Kiln: PS5 Review 

Developed by Double Fine Productions
Published by XBox Game Studios
Platform: PS5

The art of the multiplayer game is not an easy one to master.

If it's not the likes of Fortnite or Overwatch, cut-through is exceptionally difficult and if the game's tricky or with a low-user base, it's dead before it's barely begun (Just ask Sony's Concord.)

The latest from Double Fine, the studio which brought us Psychonauts, is an intriguingly different idea - you play a sprite which can inhabit different kinds of pots - but one that doesn't feel like it's quite reached its full potential at launch.

It's a very simple premise - you're in charge of controlling different kinds of pots to possess them and to take on the opposition with the hope of dampening down the opposition's kiln. Bigger pots, which are susceptible to more attacks, carry more water - the greater the risk, the greater the reward. But smaller ones offer up a chance to make plenty of minor attacks and gains. There are some 24 different body sizes meaning that there's plenty of choice for those who want to try different types of battle.

With its 4 x4 gameplay and availability, the game's subscriber bases aren't small so it's helped that there are people playing this game, but with a lack of maps, the game may face an uncertain future that worries somewhat.

For an anarchic edge, Kiln has it in spades. Games become chaotic as everyone attacks each other and the skill levels vary - but after the initial thrill of the spill has worn off, the game starts to become a little repetitive - no matter how colourful and cute it actually is.

It's to be hoped that Kiln finds its feet very soon - because there's genuinely a space in the gaming world for a family-friendly multiplayer. Kiln has potential but it feels like it needs a little more time in the pot to heat up its true potential.