to a T: Everything We Know

If you thought the concept of T-posing couldn’t be transformed into a full-blown video game, then you thought wrong. As did we, and no doubt the millions of others outside of the questionably unstable minds of the guys over at uvula. But it is a thing, and we can’t for the life of us understand how, why, or what it was that brought the Katamari Damacy creator to chalk up such a quirky idea. Needless to say, though, that the so-called to a T is definitely happening, and it’s sure to bring a few dozen belly laughs with it.

So, what on earth is this…thing, and when can we expect to get our hands on it? Well, here’s everything we’ve been able to gather on the matter since first hearing of it earlier this week at the Annapurna Interactive showcase. Let’s get weird.

What Is to a T?

To put it out there, we can’t say for certain what to a T even is, let alone what the actual moral of such an unusual concept could even be. For what it’s worth, though, we do know that it’s a 3D narrative adventure with a harsh focus on “character, interaction, story and exploration.” All of this, weirdly enough, will revolve around a single person—a teenager named Teen, no less, who’s forever glued in a T-pose posture. That’s Keita Takahashi’s mind for you, I suppose.

Going by the blurb that’s been shared, to a T will set its premise around Teen, as well as his daily struggles to move through life while encumbered by the unique T-pose posture. There’ll be a giraffe, too. Why a giraffe? You tell us. Or better yet, explain to us what on earth a giraffe in a bowtie even has to do with suburban living. Takahashi? Anyone? No?

Whatever it is that’s in the works, uvula has promised to bring something that’s “heartfelt” and can be “enjoyed by everyone.” That is, of course, providing consumers don’t mind rummaging through mini-games including brushing one’s teeth while stuck in a T-pose and what have you. But more on that shortly.

Story

to a T will transport you to an idyllic coastal town—a world in which everyday folks populate the streets, schools, and businesses, similar to those in any modern village or city. However, unlike a great deal of the town’s citizens, you will take on the role of Teen, a happy-go-lucky student who’s lumbered with the issue of having to navigate through daily activities while frozen in a “unique posture.” That’s where the T-pose rolls in—a posture that’s highly reminiscent of half-baked video games with one too many overlooked issues.

Fortunately for Teen, having such a unique stance doesn’t necessarily mean that all things are bad. In fact, they’ll discover an all-new “ability granted to them by their extraordinary posture,” apparently. And with such an ability, they’ll “start to uncover more about their mysterious lineage.” So, expect something slightly more in-depth than mindless chores and talking giraffes, basically.

Gameplay

While a narrative adventure game at heart, to a T will also make way for several mini-games, which will include petting animals, eating meals, and even changing outfits. As one would imagine, being stuck in a T-pose position, none of these are likely to be a total walk in the park. Take a look at Octodad: Dadliest Catch, and you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

Outside of the mini-games that to a T will adopt, the game will also give players full creative control over their characters, with a customization suite available right off the bat. What’s more, it’ll let you “collect coins, find a beautiful vista point, visit all the shops around town, or hunt for interesting characters around town to talk to in free mode.” So, a lot more than your average party game, then.

Development

"to a T" のお披露目トレイラー。

学校で失敗したって、いじめっこが嫌がらせしてきたって、自分自身を信じて自分の道を突き進んでいく13歳が主人公。モフモフ犬もかわいいです。

"The Perfect Shape”
作曲 @sakaiasuka
演奏 @PREP_band

楽しみに待っていてもらえたらうれしいでーす。 pic.twitter.com/ETL6TPYt9o

— uvula (@uvulaLLC) June 29, 2023

In case you’re unfamiliar with uvula and Keita Takahashi, then perhaps you’ll know of the few IPs that the team has worked on? Just to echo, that list includes the likes of Katamari Damacy, Crankin’s Time Travel, and Noby Noby Boy. And yes, they’re all as equally as unusual as the upcoming to a T. Go figure.

While on the subject, to a T was first brought to light back at the end of June, at the Annapurna Interactive annual showcase, to be precise. At the time of its reveal, uvula had every intention of keeping its release window under wraps. That said, the devs did say that it would be shaping up for a release on consoles and PC. If all goes according to plan, then we should (hopefully) see it hit the shelves as early as Q1 2024.

Trailer

Thanks to the recently aired Annapurna Interactive showcase, we do actually have some footage to cast our eye on. Need we say any more? You can catch a glimpse of what’s to come in the upcoming adventure in the trailer embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

to a T will be heading to Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam at some point in the not-so distant future. It’ll also be making its grand debut on Game Pass, too. But as for when it’ll launch remains a mystery. Either way, here’s hoping we get to see a bit more of it before year’s end.

As it’s still early days, Annapurna Interactive has yet to lift the veil on any particular special editions outside of the standard copy on console and PC. If this happens to change over the next several months, then the devs are sure to spread the word via its chosen social and streaming handles.

If you’ve been put on tenterhooks from absorbing the ins and outs of the wacky world of to a T, then be sure to check in with its creators over on their joint social feed for additional updates here. We’ll be sure to let you know just as soon as there’s a release date stapled in. Until then, best replay Katamari Damacy, if only to prepare yourself for the weirdness that’s to come.

So, what’s your take? Will you be joining the T-pose squad when to a T finally releases on consoles and PC? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.