Parents' Guide to Tentacular

What kid hasn't imagined being a ginormous monster rampaging through a city and leaving wanton destruction in their wake? Then again, what if it was the other way around? What if it was the ginormous monster simply wishing to be a kind-hearted and helpful member of society? That's the premise behind Tentacular, this virtual reality first-person puzzle adventure that drops players into the role of a skyscraper-sized "kaiju" monster that just wants to help others. The game's controls couldn't be any easier to pick up and play. Players use the controllers to move around each of the creature's two tentacles, using the triggers to activate and release the tentacles' suction cups on demand, which stick to objects like glue.

As basic as the gameplay might seem, with practice, players have a surprising amount of control and precision. There are also unique ways to combine certain elements of the world with the creature's tentacles, such as using taut power lines as a makeshift slingshot to launch objects through the air. And though it might take some creative thinking and careful planning to solve the various problems of La Kalma's residents, none of the puzzles are particularly stressful or taxing. In fact, Tentacular is a pretty easy endeavor overall. Not that it isn't entertaining, but the game can feel like it's over before it ever really starts. The personality, the style, and the natural flow of events are addictive, but the general lack of depth can leave some players wishing for more to do. Still, the game makes for a cartoonish and colorful adventure that's quirky, cute, and, best of all, fun for all ages and skill levels.