Written by Steve Zimmerman
ThunderStash Gaming
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Introduction – A Mighty Adventure in a Small Package
I just wrapped up Tiny Thor on the Nintendo Switch, and wow—this game packs a punch! Combining retro-inspired platforming with modern gameplay polish, it offers one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I've had in years. With tight controls, a booming soundtrack, and a hammer mechanic that's equal parts clever and satisfying, Tiny Thor is a love letter to classic platformers while standing tall as something truly unique. Whether you're a platforming veteran or a newcomer looking to test your skills, this is a journey worth taking.
Story/Concept – Young Thor’s Epic Origin
Like many platformers, there isn’t much of a story in Tiny Thor. It’s there to keep things moving along, but it’s definitely not the main draw. The tight controls, puzzles, challenge, expert 2D level design, massive boss battles, and addictive soundtrack are what keep you hooked and coming back for more. There are times when you’ll have to slow down to solve a puzzle or think about how to reach a seemingly out-of-reach platform, but for the most part, you’ll be zooming through the game at a fast pace—not Sonic fast, but Celeste-fast. If you’ve played Celeste, a lot of the elements you loved in that game are present in Tiny Thor, and that’s a good thing.

Gameplay/Controls – Wielding the Perfect Hammer
Tiny Thor is a modern-day 16-bit platformer, combining elements from classics like Mega Man and Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. The health system in this game is nearly identical to Yoshi’s Island—when you get hit, Thor’s heart pops out, and you have to retrieve it before your health drops to zero. Thor’s hammer also works like a targeting system, which you’ll often need to solve puzzles and hit switches in the distance.
One comparison that might be a bit obscure, but worth mentioning, is Rocket Knight Adventures by Konami. If you enjoyed that game, you’ll find some familiar vibes in Tiny Thor. The boss fights gave me Donkey Kong Country and Contra vibes, with their challenging yet fun encounters.
The platforming mechanics will remind you of old-school games but with a modern twist. The difficulty is tough, but fair—every death is a chance to reassess and improve your approach.
Boss Fights
Each boss fight in Tiny Thor is a unique challenge. You’ll need to memorize attack patterns, dodge, and time your own attacks carefully. The first boss fight, for example, has blocks falling from the sky, which you need to eliminate by throwing your hammer to create an opening to attack the boss. These fights feel like puzzles in themselves, making the experience even more rewarding. After defeating a boss, you’ll gain new abilities that help keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Graphics/Performance/Art Style – A Pixelated Feast for the Eyes
Graphically, Tiny Thor shines with beautiful 2D sprites and animations that evoke the nostalgic charm of classic platformers. The game features a variety of environments, including underground areas, snowy mountains, ice caverns, forests, and more. Each area feels distinct, and the artwork complements the gameplay well.

Sound – A Symphony of Thunder and Triumph
The soundtrack is excellent. The main theme has a majestic, 90s Super Nintendo/Sega Genesis vibe, and even the overworld map screen has a hint of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 or Donkey Kong Country. It perfectly sets the tone for the game and adds to the overall enjoyment.
Audience - Who's this game for?
If you're a platformer fan who loves a good challenge, Tiny Thor is the game for you. It’s for players who enjoy precision platforming and aren’t afraid to die a lot (because trust me, you will). It’s for those who appreciate tight controls, tough but fair difficulty, and clever level design.
Content – What’s Inside the Hammer of Legends?
Tiny Thor delivers more than just flashy hammer tosses. With six sprawling worlds and over 30 levels, the game is packed with diverse environments, secrets to uncover, and enemies to outwit. Each level is intricately designed, filled with puzzles that test your creativity and precision. From claustrophobic cave systems to vibrant forest canopies, the variety in design ensures no two levels feel the same.
The boss battles deserve another special mention—massive, multi-stage encounters that require quick thinking and mastery of the mechanics. Each boss feels like a puzzle in its own right, forcing you to adapt on the fly. On top of that, collectibles and hidden challenges provide additional layers of replayability, giving completionists plenty to sink their teeth into. It's a game that's not just about reaching the end; it's about savoring the journey.
Difficulty/Grind/Pacing – A Test of True Godhood
As soon as you start the game, you’re greeted by a black screen warning you that Tiny Thor is a difficult game. And trust me, it is! But that’s what makes it so rewarding. The game’s difficulty isn’t unfair; every death is a lesson, and the tight controls and thoughtful level design help you work through it. The pacing is spot-on, with a nice balance of challenging platforming sections and rewarding gameplay.
The game features checkpoints in the form of runic statues, which are essential after tough platforming sequences. The challenge is always present, but the game allows you to make steady progress with patience and skill.
Emotion/Charm – Small Hero, Big Heart
There's a special kind of charm that radiates from Tiny Thor. From the moment you see the adorable, pixelated rendition of young Thor wielding his trusty hammer, you’re drawn into a world that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The personality in the animations, like Thor’s expressive reactions or the quirky designs of enemies, adds a layer of warmth that keeps you smiling even when the difficulty spikes.

The soundtrack, composed by industry legend Chris Huelsbeck, amplifies the emotional resonance of the game. Every track feels tailored to its level, evoking feelings of wonder, tension, or triumph at just the right moments. And as you master the hammer mechanics, there's an undeniable sense of satisfaction that leaves you feeling like a true god of thunder. Tiny Thor doesn’t just challenge you—it rewards you emotionally, turning every victory into a personal triumph.
Fun Factor – Pure Platforming Bliss
The game is a blast to play, with clever platforming mechanics, satisfying boss fights, and a constant sense of progression. The fun comes from overcoming difficult sections and learning new strategies as you go. If you love a challenging platformer, Tiny Thor will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Gametime – How Long Does the Thunder Roll?
According to HowLongToBeat, a playthrough of Tiny Thor takes just over 13 hours, which feels perfectly in-line with the amount of time I spent. With 30 levels, some quite lengthy, the pacing is ideal. For completionists, you’re looking at around 19 hours to finish everything, which is a more than reasonable amount of content for the game.
Legacy – A New Chapter in Retro-Inspired Greatness
Tiny Thor is a game that proves indie developers can deliver top-tier platforming experiences. It’s earned its place alongside some of the best indie platformers out there, thanks to its tough but fair difficulty, clever level design, and rewarding gameplay. I’d love to see what Asylum Square does next.

My Final Thoughts – Should You Pick Up the Hammer?
I was excited for Tiny Thor when I saw the first trailer over a year ago, but I kept my expectations in check because this is Asylum Square’s most ambitious title to date. By the time the credits rolled, the game had far exceeded my expectations. It's not a AAA title, but it's a AAA indie title, and it absolutely deserves a spot among the best indie games out there. The story isn’t the highlight, but everything else—tight controls, engaging level design, memorable bosses, and fantastic music—really blew me away. I highly recommend giving this game a shot, especially if you’re a fan of tough platformers. It’s a rewarding experience that I’m sure will leave you wanting more from this developer.
You can check out my full review below or by visiting my channel, ThunderStash Gaming, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thunderstashgaming.
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