The story behind Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties is…interesting, to say the least.
It launched on the 3DO many years ago, as part of the full-motion video game fad that was making the rounds. And even then, it didn’t live up to that quality, with bizarre still images and storytelling that definitely went…out there.
The game is terrible, let’s be honest. Not that much gameplay to go around. But the cult status surrounding it is fascinating, and that’s probably what tempted Limited Run Games to give the game another go on current platforms. The end result is, ironically, Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties: Definitive Edition.
Oddly enough, this is one of those titles that’s worth it for the experience, rather than the gameplay. That may sound like a betrayal of sorts, but hear us out…
A Love Story, Sorta
Deemed an “interactive romantic comedy,” Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties focuses on John, a plumber who obviously doesn’t wear a tie. Anyway, he falls for Jane (played by Jeanne “Hollywood” Basone of GLOW fame), and the story between the duo goes all over the place. Like, her mother shows up, and then there are the maniacs.
The storytelling is so bizarre that it’s absolutely watchable, just to see where it goes next with its little flash-image display.
Obviously, if you’re here for something like Elden Ring, well, good luck finding anything. Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties is all about experience.
The Tale’s In the…Presentation?
Kudos to Limited Run Games for going the extra mile on a presentation for a game that, um, didn’t quite deserve the extra mile.
The visuals are vintage 90s, with the flash video presentation being pretty much a 1:1 ratio of the 3DO original. And, yes, that includes the “haunting” stuff, as well as a little bit of nudity for those that dare to stomach it.
As for the acting, well, it’s acting in Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties. You pretty much get out of it what’s put into it. But, again, part of the experience that makes it worth going through as you make new choices and uncover interesting bonus content.
Speaking of which…
Get To Plumbing the Depths
What makes Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties more than what it is involves a neat little mode called Plumb the Depths. Here, you’ll navigate a 3D Doom-style stage (from the 90s) as you find new video clips to unlock and occasionally hit a pursuing enemy with a plunger.
It’s exquisite to learn more about a title such as this, as well as the effort put into it. We hear from the director, the actress and others involved with the project, and what got it off the ground in the first place.
This mode alone makes Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties worth the purchase, and its 90s presentation is loyal, right down to the weird pixelation when you walk up to things. I mean, replicating that is a work of art in itself.
On top of that, there’s an unlockable video gallery, deleted scenes (because they were…too weird to make the cut?), image gallery and more. Just watch out for the “negative kid.” (You’ll see.)
The Other Game Plumber You Shouldn’t Miss
So is Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties: The Definitive Edition for you? That depends.
Do you like bad games? Yes.
Can you stomach 90s ridiculousness for a meager $20 price tag? Yes.
Are you curious about the game? Yes.
Want to feel a rush of nostalgia on how some things never change? Yes.
Are you sane? Even then, yes.
Again, Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties has to be seen to be believed. The fact this game went out the door with an official release is really something, but how Limited Run Games has taken the “badness” and run with it like a football is an impressive feat.
Game of the year, it isn’t, and never will be. But that’s not the point. Plumbers Don’t Wear Ties is all about being who it is and chilling with you as you play it. Maybe we can all have a friend like that.
Or maybe we’re crazy. Could be the chicken.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5)
(Thank you Limited Run Games for the review code!)
