Retro heist set in the 1990s
The Big Con drops you into a colorful, 1990s-inspired caper where you play a teenager determined to rescue the family video store from financial ruin. The game channels the tone and twists of classic con films while wrapping everything in a bright, cartoonish art direction. As you travel across towns, you’ll use a mix of charm and cunning to get what’s needed to keep the shop afloat.
How the game plays
Gameplay leans heavily on persuasion, planning, and improvisation rather than brute force. Key elements include:
- Open-ended problem solving that rewards inventive approaches to challenges
- Exploration-driven encounters that encourage talking to NPCs and poking through environments
- Strategic social mechanics where flattering, deceiving, or bartering can open new paths
These systems combine to create a playful, strategic experience that emphasizes cleverness and adaptability.
People you’ll meet and places you’ll visit
Expect a rotating cast of eccentric characters, from shopkeepers and small-town employees to fellow kids and one-off con targets. Each location — from sleepy neighborhood blocks to roadside attractions — provides opportunities to learn new grifts, gather items, and advance the story. The tone balances humor with heartfelt moments that reflect adolescent ambition and insecurity.
Availability and similar picks
The complete game is available for Windows and delivers a full single-player adventure that celebrates 90s culture and aesthetics. If you’re looking for other games with a similar spirit or vibe to try next, consider:
- Thimbleweed Park — for puzzle-driven storytelling with a retro flair
- Night in the Woods — for character-focused narrative and small-town atmosphere
- Oxenfree — for dialogue-rich exploration and an atmospheric soundtrack
- Minecraft: Java & Bedrock (paid) — for creative sandbox play across many platforms
Each of these alternatives offers a different mix of narrative, exploration, and style that may appeal if you enjoyed The Big Con’s blend of nostalgia and sly humor.
Technical
- Windows
- Full