A Hat in Time

Hat Kid, a small alien with a sentient hat, embarks on a cosmic journey to repair her ship and return home in A Hat in Time. Released in October 2017 by Danish studio Gears for Breakfast, this collect-a-thon platformer captures the spirit of late-90s classics like Super Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie. Players explore vibrant, open-world zones filled with secrets, solving puzzles while dodging hazards and battling quirky enemies. The game relies heavily on collecting Time Pieces to unlock new areas, creating a loop that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Funded through a Kickstarter campaign that nearly doubled its initial goal, the project proved indie developers could still deliver polished 3D experiences. After launching on macOS and Windows, Humble Bundle handled console releases for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in early 2018, followed by a Nintendo Switch port in late 2019. Critics praised the tight controls and charming art style, noting how it revitalized a genre many thought had faded. Steam Workshop support allowed PC players to share custom levels, extending the life of the base game significantly.[edit]