Lil Gator Game

Lil Gator Game is a 2022 video game developed by MegaWobble and published by Playtonic Games. The title is a 3D platformer where the player controls a young alligator who spends their time trying to get their older sister's attention.[1] Lil Gator Game was released in December 2022 for Microsoft Windows and Nintendo Switch. It also released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on October 10, 2023.

Lil Gator Game
Developer(s)MegaWobble
Publisher(s)Playtonic Games
EngineUnity
Platform(s)
Release
  • Switch, Windows
  • December 14, 2022
  • PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S
  • October 10, 2023
Genre(s)Platformer, Open-world
Mode(s)Single-player

Gameplay

The player can explore a series of islands, each with different inhabitants with side quests to complete. The player can earn cardboard money and objects that can be used to craft new items that open up new areas of the world. The player character can climb, swim, and glide to reach new areas.[2]

Plot

The protagonist and player character is Lil' Gator, a curious and outgoing young alligator who enjoys exploring and hanging out with their friends.

In the opening gameplay section, we control a toddler-aged Lil' Gator as they play at the park and talk with their older sister. This section gives us a glimpse into the strong sibling bond held between Lil' Gator and their older sister.

Development

The game's development was started by Scott Slucher, with the other two developers, Robin Burgess and Connor Quinn, joining after. Development on the game started in 2020, based on a small tech demo, Playground Hero. The positive reception to a GIF of the game's gator running around in a circle spurred publisher attention and helped the game start production.[3]

The main character's design was inspired by Link from The Legend of Zelda, specifically the design from Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. As for influences on the writing, the developers took inspiration from Frog Detective, The Fairly OddParents, and SpongeBob SquarePants. The side quests in particular were based on the Yakuza series, with a focus on the absurd nature of the characters.[4] The game's visual style and exploratory nature was influenced by 2019's A Short Hike, alongside Kirby Air Ride and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.[5]

In February 2023, the game received a speedrunning mode.[6]

Reception

Lil Gator Game received "generally favorable reviews" according to review aggregator, Metacritic.[7]

Polygon enjoyed how the tile took ideas from different Zelda entries in order to build out its story, "what I truly love about the game, is how it balances the childlike veneer of the protagonist's perspective with a poignant emotional core that's reminiscent of Wind Waker".[11] Destructoid liked the game's portrayal of adolescence, "Lil Gator is attempting to create to the tools he acquires around the island, there is so much here that feels like it was pulled directly from the mind of a child".[8] Rock Paper Shotgun felt that the side content was a pleasant diversion from the main story, "The quests are almost always simple throughout, but they make for relaxing little tasks to complete as you explore".[12]

While praising the central hub, Game Informer criticized how the game could be difficult to explore, "However, with several places in the picturesque main island appearing similar and no access to a minimap, it's easy to get turned around".[9] Nintendo Life loved the visuals, noting that, "the autumn forest cel-shaded visuals look wonderful on Switch, and the game generally runs well".[10]

References
  1. Torossian, Chris (December 11, 2022). "Lil Gator Game's Non-Binary, Differently Abled Representation is 'True' to its Characters". Game Rant. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  2. Diaz, Ana (April 16, 2023). "Lil Gator Game is the Zelda-like I didn't know I needed". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 17, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  3. Torossian, Chris (December 12, 2022). "Lil Gator Game Interview: Director Connor Patrick Quinn Discusses Unique Characters and World Design". Game Rant. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  4. Barnett, Brian (March 1, 2023). "Lil Gator Game Developer Interview: Make Your Own Fun With Adorable Sandbox Exploration". IGN. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  5. Barnett, Brian (March 1, 2023). "Lil Gator Game Developer Interview: Make Your Own Fun With Adorable Sandbox Exploration". IGN. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  6. "Lil Gator Game is getting a speed-run mode today". GodisaGeek.com. February 6, 2023. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  7. "Lil Gator Game". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  8. Andriessen, CJ (January 3, 2023). "Review: Lil Gator Game". Destructoid. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  9. Shea, Brian (January 18, 2023). "Lil Gator Game Review - Scaly Sentimentality". Game Informer. Archived from the original on October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  10. Posner-Ferdman, Brett (December 14, 2022). "Review: Lil Gator Game - An Incredibly Charming Adventure With A Deep Message". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on January 27, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  11. Diaz, Ana (April 16, 2023). "Lil Gator Game is the Zelda-like I didn't know I needed". Polygon. Archived from the original on April 18, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  12. Hefford, Hayden (December 15, 2022). "Lil Gator Game review: a heartfelt adventure about childhood antics". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Archived from the original on February 4, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
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