in places but soothing and uplifting overall and match the tone of the gameplay really well. Fun and lively sound effects also help to bring each scene to life.
Summary
Overall, Sizable is a fun, satisfying and relaxing game that mixes exploration, hidden object and puzzle game mechanics to great effect. It provides a good amount of challenge without becoming stressful. It is easy to pick up and put down but also engaging enough for longer play sessions too. Additionally, both the cute and colourful visuals and chilled out piano audio fit the game perfectly making this a well-rounded experience with a lot to offer. In short, Sizeable is a joy to play and very easy to recommend!
Looking for more relaxing puzzle games? Check out these titles:
The Sojourn – Wind Peaks – Assemble with Care