From the imaginative minds at Double Fine Productions comes Stacking, a relentlessly creative 3rd-person puzzle adventure that defies convention. Set in a beautifully rendered vintage world reminiscent of a silent film, players are transported to the turn of the 20th century—a time of bustling Royal Train Stations and high-flying Zeppelins. In this whimsical universe, the inhabitants are living Russian matryoshka dolls, each possessing unique personalities and extraordinary abilities.

A Unique Adventure: The Story of Charlie Blackmore

Players take on the role of Charlie Blackmore, the world’s tiniest and youngest Russian stacking doll. Charlie's peaceful life is upended when his family—a group of chimney sweeps—is kidnapped by a ruthless industrialist known only as "The Baron." Driven by the need to rescue his siblings and father, Charlie must embark on an epic journey through a variety of colorful environments.

As you traverse this world, you aren't just looking for your family; you are also collecting unique dolls and matched stacking sets to display in Charlie’s secret hideout. This serves as a chronicle of your growing adventures across the globe.

Master the Art of Stacking Gameplay

The core gameplay mechanic of Stacking is as brilliant as it is simple: Charlie has the power to take over the personalities of other dolls by jumping inside them. However, there is a catch—he can only stack himself into a character that is exactly one size larger than him. To reach the larger dolls needed for certain tasks, players must engage in a chain of "stacking," moving from small dolls to progressively larger ones to build the necessary scale.

Every doll you encounter brings a new set of tools to your arsenal. Whether it is a little girl doll who can tap dance, a doll with a sugar rush, or even a mummified character capable of wrapping others in bandages, each inhabitant offers a distinct way to interact with the world. This creates a gameplay loop centered on experimentation and discovery:

  • Diverse Abilities: Utilize over 100 unique dolls, each with specialized skills ranging from pugilists to sirens.
  • Multiple Solutions: While puzzles can be solved simply, the game encourages players to find multiple ways (often three to five different methods) to overcome a single challenge.
  • Pure Comedy: The world is designed as a "comedy playset," allowing for lighthearted hi-jinks, such as using powers to slap characters in the face or trigger funny reactions.
  • Exploration: Navigate through varied settings, from industrial landscapes to mysterious kingdoms.

Expansion and Additional Content

For players looking to extend their journey, the The Lost Hobo King DLC pack is available (included free in the PC version). This expansion introduces Charlie to the mysterious kingdom of Camelfoot. Alongside his friend Levi, Charlie must help Levi’s uncle, Rufus Ryken, reclaim his throne by completing tests of valor and reawakening ancient hobo blacksmiths to reforge a legendary crown.

Platform Availability and Appeal

Stacking is an ideal choice for fans of classic graphic adventure games like Sam & Max or Monkey Island, as well as players who enjoy physics-based puzzle mechanics and quirky, character-driven narratives. With its high level of creativity and emphasis on experimentation, it appeals to both casual players looking for a "short but sweet" experience and dedicated puzzle enthusiasts seeking clever, multi-layered solutions.

Available Platforms: PC, macOS, Linux, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.