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Play OverviewPlay Overview

A Hat in Time (2017) is a running, jumping and exploring game inspired by retro platform games like Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Spyro the Dragon and Psychonauts. As you explore each of the worlds, you discover characters to talk to, enemies to battle and an unfolding story about Hour Glasses falling from the Sky.

You play in an open world and travel between six levels (including the 2 extra via downloadable content). As you do there are items to collect, puzzles to solve and enemies to fight. The main game is about collecting the 40 "Time Pieces" to save the planet. To help, you can collect Yarn Balls in each level, which are used to create special hats that grant different abilities: faster sprint, explosive potions and the like.

It's a game that is magical because of the rich worlds to explore, detailed interactions and items to find and decipher. At any time another player can join you to help but it's just as much run to take turns to play and explore each of the wonderful levels.

Our examiner, Jo Robertson, first checked A Hat in Time 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 6 months ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to A Hat in Time. Here are some easier younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Action and Platform game with Adventure, Collecting, Puzzle and Traversal elements. You can play with 1 to 2 players in the same room, but you can’t play it online. You can play co-operatively with a second player helping out on the quests.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 9 hours and 14 hours to complete. After completing the main quests there is still plenty to do that will occupy players wanting to see everything for up to 30 hours.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 7 for non-realistic violence in a child-friendly setting or context, for violence that lacks any apparent harm or injury to fantasy or mythical beings and creatures and for pictures or sounds likely to be scary to young children. When enemies are attacked with the player’s umbrella, they vanish in a puff. Also, it contains pictures and sounds likely to be scary, for example, ghosts and a stealth level in which the player must remain unseen by a scary black creature.
 
User-Generated Content: This game includes content created by other players, such as maps, outfits and items, that are not reflected in the game rating.

In addition to the official ratings, it’s worth noting that in one mission your soul is stollen and you have to help three foxes commit suicide in a fire to get it back. You are then praised for murdering and strangling them by a demonic spirit.

Skill Level

10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. Although youngsters can enjoy jumping around in the game, you need some sustained focus to progress by finding sets of collectibles. Being willing to explore each area carefully, as well as much some really tricky (and frustrating if you miss) jumps also skews the game a bit older.

CostsCosts

A Hat in Time usually costs £12.59 to £24.99. 

A Hat in Time

XBox Store Xbox One £23.99
PlayStation Store PS4 £23.99
Steam StoreSALE PC £24.99 £12.49 until 21/03/2024
Switch Store Switch £12.59
Steam StoreSALE Mac £24.99 £12.49 until 21/03/2024
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
 
Includes pack of new content:
  • Seal the Deal - New chapter: The Arctic Cruise and Death Wish difficulty. This six Time Rifts and new outfits.
  • Nyakuza Metro - New time pieces, sticker upgrades, weapons. A new factory to explore.
  • Online Party - Online mode for 50 players in 4 person battles.
  • Co-Op - Free content that adds co-operative play. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 05/10/2017, updated in 2019

Price: 50% off

Out Now: Mac, PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One

Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds

Players: 1-2

Genres: Action, Platform (Adventure, Collecting, Puzzle and Traversal)

Accessibility: 22 features

Components: 3D Third-Person, Cartoon and Open World

Developer: Hat In Time (@HatInTime)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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