Smashing good time
Listen, I’m a fan of Double-Fine, I appreciate that they are one of the last remaining big studios who are still willing to try and go against the grain of the usual studio ideas and try something different. And they have done just that with their latest release Kiln. Described as a ‘pottery brawler’, Kiln transforms players into little spirits that they can customize. Once done they are given a lump of clay, and that’s where the real magic happens; as players are able to manipulate the clay and create their own perfect pot for smashing.
MSRP: $19.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PC
Price I’d Pay: $19.99
The world of Kiln is bright and colorful; that’s one of the first things that will hit players after they are deposited into the world that also functions as the lobby. Essentially Kiln is two games in one. The first side is all about creating and decorating pots, players will be able to choose the shape and size of them. These choices will determine the pot’s special ability as well as their health and water carrying capacity. Initially players will have limited options for customization, starting with a medium piece of clay and a few accessories. As they engage in the other side of gameplay, a mode known as Quench; players will unlock more sizes of clay as well as a shop to spend in game currency and a whole host of items to customize their pots.
Once players have crafted their perfect instrument of destruction they can load into Quench. At the time of this review this is the only game mode available in Kiln and it requires players to engage in 4v4 battles. The goal of these fights is to quench the flame of the opponents Kiln with the first team to do it being deemed the winner. The objective may seem simple but it’s the arenas that will make things complicated. Each map is different and will task players with using a difference strategy. One map sees both teams’ bases right next to each other with only a wall dividing them. All of the water barrels are on the other side of the map so it’s a constant battle as players clog the entrances to block or allow time for teammates to get through with the water. Another map sees a river with platforms that goes around in a circle forcing players to use platform to get to the enemies’ base as well as the water.
When engaging in combat players will learn that the size of the pot denotes the abilities. Smaller pots can carry less water and are weaker but move much quicker and are excellent for hit and run attacks. Larger pots are hulking in nature and move slower but hit harder, usually these are on defense, but when one is on the front line, they are a force to be reckoned with in the right hands. In addition to the sizes though the shape of the pot will determine the ability. Some can create tornados like the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes, sucking up enemies and then spitting them out in random directions. While others can summon massive morning stars and can cause massive damage as well as stun to enemy pots.
It wasn’t all a flowery trip to Pottery Barn though; at launch there was some issues with matchmaking, but it was corrected pretty quick. Kiln actually performs quite well, aside from some longer loading times; I had really no issues with the gameplay or anything. In fact, my only real gripe is the lone game mode that is currently available. Not that there is anything wrong with quench because it is a lot of fun, but there is no variety outside of it and we all know that gamers get bored of things quicker than a babysitter’s boyfriend when a car pulls up. And even though the Kiln is on Game Pass I worry about the longevity of the game, especially since it’s multiplayer only. But I guess that’s tomorrow’s problem, for today we smash pots.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
