Introduction
Thanks to its delightful sandbox traversal, Tchia became our favourite open world game of the year. For more awards, head to our Game of the Year 2023 hub.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Chris Livingston, Senior Editor, shares his enthusiasm for the unique gameplay elements and innovative mechanics of Tchia. The game revitalizes the open-world genre with its innovative traversal system, particularly through the feature of soul-jumping. This mechanic allows players to leap into a variety of creatures and objects, from birds to fish and even inanimate rocks, offering a dynamic and improvisational experience as they traverse the island’s diverse landscapes.
- Rock stacking
- Cliff diving
- Totem carving
- Elaborate musical challenges with a fully playable ukulele
These minigames inject a sense of originality and creativity into the gameplay, ensuring that each activity feels fresh and engaging.
Innovative Exploration
The open world of Tchia offers players a plethora of creative and improvisational ways to explore its beautiful landscapes. Unlike traditional open-world games that often rely on predictable mechanics, Tchia encourages players to think outside the box and utilize the environment in imaginative ways.
| Traditional Open-World Features | Tchia’s Innovative Features |
|---|---|
| Standard gliding mechanics | Soul-jumping into birds for actual soaring |
| Fixed methods of traversal | Dynamic traversal like slingshotting with palm trees |
| Conventional treasure hunts | Island-wide treasure map hunts with unique interactions |
| Typical photo modes | In-game camera with film development process |
| Exact GPS-like mapping | Approximate location pinning requiring landmark navigation |
These features not only enhance the visual and interactive appeal of the game but also provide a sense of discovery and achievement as players utilize their creativity to navigate and uncover the secrets of Tchia’s world.
Physical Trophies and Rewards
In Tchia, the trophy system diverges from the conventional digital achievements seen in most games. Here, trophies are tangible objects that players can collect and carry in their packs. These physical trophies can then be exchanged in vending machines for new outfits and skins, adding a layer of tactile satisfaction to the reward process.
This system not only provides a more rewarding sense of accomplishment but also enriches the in-game economy and player interaction with the world. The act of physically handling trophies and using them to obtain new items offers a gratifying experience that goes beyond the passive accumulation of digital numbers on a stats page.
Development and Impact
The development team behind Tchia is notably small, consisting of only 12 developers. Despite the limited size, their work has had a significant impact on the open-world genre, particularly with their ‘systems-driven’ approach to game design. This approach has allowed for a level of creativity and interaction that rivals, and in some ways surpasses, what has been seen in games produced by much larger teams.
The game’s charm and moments of discovery have set a new standard for what a dedicated and innovative team can achieve in the realm of open-world games. The success of Tchia serves as an inspiration for the industry, proving that size does not always dictate the quality or the potential for innovation in game development.
Conclusion
Tchia stands out as a shining example of how innovation and creativity can breathe new life into the open-world genre. With its unique mechanics, such as soul-jumping and the physical trophy system, it offers a fresh and engaging experience that has captured the hearts of players and critics alike. The game’s success is a testament to the vision and skill of its small development team, who have crafted an open-world adventure that encourages exploration and creativity at every turn.
