Double Fine, the studio known for Psychonauts, has a history of creating unique and unexpected games. After releasing the magical lighthouse adventure Keeper last year, the team is now unveiling their latest project. It is called Kiln, a party brawler with a very specific theme: pottery. This new game is scheduled to launch this spring on Xbox Series X/S, PC, Game Pass, and PS5.
In Kiln, players take on the role of a tiny spirit. Before you can fight, you must first create a pot from scratch. The game uses an easy and accessible control scheme. This allows players to quickly mold a lump of clay into the pot of their dreams. The shape and size of the pot you create will directly impact your abilities during the team-based multiplayer battles.
To keep the gameplay balanced, pot sizes are limited to one of three weight classes. Little pots are fast but fragile. Big pots are slow but sturdy. Medium pots offer a balance between the two. Additionally, Kiln features eight available shapes, including bottles, cups, and bowls. Each shape comes with a unique special move, a basic attack, and an air attack. For example, cylinders can slam the ground hammer-style. Plates can perform trick-shots and ricochet off enemies. Beyond these basic building blocks, players can personalize their pots with glazes, patterns, stickers, and handles before putting them in the oven.
Once your pot is ready, you head to The Wedge. This area serves as the social hub for players between matches. When it is time for battle, participants can choose from a variety of modes and obstacle-strewn maps. These maps are all inspired by ancient Greek or ancient Egyptian gods. At launch, the main focus will be Quench mode. This mode challenges two teams of four to jostle across the play space. The goal is to put out the opponent’s kiln while protecting your own.
Pot size becomes relevant again during these matches. A pot’s capacity determines how much water it can hold. However, as explained in developer previews, greater capacity is balanced by less health. This creates a strategic choice for players. After a battle is over and a victor has been secured, players return to The Wedge. Here, they can use their winnings to purchase trinkets and stickers from the in-game store to decorate their pots further.
If this unique concept has piqued your curiosity, you will not have to wait long. Kiln is set to launch for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC (including Steam), and Game Pass this spring. It looks to be another creative addition to Double Fine’s catalog of odd and wonderful games.
