There’s something extremely disturbing, but also hypnotic, about a ridiculously long arm stretching across the screen to steal 5 dollars from someone’s pocket.
Developed by Australian studio Toot Games, My Arms Are Longer Now puts players into the unnervingly long arms of a thief as they aim to steal anything that isn’t nailed down. This thief is armed and disgusting, but so entertaining. My Arms Are Longer Now is a 2D stealth comedy adventure with a visual style similar to Thank Goodness You’re Here.
The PAX Aus demo took place on a train and required players to steal a bike, a dog, and a briefcase that was handcuffed to a woman for safekeeping. Using your retractable vacuum cord-like arm, you must snake your way along the ground and in the air to nab these items, as well as any unguarded dollarydoos alongside the way.
My Arms Are Longer Now is hilarious, with train passengers reacting to your thievery with perfectly dry responses. For example, I couldn’t help but chuckle as the cyclist reacted to me stealing their bike with a simple “hey, that’s my bike.” The passenger reactions add a distinctly Aussie-flavoured charm to the arm-flailing larceny on screen.
Humour aside, there is a puzzle-like element to pulling off your arm-wielding crimes. During the train ride, an inspector arrives, which requires you to either avoid their watchful eyes or steal someone’s tram pass to show the inspector, who will then allow you to go about your arm-like ways.
While stealing the bike is straightforward, you are required to steal the dog placed near the woman with the handcuffed briefcase. The dog is keeping her awake; therefore, stealing this canine will allow her to fall asleep. After smashing a window and snaking your way into their pocket, you find the keys to the briefcase and manage to pull off the heist of the century.
Gameplay wise, My Arms Are Longer Now reminded me of the controls of Surgeon Simulator, in the sense there are a lot of options to use to effectively pull off your dastardly deeds, such as the ability to slap, pinch, and retract your arm.
Toot Games’ PAX Aus booth was busy each time I walked by, and rightfully so. Watching My Arms Are Longer Now is gross, but incredibly appealing. You don’t need to play My Arms Are Longer Now to enjoy the ridiculous nature of it, and that could make this comedic game a viral sensation when it launches on Steam in 2025.
