A Hat in Time

A Hat in Time is a charming and critically acclaimed 3D platformer developed by Gears for Breakfast. Released in 2017, the game is a vibrant spiritual successor to the golden age of N64 and GameCube platformers, drawing heavy inspiration from classics like Super Mario Sunshine and Banjo-Kazooie. It successfully captures the whimsical aesthetic and explorative spirit of the genre while adding its own unique charm and modern polish.

The Misadventure Begins

The game stars Hat Kid, a tiny, space-traveling girl whose spaceship runs on hourglass-shaped items known as Time Pieces. Her journey is abruptly derailed when a Mafia member crashes into her ship, scattering all 40 Time Pieces across a nearby planet. To repair her ship and return home, Hat Kid must venture across five distinct worlds, retrieving the Time Pieces before they fall into the wrong hands and distort time itself.

Worlds of Wonder and Whimsy

Each of the game's chapters is a vast, semi-open world environment bursting with color, secrets, and unique objectives:

• Mafia Town: A sunny, coastal locale populated by thick-accented, brick-toting henchmen.

• Dead Bird Studio: A bizarre, noir-inspired movie studio where Hat Kid participates in two competing directors' film productions.

• Subcon Forest: A spooky, atmospheric forest full of ghosts, contracts, and eerie secrets.

Instead of strictly linear levels, each Time Piece usually requires completing a unique, self-contained mission within the larger hub world, giving the player choice over their immediate goals.

Hats and Hookshots

Hat Kid’s primary mechanic for traversal and combat is her eponymous Hats. These are not merely cosmetic; they grant her specific, game-changing abilities when crafted using yarn collected throughout the levels:

• Sprint Hat: Allows for rapid movement.

• Brewing Hat: Lets her throw explosive concoctions.

• Time Stop Hat: Temporarily freezes nearby enemies and hazards.

• Umbrella: Used as a melee weapon, a parachute for gliding, and eventually, a Hookshot for traversing long distances.

This customization allows players to tackle platforming challenges and combat scenarios in multiple ways, rewarding experimentation and exploration. The platforming itself is tight, precise, and satisfying, utilizing double-jumps, wall-jumps, and dives to navigate complex geometry.

With its excellent music, witty dialogue, genuinely charming characters, and a sincere dedication to the classic 3D platformer formula, A Hat in Time became a beloved success, demonstrating that the genre remains vital when executed with care and creativity.