Double Fine's Kiln: A Quirky Multiplayer Brawler Arrives

For a while there, it seemed like Double Fine might be struggling under the Microsoft corporate umbrella. The game studio led by Tim Schafer is beloved for offbeat titles like Brütal Legend and Broken Age, but after being acquired by Microsoft in 2019, its only new release for years was a long-awaited sequel to Psychonauts.

Of late, though, Double Fine is on something of a roll. Last year the studio released the wonderfully strange Keeper, a game about a sentient lighthouse. This week, it launched Kiln, a multiplayer brawler with adorable spirits and a whole lot of pottery. It's yet another oddball delight that could only come out of Double Fine.

Kiln isn't just another competitive game; it's a charming and surprisingly deep experience that mixes the frantic action of a brawler with the meditative calm of pottery creation. Players take on the roles of spirits tasked with shaping clay into beautiful forms, all while competing against each other in a vibrant, whimsical world.

The game’s art style is classic Double Fine – colorful, imaginative, and utterly unique. The spirits themselves are endearing, and the pottery mechanics, while seemingly simple, offer a surprising amount of depth and customization. It’s this blend of accessible gameplay and creative expression that makes Kiln stand out.

After the success of Keeper, Kiln further cements Double Fine's reputation for delivering games that are both innovative and delightful. It seems the studio, under Microsoft’s wing, is finding its stride and continuing to produce the kind of quirky, memorable experiences that fans have come to expect. For those looking for a fresh take on the multiplayer genre, Kiln appears to be a must-try.