The Big Con Reviews
Overall The Big Con is a charming little slice of nineties nostalgia. It's propelled by its strong writing and world-building, a deep understanding of the era it is referencing, and some fantastic characters, and it's certainly a road trip players will enjoy taking. Although its gameplay is limited and there are some technical issues, it's an earnest and compelling journey.
Simplistic it may be, but there's an inherent charm to The Big Con that proves infectious. A sweet, coming-of-age yarn that happens to involve a lot of stealing and skullduggery, Mighty Yell's game is full of heart, soul, and '90s nostalgia.
The Big Con succeeds when, as its title suggests, you're working on elaborate con jobs that provide clever puzzle ideas with a lot of open and fun gameplay. While the rest of it is fine, it never feels like the sort of epic cross-country adventure it should be, despite what its stakes would suggest. It still makes for a good adventure with well-done challenges, and that alone may be worth it, but don't expect a grand score by the end.
The Big Con presents a fun, addictive gameplay loop to embrace - despite never truly sitting right with us narratively. Its world is a delight to explore, the characters are fun and the 90s vibes wrap around you like a warm winter's blanket. It's a shame its morals are never presented in a truly challenging way, but if you can look past its messy narrative, you'll find a fun, charming indie adventure that's hard to put down.
A true tribute to the 90's with its universe and discussions full of references and its graphic paw reminiscent of the cartoon Doug, The Big Con is not a game to put in all hands. The title is based on a gameplay focused on theft that never evolves, dialogues in the vein of the time, now uncomfortable, and an atmosphere of the 90s that works wonderfully. A funny game worthy of a sitcom, which can tire at times, but which seems reserved only for the nostalgic.
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It’s entertaining while it lasts, and developer Mighty Yell has absolutely nailed the 90s cartoon aesthetic. But The Big Con is devoid of much real substance. Had there been more narrative, better character development and more engaging missions, this could have been something special. As it is, it feels like an underdeveloped concept that falls short of its promises.
Mighty Yell shows its creative flair through The Big Con's art style and soundtrack, which makes me look forward to future titles from the studio and hope that Skybound continues its mission to reinvent adventure games.
A criminal scheme becomes a big hearted journey into the recent(ish) past.
A simple but light-hearted adventure game that goes big on 90s nostalgia, The Big Con is a fun and colourful romp that will steal its way into your heart.