Big Tall Small

1.4/5 - (92 votes)

Game Description

Get ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test in Big Tall Small, the ingenious puzzle platformer where teamwork is everything. This isn’t a game you can conquer with just one hero. You’ll need to master the unique abilities of three distinct characters—Big, Tall, and Small—switching between them to overcome obstacles and guide them all to a shared exit. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to solve every puzzle, master each character’s strengths, and lead the trio to victory.​​

About

Big Tall Small is a celebrated single-player cooperative puzzle platformer created by developer Robert Alvarez. The game’s core concept revolves around controlling three characters of different sizes: a big red cube, a tall blue cuboid, and a small yellow cube. The challenge lies in the fact that no single character can complete a level on their own. Players must strategically switch between them, leveraging their unique physical attributes to solve environmental puzzles and ensure all three heroes reach the exit together.​​

Game Guide

This guide is your complete manual for mastering the art of cooperative thinking in Big Tall Small. We will detail the specific abilities of each character, provide a step-by-step walkthrough of how to play, and offer expert strategies to help you solve even the most complex puzzles the game throws at you.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Big Tall Small is a brilliant exercise in logic and coordination. Each level is an intricate puzzle room that requires the special talents of all three characters to solve. You must analyze the environment, identify the obstacles, and deploy the right character for the job.​

The three characters and their abilities are:

  • Small (Yellow Cube): The most agile of the trio. Small can jump the farthest and is the only one who can fit through narrow passages and small teleporters.​​
  • Tall (Blue Cuboid): The high jumper. Tall’s slender frame allows them to jump higher than the others, making it possible to reach high ledges and buttons.​​
  • Big (Red Cube): The powerhouse. Big is strong enough to push heavy blocks, creating new paths and platforms for the other characters. Big’s bulk also makes them immune to certain hazards like red bullets.​​

You will need to use these skills in combination, such as having Big push a block so Tall can jump from it to a high platform, which then allows Small to squeeze through a gap to press a final button.

Platform

Big Tall Small was originally created as a Flash game and became popular on major browser gaming portals. While Flash is no longer supported by most browsers, the game has been preserved and remains playable on top educational and gaming sites like Cool Math Games and Math Playground, often using HTML5 emulation.​

How to Play

Getting started with this brain-teasing platformer is simple. Here’s how to lead your team to the exit:

  1. Start the Level: You will begin at the start of a puzzle room with all three characters.
  2. Select a Character: Use the character switch key to cycle between Big, Tall, and Small.​
  3. Move and Jump: Use the movement keys to control the currently selected character.
  4. Analyze and Solve: Examine the puzzle. Does a block need moving? Is there a high ledge? Is there a small gap? Select the appropriate character for the task.
  5. Work Together: Switch between the characters frequently to have them help each other. For example, one character might need to stand on a button to open a door for another.
  6. Reach the Exit: The level is only complete when all three characters—Big, Tall, and Small—have safely reached the exit door.​

Controls

The keyboard controls for Big Tall Small are straightforward and easy to master.

ActionKey(s)
Move Left/RightA/D Keys or Left/Right Arrow Keys ​
JumpW Key or Up Arrow Key ​
Switch CharacterS Key or Down Arrow Key ​

Tips and Tricks

The puzzles in Big Tall Small can get tricky. Keep these strategies in mind to avoid getting stuck.

  • Think Sequentially: Most puzzles require a specific order of operations. Before you move, think about which character needs to act first, second, and third.
  • Leave No One Behind: Always remember the goal is to get all three characters to the exit. Plan your moves to ensure there’s always a path back for every character.
  • Use Characters as Platforms: Sometimes, a character (usually Big) may need to act as a stationary platform or weight to allow another to proceed.
  • Master Each Role: Don’t try to use one character for everything. Constantly ask yourself, “Is this a job for Big, Tall, or Small?” to ensure you’re using the most efficient solution.
  • Size-Specific Teleporters: Pay close attention to teleporters. They are often color-coded or sized for a specific character, which can be a key part of the puzzle’s solution.​

Features

Big Tall Small stands out with its clever design and engaging features:

  • Cooperative Single-Player Gameplay: A unique concept where you are your own teammate.
  • Three Unique Playable Characters: Each character has distinct and essential abilities based on their size.​
  • Challenging Environmental Puzzles: The game is filled with buttons, lasers, moving platforms, and blocks that require logical thinking to navigate.​
  • Rewarding Progression: The levels start simple and gradually become more complex, teaching you new ways to combine the characters’ abilities.

Math Playground

Big Tall Small is featured on Math Playground for a reason. While it’s a fun game, it also provides significant educational benefits by helping players develop:

  • Logical Reasoning: Players must think through problems in a step-by-step manner.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Each level presents a unique problem that requires a creative solution.
  • Spatial Awareness: Understanding how the three different-sized characters fit into and interact with the environment is crucial.

Glitches

The game itself is very stable. The primary issue players might encounter is related to its original Flash technology. Some websites may have trouble running the game, but trusted portals like Cool Math Games and Math Playground typically provide a working version.​

Game Unblocked

Thanks to its popularity on educational gaming sites, Big Tall Small is very easy to play unblocked. It is readily available on school-friendly websites, making it a perfect choice for a fun and stimulating break.

Similar Games & Alternatives

If you love the cooperative puzzle-solving of Big Tall Small, you should definitely check out these other classic titles:

  • Fireboy and Watergirl: The most famous two-player (or single-player controlled) cooperative platformer, where two characters with different abilities must navigate the Elemental Temples.
  • The Lost Vikings: A classic ’90s game that pioneered the concept of controlling three characters with unique skills to solve puzzles.
  • Superbike Hero: If you enjoy skill-based browser games, test your reflexes with this fast-paced motorcycle racer.
  • City Car Driving: Stunt Master: For more open-world fun, explore a massive city and perform incredible stunts.

FAQ

What is Big Tall Small?

Big Tall Small is a single-player puzzle platformer where you control three characters with different abilities (Big, Tall, and Small) and must use them together to get all three to the end of each level.​

How do you switch characters in Big Tall Small?

You can switch between the three characters by pressing the ‘S’ key or the Down Arrow key.​

Is Big Tall Small a multiplayer game?

No, it is a single-player game. The “cooperative” aspect comes from you controlling all three characters and making them work as a team.

What does each character do?

Small jumps the farthest and fits in small gaps. Tall jumps the highest. Big can push heavy blocks and is immune to some dangers.​

Where can I play Big Tall Small?

You can play Big Tall Small for free on browser game websites, most notably on educational platforms like Cool Math Games and Math Playground.​

Conclusion

Big Tall Small is a timeless puzzle platformer that proves a simple concept can lead to incredibly deep and rewarding gameplay. Its clever level design forces you to think outside the box and master the art of teamwork, all within your own mind. It’s a charming, challenging, and intellectually stimulating game that is perfect for players of all ages looking for a fun mental workout.

Game Details

  • Developer: Robert Alvarez​
  • Platforms: Web Browser
  • Technology: Originally Flash, now available via HTML5 emulation

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