Tama In-Between is a puzzle platformer that puts you in control of an unusual little slime cat whose abilities make you thing before charging head-first into trouble. However, this isn’t simply another case of jumping over obstacles and reaching the exit, as Tama can absorb slimes, split into copies and possess other bodies to overcome the challenges ahead. Furthermore, it’s combination of puzzle solving, precise platforming and a mysterious world give the adventure an identity of its own.

A Little Cat With Big Ideas

Developed by Masagomi Studio and published by Fruitbat Factory, Tama In-Between follows Tama, a mysterious slime cat living peacefully with friends at Kedama House. Unfortunately, that peaceful existence comes to an abrupt end when a sinister hand appears and abducts Tama’s companions. With help from a mysterious butterfly, Tama sets off on a journey to bring them home.

It’s a straightforward premise, however, it gives the adventure a clear purpose beyond simply reaching the end of each stage. There is something appealing about the contrast between Tama’s cute appearance and the unsettling circumstances surrounding the journey. Furthermore, the world takes place long after humanity has disappeared, providing an intriguing backdrop for the adventure.

Absorb, Split and Possess

The most interesting aspect of Tama In-Between is its three main character abilities. Rather than relying entirely on conventional platforming skills, Tama can absorb slimes, split into copies and transfer its soul into another body. These mechanics give the puzzles considerably more personality than simply jumping over a few holes and pulling a lever.

Absorbing slimes, including your own clones, allows Tama to grow larger and create additional copies. This becomes important when a puzzle requires several bodies to operate switches or reach different areas. However, creating copies is only half the battle, because knowing where to leave them and when to use them is just as important.

Splitting is particularly interesting because it can provide the recoil needed to launch Tama across wide gaps. Furthermore, possessing a distant clone allows you to approach obstacles in ways that ordinary platformers rarely attempt. Working out how these abilities compliment one another is where the game has the potential to deliver it most rewarding challenges.

Puzzles That Demand a Little Thought

The environments introduce various obstacles, including gusts of wind, locked doors, moving platforms and surfaces that disappear when activated. Consequently, simply rushing towards the exit isn’t always going to be the best approach.

Combining environmental hazards with Tama’s unusual abilities gives the puzzles plenty of potential. A challenge becomes more interesting when you need to leave a clone behind, use another body to activate a switch and then work out how to reach the other side yourself. However, clever ideas still need to be matched by precise execution, so patience is as valuable here as quick reflexes.

Furthermore, the different environmental obstacles could help keep individual stages feeling distinct, particularly when the game introduces new ways of using its existing mechanics.

Summary

Tama In-Between has the ingredients of an appealing puzzle platformer. It’s unusual protagonist, interconnected abilities and mysterious setting offer something more distinctive than yet another straightforward jumping adventure.

However, the real test is how consistently the stages use these ideas and whether the difficulty remains satisfying throughout. The concept certainly has potential, especially for players how enjoy experimenting with mechanics and finding solutions that aren’t immediately obvious.

Moreover, the combination of cute pixel art, an intriguing story and mechanics built around absorbing, splitting and possessing gives Tama In-Between a personality worth paying attention to. Puzzle fans looking for something a little different may find this adventure worth keeping on their radar.