Sizeable

Sizeable is a charming and relaxing puzzle game where players manipulate the size of objects to solve intricate puzzles within low-poly diorama environments. Each level offers unique themes and creative challenges, making it a captivating experience despite its short playtime. The game emphasizes artistic design and innovative mechanics, providing a soothing and expressive journey for puzzle enthusiasts.

Sizeable: Review

Introduction

Sizeable is a unique and relaxing puzzle/exploration game where players manipulate the size of objects within charming low-poly dioramas. Since its release in 2021, it has captivated audiences with its simple yet ingenious core mechanic: shrinking and growing objects to reveal hidden objects and solve puzzles. This review delves into the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay, world-building, reception, and legacy.

Development History & Context

Sizeable was developed by Sander Ambroos under the Business Goose Studios banner. Originally a student project, it evolved into a polished indie gem. The team embraced the constraints of a small project to focus on delivering a high-quality experience with innovative mechanics. The game’s minimalistic design belies its depth, offering a rich tapestry of diverse environments and interactions.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative in Sizeable is minimalistic but engaging. Players traverse a series of distinct dioramas, each with their own unique theme (e.g., outer space, the North Pole, ancient ruins). The goal is to find hidden pillars by interacting with the environment. The game eschews traditional storytelling in favor of emergent narrative through gameplay mechanics. Each level becomes a playground where the player’s interactions reveal the underlying mysteries of the diorama.

Thematic elements are prominent, with the core theme being the manipulation of scale. Changing the size of objects often has ripple effects on the environment, such as altering tides, weather, or unlocking new areas. This creates a sense of wonder and discovery, as the player explores the possibilities of each level.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At the heart of Sizeable’s gameplay is the ability to resize objects. Players can shrink, grow, or return objects to their original size using keyboard shortcuts or the mouse scroll wheel. This mechanic is both simple to learn and deeply engaging, allowing for a wide range of interactions within each diorama.

Key aspects of the gameplay include:
1. Exploration: Players must explore each diorama thoroughly to identify all interactable objects.
2. Object Manipulation: Resizing objects can unlock new paths, reveal hidden items, or alter the environment in unique ways.
3. Puzzle Solving: Each level requires finding three hidden pillars, often through a sequence of resizing and moving objects.
4. Collectibles: Hidden turtles provide an added layer of challenge and replayability.

The game’s user interface is intuitive, with highlighted objects indicating possible interactions. The controls are responsive, and the “snap” sizes (small, medium, large) ensure consistent behavior. However, some puzzles may require precise timing or ordering of actions, adding a layer of complexity.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Sizeable is a collection of beautifully crafted low-poly dioramas. Each level feels like a miniature sandbox, teeming with life and detail. The art style is vibrant and inviting, using a color palette that evokes a sense of calm and wonder.

The sound design is equally impressive.Soft piano melodies and ambient nature sounds (like crackling fires or distant thunder) create a soothing atmosphere that complements the game’s relaxing nature. The soundtrack by Jamal Green perfectly captures the Zen-like mood of the game.

Reception & Legacy

Upon release, Sizeable was met with critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the game’s unique mechanics, atmospheric art style, and relaxing gameplay. Common highlights included:

• Innovative Mechanics: The resizing mechanic was universally lauded for its simplicity and depth.
• Atmosphere: The relaxing music and visuals were often cited as highlights.
• Replayability: While the game is relatively short (1-2 hours), hidden collectibles and future level updates added replay value.

However, some critics noted the game’s brevity and lack of substantial narrative content. Despite the short playtime, the game’s price point ($9.99) and frequent post-release updates (adding new levels) have helped maintain its appeal.

In the years since release, Sizeable has become a beloved indie gem, influencing other puzzle games with similar mechanics. Its success demonstrates the power of focused, narrative-light gameplay in creating memorable experiences.

Conclusion

Sizeable is a masterclass in indie game design, offering a deeply satisfying and relaxing experience through its unique mechanics and atmospheric presentation. While it may be short, the quality of its gameplay and the charm of its world make it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a puzzle fan, indie game enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Sizeable is a must-play gem.

★ ★ ★ ★ (8/10)