March 7, 2023, 5:18 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In addition to major triple-A titles, smaller games occasionally capture attention. These often stand out with particularly deep stories, interesting mechanics, or a novel approach. Such is the case with the new game for the Nintendo Switch, aptly titled “Give Me Toilet Paper!” TECHBOOK has tested the game.
Most people have likely experienced this: You’re sitting on the toilet, everything is going smoothly–literally–and then there’s no toilet paper. That’s also the premise of the game “Give Me Toilet Paper!” TECHBOOK has tested this somewhat unusual title on the Nintendo Switch.
In “Give Me Toilet Paper!” it’s all about the roll
One of the great advantages of the Nintendo Switch is that the console, due to its lower technical requirements, is also a good platform for numerous indie games. The handheld console is also popular for its flexible controls. You can detach the controls on the sides, called Joy-Cons. Takahiro Miyazawa has taken advantage of this concept for his new game “Give Me Toilet Paper!”
The title is an entertaining little obstacle course game. The player is supposed to help the man in the business suit who is in dire straits on the toilet without toilet paper. The goal is to get the toilet paper roll from the top of the ceiling to the bottom by rolling it through the course. Each increasingly difficult level follows this principle.
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Unusual controls cause a stir
The humor of the whole thing is not just the idea itself–there are already quite a few funny toilet simulations. What makes the game so entertaining in the end is the control. As mentioned, “Give Me Toilet Paper!” takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s features. For the game itself, you actually only need the left Joy-Con.
Right at the start, the player is prompted to remove the controls. You also need a roll of toilet paper and a slightly larger piece of cardboard. In our test, we used a light tray instead. Then you insert the Joy-Con into the toilet paper roll and stuff additional paper in so it doesn’t just fall out. If you place the prepared roll on the cardboard or tray, you can control the toilet paper in the game by gently moving it back and forth. In this way, you must find the best path through the course and increasingly avoid dangers so that the roll reaches our gentleman in need unscathed.
In fact, Miyazawa is not an unknown name when it comes to unusual video game ideas. In the past, the Japanese developer has already presented a 1.20-meter giant pair of scissors as a controller. He has also used an empty plastic bottle for game control.
Short-lived fun for the Nintendo Switch
Of course, the indie game isn’t something you’ll spend hours on. Unlike the developer’s “Red White Yellow” series, there is no catchy soundtrack. However, “Give Me Toilet Paper!” definitely delivers a lot of fun, even in larger groups. It’s certainly an entertaining conversation topic. And while the levels are really easy to manage at first, they eventually become quite tricky.
In our test, we also found it pleasant that it’s best to stand or at least sit very straight while playing. Otherwise, the ability to control is significantly impaired. And if you’re out of toilet paper, you can play without the gimmick. However, you’ll have to contort yourself quite a bit. Currently, “Give Me Toilet Paper!” costs 4 euros in the Nintendo eShop.