Infinitesimals preview: like Pikmin, but with guns

Infinitesimals really surprised me when I played it at Summer Game Fest, in the best way possible.

It’s a bug-sized action game where you play as an alien the size of an ant, on an Earth that’s either in the far future of the distant past, it’s not really known for sure.

If I had to explain it in the silliest way possible it’d probably be Pikmin but with guns, which sounds bizarre but that’s honestly the best way to describe it.

My demo took me through a lush forest where insects roamed free, and can be fought but they’re pretty much harmless unless you provoke them.

The real enemy are robotic lifeforms that have built bases on the planet, bases that can be broken into and looted either as a main mission or just if you come across one I suppose.

It’s up to you how you enter the facilities, and I was informed by the developers that the in-game progression system will help you decide which kind of approach is right for you. I’m not very subtle so I was pretty happy to just charge in guns blazing but you can take the sneaky route if you prefer, or a mix of the two.

I don’t mean to persuade you to do one or the other but the combat is pretty fun, with robotic walkers having a weak spot in their eye that can near-instantly bring them down with the right aim. Alternatively though you could shoot their legs off, ideal for an easier killing-blow or just to be extra sadistic.

While it’s not an open-world it is open-zone, meaning the levels are pretty expansive and there’s plenty to see and do on your way to an objective. Getting around is a joy too as you have a jetpack (which can also be used to evade enemies) and I’m told you get an insectoid tank later into the game.

It was good fun and I found the premise of the game to be hilarious. It’s definitely one I’ll be keeping an eye on when it launches next year and I’d encourage you to do the same.

• End Of Abyss preview: a Little Nightmares-like metroidvania
• Cinder City Preview: The Spark Is There but It Something’s Missing
• Daimon Blades Preview: Like Date Everything, but for Possessed Weapons
• Wuchang Fallen Feathers preview: heavenly soulslike combat with a twist