Right from the start, it was clear to us that To a T is more than just a quirky video game. Even though it never says so directly, the whole experience feels like a quiet celebration of neurodiversity. You play as a teen who walks around with arms stuck straight out, which makes even the simplest things, like eating or getting dressed, unexpectedly tricky. That struggle really reminded us of what autistic people and others who see the world differently often go through every day.
As we kept playing, we realized the story is about much more than just how someone looks or moves. It really digs into how tiring it can be to keep adjusting yourself to fit into places and routines that just aren’t made for you. If you’re neurodivergent, you probably know exactly what that’s like. For many, it’s just part of daily life.
Here’s what really stood out to us:
- Comfort in routine: The main character has a set of daily habits, like brushing their teeth and picking out shoes. These routines felt like a kind of safety net. We know from friends and family that routines can be calming, especially for autistic folks. The game gets this across in a really gentle way, without spelling it out.
- Pressure to change: At one point, people in the town start suggesting ways to “fix” the main character, even talking about surgery to make them “normal.” That moment stings, because it’s a message a lot of neurodivergent people hear in real life too. There’s this expectation to blend in, to hide what makes you different, and it can be exhausting.
- Owning your uniqueness: What surprised us most was how, by the end of the game, the very thing that made the main character stand out actually helps them do something amazing. The T-pose, which seemed like a problem at first, turns out to be the key to flying.
We also appreciated that the game’s creator worked with accessibility advocates like AbleGamers. You can tell that care was taken to make the story respectful and thoughtful. It never feels like the game is talking down to anyone or making a joke at their expense.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in, or if you know someone who’s been told to “act normal,” To a T might really speak to you. It’s a gentle, sometimes funny, and surprisingly moving reminder that being different isn’t something to hide. Sometimes, it’s the one thing that lets you soar.
Citations:
- AbleGamers. (2024). To a T and accessibility interview. Retrieved from https://ablegamers.org/to-a-t-accessibility-interview/
- McWhertor, M. (2024, March 14). To a T review: Keita Takahashi’s latest is a quirky, heartfelt adventure. Polygon. Retrieved from https://www.polygon.com/review/601901/to-a-t-review-keita-takahashi-pc-ps5-xbox
- Webster, A. (2024, March 14). To a T is a game about being yourself. The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/14/24101012/to-a-t-review-keita-takahashi-xbox-game-pass
