Indie Spotlight – Miniatures brings a whimsical tale of memories and mysteries

Miniatures: A Story Collection from Other Tales Interactive has graced iOS devices, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. This unique experience, crafted by artists, is showcased through four beautifully designed stories, each inspired by strange objects found in an old wooden box. Players embark on a journey of curiosity and imagination. This indie spotlight aims to discover everything you need to know about this game, including the thoughts of the makers.

Overview

Miniatures, from the creators of Tick Tock: A Tale for Two, is an artistic puzzle game that invites players to explore the joys and melancholy of childhood through four enchanting short stories. This narrative-driven adventure is perfect for anyone who appreciates games as a form of art.

Each story is inspired by curious objects found in an old wooden box, a toy lizard, a captured moth, a screwdriver, and a seashell, each holding a unique and poignant tale. With an average playtime of 45 minutes, this visually stunning game combines dreamlike puzzles and emotional storytelling into a bite-sized package perfect for modern gamers.

Why you should play Miniatures

• Developed by an award-winning indie team, known for their inventive storytelling.
• Features stunning hand-drawn visuals that bring each story to life.
• Engages players with puzzles that are both tactile and emotionally resonant.
• Perfect for modern gamers looking for a short but impactful experience.

From concept to creation: Developer Insights

Other Tales Interactive is a small indie studio known for its focus on story-driven games. The studio made its debut with the co-op puzzler Tick Tock: A Tale for Two and next brought to us the game anthology Miniatures. Co-founded in 2016 by Tanja Tankred and Mira Dorthé, the studio thrives on creative exploration.

“My role switches a bit depending on the game,” Tanja explains, who is the writer and co-designer of Miniatures.

The inspiration behind Miniatures

Tanja Tankred joined us for a chat covering a few curious questions from our end. We started with the inspiration behind Miniatures. “In the very beginning, we just wanted to create one game and were quite drawn to the beautiful visuals of picture books and graphic novels,” Tanja shares. The idea was clear, they wanted to create a game that was story-based and had that picture-book quality. 

She explained that the initial goal was to create something short and easy to release, as it began as a “play” project within the studio. However, as they continued prototyping, many different games emerged, each carrying a distinct mood and theme. On the next thought, she adds: “We started to ask ourselves: Wouldn’t it make sense to make something similar to a story collection, but in a games format?”

Artistic choices and emotional tone

Each game within Miniatures boasts a unique art style tailored to its specific tone and story, and we discussed that too. “We worked a lot with how each game is framed, what colors are being used, and that it should not be too obvious what the game was trying to tell,” Tanja notes.

She mentioned that subtleness plays a significant role throughout the project on various levels. For instance, some of the soundscapes are intentionally minimal, but their subtlety enhances the tone and emotional depth of the story. “We like that players can have different interpretations of the game, but still be able to find their own meaning of each tale.”

Revisiting challenges – “Finding the right name!”

As a small indie studio, the team faced its share of challenges during development, one of which was naming the game. “We struggled for a long time finding the right name, and when we found it, it all made sense,” Tanja recalls. She explained that the word “miniatures” can evoke memories of small play objects collected during childhood. It also refers to small portraits created using traditional painting techniques, while simultaneously conveying that each tale in the project is brief.

Talking accolades and future

She expressed gratitude for the awards and nominations received for Tick Tock, noting that while the recognition is an honor, they try not to let it influence their creative process too much. “We really like to just experiment with what we find interesting at a certain time,” Tanja says while also hinting “we will most likely make another two-player down the line“, although its form is still uncertain.

When asked about plans following the release of Miniatures, she shared that the team plans to take a short break to recharge their creative energy and then start working on the next project. “We already have a few ideas and are excited to begin the experimental prototyping phase again,” Tanja shares enthusiastically.

Final Verdict from the Editor

Priced at a mere $2.99, Miniatures is an absolute gem that offers incredible value for its price. Its short yet impactful gameplay makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking to experience something meaningful without a hefty time commitment and it is a title whose experience shouldn’t be missed. Don’t miss the chance to open the wooden box, so go get it on the App Store now, and visit the official website for more details.

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