to a T Review (PS5) – Perfectly Imperfect

to a T is the latest video game spearheaded by Keita Takahashi. A designer, director and all-around creative wonderment who brought us Katamari Damacy, Wattam, amongst others. Takahashi has created a mise-en-scène with his works; whether it’s the colourful rounded edges of his characters, complete with piercing black circles for eyes, or the absurd settings, that on paper would make no sense, you can often tell very quickly when Takahashi is the brains behind a release.

Along for the ride with him is the studio he co-founded, Uvula, and for me, it feels like a lifetime since playing anything of theirs. Uvula’s last release was the Playdate exclusive Crankin’s Time Travel Adventure (2022), and before that, two games in 2013. All of this might read as superfluous to a game review about a teenager stuck in a T-pose, but the broader context of Takahashi’s themes and visual motifs showcases a deeper cohesion amongst the array of releases.

Much like the previous games, and now with to a T, I can’t help but feel transported back to times as a kid. Sitting on the floor, too close to the TV, happiness in confusion when figuring out a brand new game design, all free from the worry of time needing to be spent doing adult things. to a T would be a perfect game for a kid on the cusp of teenagehood, but as an adult, I’m wishing I could have cared less and had more fun, and how it’s never too late to accomplish that.

Much like being a teen, though, to a T has its quirks. There’s usually a level of ambition with these games that doesn’t tend to translate as well as the heart behind it, and it’s no different here. So let’s go through the growing pains together, shall we?

You Are The Perfect Shape

The game is an episodic adventure that tells the unique story of a teenager stuck in the T-pose. Even small tasks like using the loo or washing their face are monumental when their arms are as far apart as possible. Luckily, they have a dog to help every step of the way (you can name them too). This creates minigame scenarios that see you working the analogue sticks to shift the teenager’s body, turning mundane into fundane tasks. This ranges from washing the eye boogers off their face to eating breakfast cereal and more.

Once you’ve completed the morning routine, the episodes properly start with an opening sequence that sees your created teen in an intro montage, soundtracked by possibly the second most infectious tune this year – the most infectious being the closing episode track. The gameplay side of to a T is a little too on the passive side for me. It’s not a huge spoiler, as it’s in the opening sequence, but your character can essentially fly by spinning fast, inviting some fun explorable moments in between a few of the episodes.

However, this is only possible on a handful of occasions from about halfway through the game, as well as an endgame chapter where you can clear up anything you’ve left to do. Other than that, it’s walking from point A to B, completing a familiar minigame with a to a T twist, and then watching the story develop through cut scenes.

I’ve usually come for the exuberant charm, but stayed for the addictive gameplay loop that previous Takahashi titles present – and it’s not really here, unfortunately.

My Name Is Giraffe

What is here is the most realised narrative that I’ve played in this strange series of mischief. There’s a stacked cast to root for in different ways, a central character with an endearing naivety that speaks to its core themes of beauty in differences, the strife of growing up, but also how precious those moments are.

And of course there’s the absurd humour, toilet jokes, whimsical atmosphere and aliens? It feels like every previous game explores the othering oneself can feel for being different. Now more than ever, though, it’s met with an uplifting sincerity that being different is ‘okay’ and not just a gimmick for game’s sake.

Sandwiched in between the plot are moments where you’ll play as another person from the cast. These are neat detours to the pressing narrative at hand that fill out the world of to a T in a satisfying way. They also come with different gameplay elements, changing up what you’re doing in your 5-8 hour journey.

Just Right

I say 5-8, but the completionist in me nearly tripled my game time, as there are maybe too many clothes to buy from the various stores. Pants, tops, hoodies, shoes and even hats for your dog make up over 500 items of clothing to purchase. Not to mention, there’s an ongoing side quest to collect all the hairstyles by finding the wearers.

In a similar vein to Damacy and Wattam, it’s an arduous task to collect them all; however, to a T is somehow even more time-consuming than rolling onto that pencil sharpener you’ve been hunting for hours. There’s a cap on how many coins you can carry, and they also disappear (apart from the ones at the bag shop, trust me on that one), so I spent a good 10 hours grinding that.

I can’t knock the game on something that’s not necessary to complete, but the 100% is a very boring process. Not even the whimsy of its soundtrack or the chaoticly fun spinning and flying around the coastal town was enough to combat the boredom I faced. As I mentioned before, though, this isn’t the complete intentional way to digest it, but it is a completionist’s journey that’ll feel a bit more dire than it should.

The Shape Of You

Overall, to a T is an exceptionally wonderful tale of growing pains, feeling different, and coming to terms with it, all topped with a delightfully silly extraterrestrial cherry. It’s a slight side step in direction for Uvula, one that’s less about the gameplay and more about what it’s trying to convey. Personally, I’d like to see some more of that consistent gameplay I’m used to from Keita Takahashi, as well as something as fleshed out narratively as to a T.

The minigames sprinkled throughout are sweet but a little short. There isn’t a consistent pace throughout the chapters, but the different playable characters keep it refreshing. The open world design is cinematic, framing your teenager seamlessly through the suburbs, town, and beach without player control of the camera. It’s just a shame that I liked everything I was playing, I just didn’t feel I was doing enough of it.

If you are a fan of Takahashi’s previous works, then you’ll have no problem diving into the strange world Uvula’s created here. However, this won’t be a strong impression for newcomers, and it’s definitely one I don’t necessarily recommend first and foremost.

to a T is out now for PlayStation 5 (review platform), Xbox and PC via Steam.

Developers: uvula

Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Disclaimer: In order to complete this review, we were provided with a promotional copy of the game. For our full review policy, please go here.

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