In 2013, Tiny Barbarian DX allowed players to journey through a pixelated hellscape of monster-infested wastelands, snake-infested temples, and insect-infested jungles. Nicalis, the minds behind The Binding of Isaac, Cave Story +, 1001 Spikes and of course Tiny Barbarian DX, has announced that they are bringing their beautiful minuscule muscle man to the Nintendo Switch.
On October 10th, Tiny Barbarian DX will be available as a physical cartridge and download for the Nintendo Switch, for $29.99. While there is something so convenient about downloading a game, the physical copy will include a full-color instruction booklet, and a PVC key chain of the tiny hero in a microfiber pouch with the game logo.
Tiny Barbarian DX is a game that will likely tug on the heartstrings of 90’s kids, from the 16-bit aesthetic (with some concessions to more modern technology) to the barbarian hero, straight from a Frazetta painting, fighting through levels inspired heavily by authors like Robert Howard and Robert Jordan. The game is as unforgiving as any retro game, easy to learn but supremely difficult to master. Designer Michael Stearns, generally doesn’t enjoy tutorials and wanted to give Tiny Barbarian DX a different feel;
“. . .this game starts out by telling you the functions of two buttons and then sets you on a mountain surrounded by enemies where you will surely die.”
There aren’t many details on how Tiny Barbarian DX for the Switch will be changed from it’s original version, but with reports that this version will come to Steam shortly after the October 10th release date, we have to imagine that we’ll see some improvements and maybe some new levels and game play.