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Review of The Big Con on Xbox Series X/S

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Aug 2021
Cover image of The Big Con on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Released: 31 Aug 2021
Genre: Adventure
Developer: Mighty Yell
Publisher: Skybound Games

Introduction

Welcome to the colorful, zany, and slightly illicit world of 'The Big Con'! This delightful adventure game will take you back to the fabulous '90s, where you can relive the golden era of VHS tapes and scrunchies, all while playing as a teen con artist named Ali. With outrageous characters, wacky heists, and a mission to save your mom's video rental shop, this game is packed with charm. So grab your flannel shirt and let's dive into the delightful madness!

Gameplay

'The Big Con' is not just any adventure game; it puts you in the shoes of Ali, a teenager dealing with some serious (and definitely not normal) problems. Your mom's video rental store is in hot water, and you need to raise a jaw-dropping $97,342.18 (yes, seriously) to save it from loan sharks. As if that's not tough enough, you team up with a con artist named Ted to traverse the U.S., gathering money through various funky schemes - think pickpocketing, selling old junk, and completing sidequests!Daily life in 'The Big Con' involves sneaking around, donning disguises and throwing random witticisms at unsuspecting NPCs (who usually just look like they walked out of an old sitcom). The pickpocketing minigame is where you'll really shine-manage to stop that needle in the sweet spot and you'll be rolling in cash, or face the humiliation of having to rewind some VHS tapes (and trust me, no one wants that). Completionists will find a treasure trove of collectibles and side quests, giving you a chance to flex your inner klepto.

Graphics

Visually, 'The Big Con' is as vibrant as a neon sign at a retro diner. The art style pops with colors that would put a pack of highlighters to shame, and its charming cartoon aesthetics offer a nostalgic throwback that you didn't know you needed. The environments are filled with amusing character designs that have a cartoonish appeal, resembling a mix of 'The Simpsons' and 'Hey Arnold!'. It's all accompanied by an equally delightful soundtrack that captures the era's vibe and makes you feel like you're stuck in a nostalgic time warp. Just try to resist singing along to the catchy tunes-seriously, it's impossible.

Conclusion

'The Big Con' serves up a delightful blend of comedy, nostalgia, and adventure, wrapped up in a story that's as heartwarming as it is silly. While occasionally the gameplay can feel repetitive, the charm and quirky humor more than compensate, making it a delightful experience for fans of quirky adventure games. It's the kind of game that makes you feel good, like eating your favorite slice of pizza on a Friday night. So if you're into '90s culture and want to save a video rental shop while pocketing some NPCs' lunch money, then slide that cartridge into your Xbox Series X, because kid, you're in for a wild ride! And hey, you might even learn a thing or two about the art of the con... just don't take any real-life notes!

See Latest Prices for The Big Con on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

See Prices for The Big Con on Xbox Series X/S on Ebay

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