Just draw a line across any object, and...SMURTLE!

Losing a loved one is hard. Sometimes, all you’re left with is a few items, handed down so you might look upon them and remember the good times you once had together. But in the case of Tiny, the tech-head protagonist of Tiny & Big: Grandpa’s Leftovers, an heirloom can mean so much more than fond memories. It’s a matter of legacy, and even magical power. Also, it just happens to be a pair of old underwear.

The first full game from indie developer Black Pants, Grandpa’s Leftovers follows the adventures of hero Tiny as he travels through the desert to reclaim his grandfather’s tighty-whities from his nemesis, Big. Luckily, Tiny has three helpful devices at his disposal: a grappling hook, a rock-splicing laser, and a rocket launcher with remote-detonating capabilities.

Essentially, the grappling hook and rockets serve as a means to push or pull pieces of stone--or other obstacles--in an effort to clear a path to the titular antagonist. But as cool as both of those tools are, they pale in comparison to Tiny’s laser. Huge boulder blocking your way? Just draw a line across the offending rock and your laser will slice it like a hot knife through butter.

Nearly everything in Tiny & Big is susceptible to laser cuts, and it’s super satisfying to create your very own path through the game’s six levels. Unfortunately, the same unique physics that let you turn the levels into sculptures can sometimes lead to unintended smashes to Tiny’s noggin. Expectedly, it’s frustrating to repeatedly die because of the same little falling rock, or a seemingly harmless jump.

Tiny & Big is a bit short on overall length (about four hours), but thanks to the multitude of ways to approach each stage--plus collectible stones and hidden bonus levels--you’ll find compelling reasons for a second playthrough.

The bottom line. Tiny & Big: Grandpa’s Leftovers is a truly unique platformer wrapped up in a highly stylized, humorous narrative.