Overlooked Games - Stacking

Welcome to another episode of Overlooked Games, a series where I examine games which had some really cool ideas or mechanics, or some other interesting aspect of game design, that didn’t quite get the recognition they deserved.

This episode explores Double Fine's 2011 puzzle, adventure game Stacking and it's innovative use of multiple puzzle solutions.

Hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you think in the comments and be sure to subscribe and follow me on twitter @thinreaper.

[ultra_lbp]

Most of double fine's games are underated masterpieces

[evanharrison]

Stacking was amazing. One of the most "atmospheric" games ever made.

Part of me is still stuck in that beautiful, stylized world of russian nesting dolls.

[LBPdude]

Something I'd like to see every puzzle game have are the environmental puzzles in The Witness. You feel like a genius every time you recognize them and it makes good use of the video game medium.

[EverybodyIsWeirdLikeYouAndMe]

I discovered this game bevause it was on Game Pass and I love Double Fine studio. Such a fun and clever!!

[pun]

Finally found this game after a few years of searching - remember playing it when I was like 8 or 9 and started wondering if it actually was a game or if I was just delusional - shame it went so unappreciated!

[RamHoot]

Dang, I remember the Electric Playground doing a segment on Stacking back in the day and they completely failed to talk about any of this. All I remember was them talking about how cool it looked. Maybe if they had talked about the puzzles with multiple scripted solutions, it would have sold me on it. Damn. Great video man!

[HeavyEyed]

I always wanted to check this game out, but never got around to it, knowing it's not a tedious adventure game is a incentive now. Great video my dude.

[shadowgamer]

This is awesome! Hopefully some game designer sees this and is encouraged to try expanding this concept.

[mirmo]

i remember playing this when i was young and i loved it so much

[Mastodon_]

Fantastic video, you've managed to both convince me to check this game out through your commentary and analysis, as well as entertain me, loved your voice. Cheers!

[civilwarfare]

I know you already pointed it out but whenever you describe this game, I can't help but think of Hitman Blood Money except the main difference is, there no run and gun option.

[DemonmachinE]

I remember playing the demo for this and enjoying it. Love the idea of using the Russian dolls to give abilities instead of having an inventory of items like a classic adventure puzzle game.

[gamingmechanoid]

While it doesn't have a specific unique mechanic in itself, a game I think is overlooked and rarely talked about is Invisible Inc. Squad based stealth games are very rare these days and that one is one that managed to blend an interesting aesthetic, the gadgets + augmentations and the setting quite well.

If no that, I think Thumper from last year should be discussed. I just don't know why more people didn't play that thing. It is an absolute joy and it rekindled my love for rhythm games.

[mravg]

@thinreaper - great content man, sad that you have not put any new videos in 11 months. Still I prefer creators who published more seldom, but a quality content instead of trying to push content daily. This type of either finding a hidden gems or discussing visuals impact on game (like with Spec Ops) are very nice.
I hope to see some new quality content.
:) great work.

[hemangchauhan]

The way you described this game, it seems too good to be true for someone (like me) who loves point n click adventure games. I love "scripted" puzzles of such games as they give off a good "aha!" moments, but having different ways to do so seems quite momentous.
And what more puzzling is why this game isn't discussed among the adventure game fans? Perhaps it's too easy?...

Also it looks absolutely gorgeous.

[Lara]

Did you show gameplay from Runaway? My friend Brian watched me play that game when we were kids and the Jamaican dudes comment at the end of the game is the one part of the game I'll never forget 😂😂 especially since Brian was right next to me when he said it.

[mork]

I love this game and highly recommend it!!

[Ktmfan]

Stacking was such a weird game when it came out, I remember getting it for free on PS plus ages before there were any other reviews for it.

[seeminglyindistressed]

I remember only playing the demo version of this game on the ps3 and i thought the art style game is unique

[EeEHuU]

What game is that @ 3:00
Looks like a game from my childhood, ive been searching for