This indie game combines genres, leaving me wanting more and obsessed with the stories behind trinkets.

Miniatures released November 14 and I was eager to see what the fuss was about after being nominated in the past two years for several awards. I can get attached to things pretty easily. I'm likely to bring home a soft toy or a ceramic creature I find in a charity store if I stare at it for too long. Miniatures takes this feeling and turns into a narrative-driven story reflecting on childhood memories. Now I have an even stronger emotional attachment to my trinket collection.

The game has four different'modes,' depending on what you choose from the wooden box. You can choose a screwdriver to assemble flat-pack furniture or a toy to feed a lizard. The objects are simple, everyday items, but the scenes they play out give them new life. They show that even the mundane can have a story. I don't understand how Other Tales Interactive did it, but these simple objects became emotional to me and I no longer look at them the same way.

Aside from the thought-provoking storyline, this is a visually stunning video game. Its design may seem simple, but when you dig deeper into the four hidden game modes, you'll discover a world of detail. Miniatures isn't just my opinion. It won the Visual Design Spotlight Award at IndieCade in 2024 and the Wings Award in A MAZE in 2020.

The colour palette is what I find most interesting about Miniatures, as it uses colder tones such as blues and grays instead of warm colours for its nostalgic stories. I felt a sense of unease throughout the entire experience, mainly because of the colours. This feeling didn't stop my desire to read each story and see what was next.

The length of the game is the only negative. I was on the final puzzle just as I was feeling like I was getting into Miniatures. It's a game that makes you want to play more, but also wants you to keep the sections you already have. I would love to see a sequel or something similar released in the future. But after the 4 years that it took to create this game, I can't envision a sequel any time soon. I'll have to just stare at the items I've collected, and wonder what stories are hidden within them.

If you are looking for a game to bring life to the objects you have lying around your home and tell stories that will make you cry, then Miniatures might be worth picking up. It is not a time-sink as it only takes 30-45 minutes to finish. But if you want to experience a rollercoaster ride of emotions as quickly as possible then this game is for you.