
From its opening moments right up until the last few seconds as the credits began to roll, Pinstripe had us emotionally hooked. The game, which was painstakingly developed almost entirely by just one man over a five-year period, tells the story of Ted, an ex-minister who gets thrown headfirst into a nightmare-inducing series of events. Luckily for us, as the player, these horrific events allow for a pretty stellar video game, and one that will no doubt leave an impression on us over the days to come.
Our tale kicks off with a seemingly innocent train journey, with Ted and his young daughter, Bo, merrily chatting away. You can respond to Bo’s comments in either a loving or disinterested manner, and the two of you soon set off through the train’s carriages completing small, easy puzzles. It doesn’t take long for you to grow attached to this relationship, but things soon take a turn for the worse as a creepy, mysterious stranger called Pinstripe appears before you. After some discussion, Pinstripe kidnaps your daughter, and we felt a genuine sense of anger and upset at his actions right from the off thanks to the great writing and story pacing leading up to the event.

From here, it becomes clear that Ted must make his way through several hellish areas to find Bo, and this is where the real heart of the gameplay kicks in. Most of your time will be spent exploring each of these areas, solving quick puzzles to progress or picking up any currency lying around. Puzzles often require you to take note of your surroundings, and you’ll pick up a few key items along the way which give you clues on where to head next or how to unlock something which could put you on the right track.
Not long into the adventure, Ted stumbles across Bo’s old slingshot and their family dog, George, both of which open up new - if only minimally used - gameplay ideas. The slingshot has unlimited ammo, usually being used to either hit certain objects for puzzle-solving, money-collecting or to fend off enemies, while George can be used in very particular areas to uncover secrets. While the slingshot combat does appear every now and then throughout the adventure, it definitely takes a backseat, letting the storytelling and exploration take centre stage.

And we’re glad that it does; the true beauty of Pinstripe is in its storytelling and the overlying, heart-destroying aesthetic that looms over every step. The game’s world feels like it could really exist, perhaps tucked away inside a fantastical Tim Burton movie, with its beautiful, gloomy art style screaming its melancholic thoughts into your mind as you play. The soundtrack works in tandem here perfectly, too – not just with the music itself, but more thanks to the haunting little extras thrown into the overall soundscape.
The key cog in the aesthetic machine, however, is the game’s cast of non-playable characters, and particularly the voice actors portraying them. Many of these characters are voiced by prominent online personalities and YouTube stars, such as NateWantsToBattle and even PewDiePie, and despite the fact that we can already imagine some of our older readers shuddering in mild disgust, the casting is absolutely perfect. Ross O’Donovan (or ‘RubberNinja’) is a particular highlight as Mr. Dicky – a pessimistic man who guides Ted through various parts of the game – and every aspect of each character’s design adds something worthwhile to the finished product.

It’s easy to assume that this artistic flair was a particular point of focus during development, with the physical gameplay content falling just below perfect as a result. Don’t get us wrong – the combat, exploration, and puzzles are brilliantly executed when they pop up, and the controls are elegantly tight and responsive, but the game left us wanting a little more. Our playthrough saw the story wrapped up in around three hours or so and, while we thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon, those three hours could have introduced just a handful more fast-paced slingshot sequences or platforming sections to top things off nicely.
To give credit where it’s due, though, a portion of the gameplay near the end of those few hours sees you backtracking through the entire collection of levels to collect resources for the final moments – something which could have been a real slog. Rather than being a grind-filled, painful nightmare, however, new types of puzzles are unlocked as you work your way backwards, and you can suddenly get your hands on the collectables that previously seemed impossible to snag. Going backwards in a game isn’t always fun, but Pinstripe made it worth our precious time.

On top of this, a new 'Adventure Plus' opens up after completing the story, throwing you right back to the beginning but with a new golden key in your inventory. This key can unlock more places you hadn’t accessed before, giving keen players another few things to see, although you won’t be missing out on too much if you’re content with a single run. It may be a relatively short adventure, slipping by almost as quickly as it arrives, but the impression left by its world and storytelling should last long enough to justify that nicely.
Conclusion
Pinstripe is a beautiful creation in every sense of the word, pulling on your heartstrings like only your favourite storybook can, while competently providing a good deal of fun along the way. It’s a little on the short side, both in terms of length and challenge (we only saw the 'game over' screen once thanks to reaching the final boss with very little health), but a game’s length really isn’t everything. It’s what a game does in the few hours it spends with you that really counts, and Pinstripe does some pretty great things, making it an easy title to recommend.
Comments 41
What is the frame rate?
If it had microtransactions this game would have received a perfect 10/10.
Yeah, nah. I can barely tolerate most Youtubers on YouTube. I'm not entertaining them in my video games lol.
Sounds interesting. What's the price in the UK?
Thomas Brush did an amazing job as the source for most of the creative in this. Good for him.
That said, no idea why anyone would be playing this come OCT 26th.
Was thinking of getting it, then got to the mention of PewDiePie.
Ah well, it's a no buy from me, just because of him.
@Agramonte Because not everyone has the same tastes as you. It's such a simple f^¢€¡ñ¿ concept. You might not want to demonstrate publicly that you don't get it.
Wanted to buy, read PewDiePie, kkthxbye!
Story spoiler!
@PanurgeJr And those people can post on an "open comment section" their taste is different and why they will go and buy it.
"It's such a simple f^¢€¡ñ¿ concept. You might not want to demonstrate publicly that you don't get it"
@JHDK I genuinely don’t understand the point of that comment 😅
Is it related to the fact scores on NL are all over the place or is it something more specific?
It would have been better for this type of review to include the asking price, it has a very favorable tone, yet includes statements that could really affect the person who was on the fence, "short on length and content", well, sounds like could be decided on price
I know I don't want to pay too much for a game like this
@Link-Hero Yes really! Visuals never put me off a game. neither does the genre, I grew up totally interested every time someone introduced a new type of way to play, like Tetris or what have you. However, I certainly don't think it's ridiculous or stupid to be put off by folk who irritate me appearing in a game. I don't owe them a living lol. Wth?
@Agramonte uh what the hell? I don't think the comments section is as open as you like to think, how come 5 years of dedication to this hobby isn't worth even a sniff in your world?
@Link-Hero @OptometristLime Please don't read too much into it guys. Pewdiepie is quite the megastar. The game I'm sure will do just fine without me. And I am totally ok with that.
@OptometristLime Sure it is... I read comments here wondering why anyone would buy AAA game "X" on a given month all the time. Same difference.
Seeing how I read my first review on his game and later bought it on Steam over a year ago. I cared about his dedication long before it became a talking point on a Nintendo site. That has nothing to do with my comment on the timing of this launch.
$15 for a 3 hour game. There are free demos with more gameplay out there. That and Pewdiepie
So yeah, my NintendoLife formula of subtracting two points of the review score still stands. This should be a 6
Indeed I have shuddered. ...The use of voice talent just comes off as a way to ensure that this game gets coverage on the YT channels. Smart for the developers but ultimately cheap and gross feeling to a guy like me. Ugh. ...I’ll pass.
The game is so good, I would get it if I didn't own it already for pc. Play it, people!
Where's our Physical...options
@Agramonte Umm...I do get that concept. People can talk about what they like and what they don't. Had you merely said you'd be playing Red Dead 2 I'd have said nothing, because you're allowed to be interested in playing it.
That's not what you did.
You wondered how anyone else wouldn't be doing the same thing. And I've never once wondered how you or anyone else could be interested in AAA games, if you're trying to imply that I have.
Guess we're adding basic argumentation to the list of things you don't get.
I am down for an Indie now. I might just check this one out.
@PanurgeJr People do point out that they not interested in AAA games - and "wonder how anyone else would" all the time here. And that is FINE.
My general comments are not about you - let it go. What you "do" or "Do not" has zero bearings here.
You basically saying to me "that is not how I would write your comment" goes beyond you not understanding basic argumentation. Again, you are free to write your own post and say why you would buy it
I'm at an age where short games or games I can play in short bursts appeal to me (looks at backlog of games with a minimum 20 hours investment each with a tear in eye) From what I've heard the story has an emotional impact, which I'm all for.
Tempted.
@BigKing PewDiePie is a valid argument but if the three hours is a good three hours then who cares that it's 15 bucks? Most of us here have spent 15 on something that was used for way less time than that. A tightly made 3 hour game that respects my time is far preferable to a 10 hour game that is mostly bloat.
It's averaging a 7 and 7.5 on PC and XI via Metacritic with one poor review on each system dragging the score down. NL seems like they are right on the mark here.
@Agramonte It's totally fine that you are hyped for RDR2. I'll probably pick up a copy at some point too. It looks cool as heck. But your original comment is absolutely phrased in a contentious manner.
It's like you made a beautiful painting & then told a bunch of Internet celebrities to defecate on it.
@clvr It referring to how just today they gave 2K's NBA Playgrounds 2 an 8/10 even though many think it was ruined by greedy microtransactions.
@Agramonte "that is not how I would write your comment" in no way summarizes what I was saying.
Guess we're adding knowing what I'm saying to the list of things you don't understand. I'm starting to think you honestly don't know what you yourself said. I'm sure you know what you think you said, but that's not the same thing.
Also, it is NOT fine to suggest people shouldn't be interested in AAA games. I think I've been very clear on this point.
@Indielink You can get full triple A titles in the PS store for less than $10. This is one of those indies that were in a humble bundle and now get milked on the Switch.
It's like how Bastion got a 9/10 here for $15, when you can get it in a bundle wih Scribblenauts Unlimited, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Batman Arkham Origins and Injustice for $4.12
https://www.humblebundle.com/games/wb-games-classics-bundle
Switch gamers love getting ripped off every time but everybody seems to be in denial.
And no NintendoLife is not on the mark, it's once again scores it higher than average. A 6 or 7 for a 3 hour $15 game that looks like it was made in Flash isn't that bad. This isn't Ikaruga.
@JHDK ah I see.
@BigKing Yeah and the Humble bundle is a limited time offer that also goes to charity. You can opt to pay more than the 4 dollars if you so choose. On a platform that the game has been on for years. Bastion is a new game on Switch and is priced as such. The sales on other platforms also do not diminish the fact that Bastion is an excellent game and worth paying 15 for. In the case of Pinstripe it most certainly does not look like a flash game and was made by one person over 5 years and was priced as such.
Switch owners do not love getting ripped off, do you not remember the outcry over MK8 or Skyrim being priced at 60? Or any time a 3rd party Dev priced a game higher for a physical copy?
If you are complaining that NL is too high than your "subtract two points from anything they score," is also too low. There are several sites with scores that are much higher than the one that NL gave it and there are other reviews that score it much lower. I think it has a 100 from one site and a 40 from another. Do you go to those sites and bash those scores?
@Indielink bastion is mediocre at best and an old 7 year old indie title that has been on sale plenty of times.
Pinstripe does look like a flash game, you can even play a demo in your browser at newgrounds: https://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/692487
Outcry over MK4? It's the second best selling Switch game. Like I said; Switch gamers love getting ripped off.
Most review sites are ran by fanboys who overrate everything. A 100? Really? You think this is up there with the best games ever made?
Review sites are a joke.
@BigKing It has been on sale multiple times. On other systems. Where it has already been out. But it is still a new Switch release to a very new market and is priced as such. If you think it is too expensive now then wait for a sale. Also Bastion is great and deserving of that score.
I wish the flash games I player growing up looked and sounded as good as Pinstripe does.
A large portion of the community here and other sites were quite displeased with the pricing for MK8. Most, myself included, paid for it anyway because it is still an excellent game. I've dropped another 60 hours into that game. I don't feel I've been ripped off.
Someone really liked it. That's their call.
If you don't like game reviews don't read them and then tell us why the review is wrong. Or start your own site.
@Indielink Like I said: the denial is strong. Ofcourse, now you're going to deny that you are in denial. That's double denial for you.
Lol @ the 'if you don't agree with me you should go away'.
If you don't like my comments don't read them derppp.
@BigKing I bartend for a living. I can make 60 bucks in an hour on a good night. If one hour of work got me a game that I loved the crap out of then I'm cool with that. The only game I have regretted purchasing in the last year or so is God Of War.
I am legitimately curious though, you come on to almost every review article on this site to trash it. And now you say that reviews from ANY publication are garbage. What you doin man?
@Indielink My point is that the average game should score 6/7. Games that are good and better than average should score an 8. Truly great games a 9 and near perfect classics a 10.
When every game scores an 8 or 9 it devalues the scores of all games. A 9 is nothing special if 20 games get a 9 in one month.
Just because I have a good job or because the reviewers get free games does not mean that the games offer more than other games. A fun game with shortcomings like a very short length is still a game with shortcomings. There is nothing wrong with a score of a 6 or 7.
God of War is one of the examples that shows that gaming journalists tend to overrate everything and blindly follow the hype and marketing dollars. That game seems really boring and repetitive to me. Looks like a walking simulator with some axe throwing and pretty graphics. I don't believe for a second that nearly every critic out there thought this was one of the best games of all time.
And that's my point. You probably regretted that game because you thought it would be amazing judging by all the raving reviews.
@BigKing The mission statement for NL used to be that they would review EVERY SINGLE GAME available for the system and that is unfortunately no longer the case anymore, especially with Tom Whitehead gone. They can only review the most interesting games and honestly the Switch has had a string of very very good games.
Some of my favorite games are sitting at a 6 or 7 on Metacritic. A games length is a flaw only if the game feels unfinished because of it. Trine 3 is reviled because the game is a couple of hours but only tells the first third of the story. Pinstripe tells a full and complete story in its three hours. On the opposite side we have Ubisoft open world games that are so bloated with crap that it hurts the experience.
Strings 8 or 9s can very simply mean that it's a good month. What is NL supposed to do? Give some of them a lower score arbitrarily to meet some kind of bell curve? Also I've seen NL throw out like half a dozen 6s in the last few days.
I'm trying to figure out how to phrase this next bit. I actually believe God Of War is a very good game. The world was beautifully made and I enjoyed the story. The combat was tightly made. Objectively speaking it's a top tier game. I don't think any of the reviews I read lied to me about the games quality. I just didn't enjoy the combat enough to carry through the 20ish hours.
@Indielink 'Objectively speaking'... That's where the KDKKSKDB sets in with the reviews. People don't really like the game, but try to objectively review it and give it higher scores because they think somebody else might like it. That's why games like God of War score so high. Game journalists copy paste their opinions and are too scared to go against the grain.
'Strings 8 or 9s can very simply mean that it's a good month. What is NL supposed to do? '
The last months have been nothing special. Those are usually the weaker months before the bigger releases at the end of the year.
Hell most of these games are full priced re-releases of 6 year old indie games that run worse than the original, but still somehow manage to score an 8 or 9.
But that's ok. For you every somewhat fun 3 hour game should score an 8+. My standards are higher.
@BigKing hey why don't you go find a publication that you can write reviews for? It's such a shame that you're wasting all that "knowledge" and "talent" writing self righteous comments on other people's reviews.
@saintayu Why would I? This is more fun.
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