A new trailer for the mechanically-whimsical Tin Hearts was released today, notifying players that April 20 will be the day they finally dive into the magical world of the small mechanical men. The immersive puzzle-adventure game that won the "Most Anticipated Switch Game" at the 2022 Gamescom awards will also be marching onto PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
From first-time developer Rogue Sun and indie publisher Wired Productions, the launch date trailer gives players a quick glimpse at some of the puzzle-solving bits and pieces in Tin Hearts that will be required to navigate successfully through the small characters' world. From bouncing across drums and landing on the tops of tables to trying to avoid metal-crushing machines that will decimate the player's little soldiers, users will have to navigate their small metal warriors safely through a variety of environments and obstacles. It's not just the environment that is out to destroy them, as an assortment of mechanical foes such as spiders and an eerie-looking Jack-in-the-box will also attempt to stop the march of the tin troopers.
The trailer shows some aspects of the game that seemingly share parts of its design with Lemmings, a game that was released in the early 90s on the Amiga system before being ported to a variety of PCs and consoles of the time. In Lemmings, players were tasked with leading their odd-looking titular characters to a safe zone by building various items and using a variety of abilities on a 2D side-scrolling map. It appears Tin Hearts will share at least some of this design idea, as certain soldiers appear to be marching in straight lines and bouncing off objects to change their trajectory. Some soldiers appear to be moving about much more freely as well, assisting with various obstacles and activating in-game objects that should add to Tin Hearts' complexity and enjoyment.
Gamers can also sign up for Tin Hearts' closed beta through the Wired Productions website, allowing an early look at the game on PC starting February 10 through the 14. The site also mentions that physical editions will be available for the PlayStation 5 and Switch, but players will be required to reserve the first print run through the Wired Productions site. These will come with reversible sleeves, an EP download, and a set of stickers.
The comparison to Lemmings seems almost impossible to avoid from the generation of gamers who lost many hours, and many Lemmings, trying to save them. With the change to a much larger 3D environment, the addition of even more vertical playability, and a multitude of choices in how to navigate that space, Tin Hearts has a chance to be that sort of seminal game that could still be influencing many others years down the road. Players will need to wait only a few more months to amuse themselves with the little tin soldiers.
Tin Hearts will release April 20 on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Source: Wired Productions